OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire's office just revealed one of the year's most eagerly awaited announcements: What  the governor will be for Halloween.

Gregoire and her husband Mike traditionally don costumes and greet kids at the governor's mansion for a couple of hours on Halloween to give out treats. (Don't even think about tricks. The mansion's security is provided by state troopers.)

This year, the governor will be dressed as Elmo from Sesame Street. Mike Gregoire will be dressed as Super Grover, which the office describes for those who are not close followersr of "the Street" as Grover's "super hero alter ego." Some of the chocolate bars will have tickets to a special holiday reception in December.

Not clear yet is whether Gregoire will be practicing Elmo's high-pitched voice at press conferences between now and Oct. 31.

Decoration and treats are covered by surplus campaign funds. Good thing, because with the state's current budget problems, the office would be hard pressed to buy a bag of candy corn and give it out one kernel at a time.

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