Run, Rossi, run!

As the Washington Legislature remained mired in indecision over a revenue and budget plan last week, political junkies found diversion in a faux “Dirty Deals Dino” Web site set up by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. The site is designed to goad Republican Dino Rossi into saying whether he will jump into the U.S. Senate race this year.

Rossi, twice an unsuccesful candidate for governor, fueled speculation that he would challenge U.S. Sen. Patty Murray last month when he traveled to Washington, D.C., and met with Republican Party leaders, including RNC Chairman Michael Steele.

Rossi returned to his real estate investment business after his 2008 defeat by Gov. Chris Gregoire, saying his plans included enjoying time with his family. He has until the June filing deadline to decide whether to plunge into another expensive, high-stress statewide political campaign.

So far, nine Republicans, none with Rossi’s statewide name familiarity, have announced as candidates against Murray in her campaign for a fourth term. State Sen. Don Benton of Vancouver is among them.