Dino Rossi literally started from the bottom and worked his way up. The son of a public school teacher, Rossi was highly motivated to pursue a degree in business from the University of Seattle. He worked as a janitor, waxing the floors of the Space Needle, while study in school. After school, Rossi began a career in the business field of real estate. Rossi went on to serve in the Washington state Senate from 1997 through 2003 and also ran for the candidacy of Washington State Governor, but was beat out by Christine Gregoire in what was proclaimed the “closest gubernatorial race in United States history.” After his loss, Rossi resumed his career in real estate only to postpone it once again in order to run as the Republican candidate in the Washington State Senate race currently in progress. Rossi is often recognized for his non for profit organization: Forward Washington Foundation; an organization dedicated to improving Washington State’s business climate.