Albert Dean Rosellini (born January 21, 1910) is a lawyer from the U.S. state of Washington. Rosellini is a member of the Democratic Party and served in the Washington Legislature before his two terms as Governor (1957–1965). Rosellini is currently the oldest living former Governor in the United States, and was the first Italian American Catholic governor elected west of the Mississippi River.[1] He was nicknamed "Taxellini" by his detractors and "The Gov." by his supporters.

Rosellini was born in Tacoma, Washington. He was a lawyer and was vilified for defending the son of family friends, Frank Colacurcio Sr., from a rape charge. He was elected to the Washington Senate from the 33rd district, where he served from 1939 to 1947. Rosellini was governor from 1957 to 1965. The longest floating bridge in the world, which was opened in 1963 and carries State Route 520 over Lake Washington from Seattle to Medina was renamed in honor of Rosellini through an act of the Washington State Legislature in 1988. The bridge's official name is now the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge–Evergreen Point, though it is still commonly known as the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge. Rosellini is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. In 1962, he was the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade.

After leaving office in 1965, Rosellini returned to the practice of law and is still an active member of the state bar. Rosellini also become a political consultant, specializing in matters of the liquor and entertainment industries. He has owned a gas station/convenience store/car wash that borders a Colacurcio-owned strip club named "Rick's" and has owned various other properties. His other business investments include a business broker company, an oil firm, Fortune Oil Company Inc., and a beer distribution company, Premium Distributors. Remaining active in the political arena, Rosellini attends fundraisers and helps candidates raise funds for campaigns.

In 2003, Rosellini was reported to have delivered campaign contributions to Seattle City Council members on behalf of Seattle club owner Frank Colacurcio, Sr. in the "Strippergate" case. However, he was not charged in the case, and King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng stated, "There was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing on the part of former Governor Albert Rosellini."^[1]

At age 98, Rosellini is still active in politics, is influential in the Democratic Party, and remains an active businessman. He has served as mentor to many political figures, including current Washington governor Christine Gregoire and former governor Gary Locke.

Notes and references

v • d •  Governors of Washington Ferry · McGraw · Rogers · McBride · Mead · Cosgrove · Hay · Lister · Hart · Hartley · Martin · Langlie · Wallgren · Langlie · Rosellini · Evans · Ray · Spellman · Gardner · Lowry · Locke · Gregoire