The Seattle P-I reports that Republican challenger Dino Rossi is already taking jabs at Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Rossi issued a press release just as Gregoire was leaving Auburn yesterday, calling in to question the $4.6 million raised by the governor.

Republican challenger Dino Rossi, who has raised more than $3.5 million to date, used the occasion to blast Gregoire’s first-term spending as “total fiscal recklessness,” and the state Republican Party was calling for a public disclosure investigation of Gregoire’s use of public funds to campaign for re-election.

Gregoire’s speeches in Auburn, Tacoma and Vancouver contained harsh comparisons of Rossi and President George W. Bush. (I’ll upload the video once my computer cooperates. In the meantime, check out my filler photo).

Rossi’s response: “We have heard a lot of promises, seen lots of studies and read many task force reports. But what we haven’t seen are real results. Washington state does not need four more years of indecision and ineffectiveness. It is time for change, and for a state government that will serve the people first.”

Brad Jackson, a Vancouver resident, said Gregoire’s speech at the Fireman’s Hall was a more positive juxtaposition to Rossi.

“Rossi is all about cut this and cut that. After his first blast at Gregoire, I thought, ‘Oh, same old Rossi.’”

Tough criticisms and accusations are pouring in from both sides and it’ll be interesting (at least from my angle) to watch Gregoire’s response today. Stay tuned.