Gov. Christine Gregoire Issues NCAA Challenge to Governor of Montana

For Immediate Release: March 15, 2005

Gov. Christine Gregoire today made a friendly wager with Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana on the outcome of Thursday�s NCAA tournament game in Boise, Idaho. University of Washington Huskies are the No. 1 seed with the Montana Grizzlies as the 16th-seed.

Gregoire has offered a box of Washington Fuji apples while Schweitzer has countered with eight rib steaks from the Schweitzer Ranch. Gregoire called Schweitzer on the phone today and negotiated the friendly wager.

�There are eight steaks coming my way,� Gregoire said. �I�m making this bet because I know the Huskies will come out on top. If, by chance, the Grizzlies win, we will honor our end of the deal by delivering some delicious Washington state Fuji apples.�

Schweitzer asked Gregoire how many members were in the first family and that he would send two steaks for everyone in her family. Schweitzer specifically asked for Fuji apples stating it was his favorite selection.

Tip-off time for Thursday�s game is 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, March 17.