Rossi will announce via video

His supporters may have been counting on Dino Rossi to make a big splash when he dives into the U.S. Senate race Wednesday. But Rossi notified backers (and the press) by Tweet and Facebook post late Tuesday afternoon that he’ll be delivering “an important update” Wednesday via video on his website, www.dinorossi.com. At 7 a.m.

Rossi’s spokeswoman, Mary Lane Strow, said Rossi plans no public appearances Wednesday, “but on Thursday there will be a big block of time for him to talk to the media.”

“I think he just wanted to give the video time to speak for itself,” she said.

With the impending announcement, the website RealClearPolitics has changed Washington’s Senate race from “Likely Democrat” to “Toss Up.”

State Sen. Don Benton said he’s in the race to stay, Rossi or no. “I look forward to debating him on the issues confronting us today,” the Vancouver Republican told the Seattle Times. “I still beleive that I am the best candidate to beat (U.S. Sen.) Patty Murray in November.”

Kathie Durbin