Inslee says he'll announce plans 'soon' on run for governor

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee says he will announce soon whether he will run for governor.

Inslee issued a statement Monday, shortly after Gov. Chris Gregoire said she would not seek a third term.

Inslee said he appreciated Gregoire's service during difficult economic times and that he would make his campaign intentions known shortly. He has served in Congress for more than a decade, representing the 1st Congressional District that covers northern suburbs of Seattle.

Gregoire says she called Inslee on Sunday night to tell him about her decision. Inslee has been positioning himself for a potential gubernatorial campaign, and Democrats widely view him as a favored candidate.

Attorney General Rob McKenna announced last week that he would seek the Republican nomination.