Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington state Republican Dino Rossi made it official Wednesday morning. He announced he's running for U.S. Senate against Democrat Patty Murray.

But he didn't hold a traditional kick-off rally and answer reporter questions. Instead, Rossi released an online video.

In the videotaped statement, Rossi says he's running to stop what he called a "fundamental redefinition of America" by Democrats in Washington, DC.

Dino Rossi: "As I watched them ram through a partisan, ill-conceived health care bill. As I watched them pass new job killing taxes and regulations, I knew I had to do something about it. That's why I've made the decision to run for United States Senate."

In his video, Rossi says the country is on the edge of a fiscal cliff. And he calls for replacing the Democrats' health care overhaul.

Rossi is a former state senator and two time gubernatorial candidate. He lost twice to Governor Chris Gregoire.

Rossi faces an 18-year veteran of the Senate in Patty Murray.