"I couldn't do that as attorney general. Why? Because they are my clients. You can't say they're not doing what they ought to be doing when you are the attorney general"

Christine Gregoire is describing the role of the chief law officer in relation to their clients. As attorney general, they are accountable for representing their customers in legal matters and guaranteeing that their rights are secured. Therefore, they can not slam their customers for refraining from doing what they ought to be doing. This quote highlights the importance of the attorney general's role in supplying legal guidance and representation to their customers, and the requirement for them to remain impartial and unbiased in their negotiations with them. It likewise works as a reminder of the ethical commitments of the chief law officer to their clients, and the requirement to preserve an expert relationship with them.