Starting on May 30th, Governor Chris Gregoire will be seen rallying for Washington agriculture in a very visible way. From the Heart of Washington (HOW), a Washington Department of Agriculture marketing program advocating Washington crops and food products, launches a multi-tier public education campaign called “Did you know?” The campaign includes television, public radio, a Web site redesign and unprecedented retail support.

The ad would have been funnier (and maybe more effective) if they would have used “First Mike” (aka Mr. Gov. Gregoire) instead. Does the Governor really head for the local QFC and roll her cart down the produce aisle with her state patrol security detail in tow, looking for something for dinner? I’m thinking probably not. I might buy First Mike doing the shopping for a family BBQ though. Also, the First Mike ad could serve as way to get men to eat healthier.

What I’d like to see coming out of the Gov’s media team are some updates for the citizenry about what she is up to in regards to running the state. A 15 minute weekly podcast would be a great place to start. Governor’s media team - this is me waving a mic at you, give us some new media to show us that more than a hand full of Democrats are starting to get it and to give the people of this state a chance to see or hear a Governor who is warm and accessible. After all Dino Rossi has already been in a few podcasts over the last few months now. The GOP in this state knows that new media is a great way to speak to both the tech voter and talk radio voter, who now owns a iPod (or other MP3) player.

Technorati Tags: Heart of Washington, HOW, Governor Chris Gregoire, Mike Gregoire, First Mike, Mens Health, Podcasting, Dino Rossi