Lead the way, Oregon!

John Kitzhaber was sworn for an historic third (non-consecutive) term as governor of the Great State of Oregon.  He'll be governing a state that is in a bad way.  Our unemployment rate is 10.6%.  We face a $3.5 billion shortfall for our state budget.  Nonetheless, Governor Kitzhaber's speech was upbeat.  You can view the entire speech here.

Our state legislature is split evenly between Republicans and Democrats.  In the House, the split is 30-30.  In the Senate, Democrats have 16 seats, while Republicans have 14.  Unless the parties can find a way to cooperate, our state government could very easily be paralyzed even as our state is in crisis.

But I'm upbeat on that score.  For one thing, Oregon Republicans are not the frothing, neo-Confederate hillbillies that dominate the national GOP.  They never have been.  But more importantly, as the new session begins, our state legislators have already shown an amazing ability to cooperate. The House elected co-speakers Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg) and Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) and have set up a delicate and equitable agreement.  You can read about it here.

Governor Kitzhaber closed his inaugural speech with an impassioned plea to his fellow Oregonians that I believe should inspire all of us. 

Somewhere in America a state needs to be able to demonstrate that we can weather this kind of challenge without losing our sense of community, without losing our commitment to one another, and emerge stronger and more united than where we began.


Let’s make that our state. Let’s make that state Oregon.  --John Kitzhaber, January 11, 2011

We can work together.  We maybe can even inspire the rest of the nation, as we do it.  We're Oregonians, after all.

Congratulations, Oregon Ducks!

Last night, the University of Oregon Ducks football team lost the BCS Championship game to the Auburn Tigers, 22-19.

Tough loss.

It was a shock for me, I'll tell you.  I've watched a few Duck games this season and I didn't think there was any college team that could match them.  Hats off to the Auburn Tigers.

Three of my siblings and their companions were in attendance down in Glendale, AZ.  Duck fans and U of O alumni all.  There are surely some broken hearts among them as they come back to Oregon today.  And no progeny of Ross Cariaga is ever going to be content with second place.

As condolence, I cite the words of my friend, Dan Binmore [paraphrasing]:  Victory would be meaningless if it didn't hurt to lose.

Folks, I've been an Oregonian all my life.  And I am damned proud of that.  As we start this new year, between our state government and our Oregon Ducks, the reasons I am proud should be apparent to anyone.

Land of the Golden West.

Note:  Jeff Lucas is right.  Positive is better.

Election 2010: How it came out...

Mid-term elections done and gone.  Let's see how I did:

Candidates

US Senator:  Ron Wyden

No surprise. Ron does a pretty good job.

Representative in Congress, 3rd District:  Earl Blumenauer

Earl gave a fire-breathing victory speech in defiance of the new Republican majority in the House.  And I quote:  "With your help, Oregon will be the firewall in the West," said Blumenauer at the Grand Ballroom. "We will look forward to working with our colleagues on reducing military spending and reducing the deficit. I will work as hard as I can to find common ground on things that are good for the American people."

Governor:  John Kitzhaber

Big, big win for Oregon.

Treasurer:  Ted Wheeler

This race wasn't even close.  Good news.

State Representative, 42nd District:  Jules Kopel Bailey

Jules won in a walk.

Metro Council President:  Bob Stacey

As of this writing, the race is too close to call, with Bob's opponent, Tom Hughes, holding a slight lead.  I'd like to see Bob pull it out, but if Tom Hughes wins, I won't be too unhappy. 







East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Director at Large:  Jill Kuehler

Jill won by a huge margin.




State measures

• Measure 70 Expands home ownership loans for Oregon veterans, including National Guard
  
  Yes.  Passed easily.
   
  
• Measure 71 Annual, time-limited Legislative sessions
  
  Yes.  Passed easily.
  
  
• Measure 72 Allows state to use less expensive mechanisms for routine borrowing
  
  Yes.  Passed easily.
  
  
• Measure 73 Increases minimum sentences for repeated sex crimes, jail time for repeat drunk driving offenses
  
  I voted "no," but this measure passed.  I'm afraid it will be very expensive and won't do anything to solve either of the problems it purports to address.
  
  
• Measure 74 Establishes medical marijuana supply system and assistance and research programs, limited selling of marijuana
  
  Failed.  Bummer, dude.
  .
  
• Measure 75  Authorizes Multnomah County casino
  
  Failed.  I'm glad of that.  Not only was I against it, in principle, but my bet against it paid out 3 to 1!  (That's a joke, heh.) 
  
  
• Measure 76 Continues lottery funding for parks, beaches, wildlife habitat, watershed protection beyond 2014
  
  Passed.  Oregonians value our state's natural beauty and we'll pay to preserve it.

County measures

• 26-109 Repeals county term limits 
  
  Passed.  Thumbs up.
  
  
• 26-110 Multnomah County Official running for office midterm 
  
  Failed.  I voted "yes."
  
  
• 26-111 Salary commission for Sheriff and District Attorney 
  
  Passed.  I voted "yes," but didn't know much about the issue.
  
  
• 26-112 Vacancy in office if office-holder leaves district 
  
  Passed.  Good.
  
  
• 26-113 Election dates for vacancies limited to the May and November elections 
  
  Passed.  Good.
  
  
• 26-114 Allows Board of County Commissioners to form county library district
  
  Passed.  We love our libraries.
  
  
• 26-118 Five-year levy:  Oregon Historical Society Library, Museum, educational programs
  
  Passed.  We love our culture and history, too.

City of Portland measures

• 26-108 Shall Portland provide public campaign financing to City candidates who meet qualifying requirements and are subject to additional regulatory oversight? 
  
  Failed.  I'm disappointed.  Publicly-funded elections are a great way to get special interest money out of the electoral process.
   
  
• 26-117 General obligation bonds for fire vehicles and emergency response infrastructure
  
  Failed.  I don't understand.

Tri-Met measure

• 26-119 Bonds to improve transit, particularly for elderly and disabled
  
  Failed.  What a bummer!.

All in all, I'm pleased.  Oregon rejected the GOP and held true to our values, for the most part.

Kitzhaber wins!

Kitzhaber wins!

John Kitzhaber is to be the next Governor of Oregon, elected for an historic third term.  Chris Dudley conceded defeat yesterday evening at 7:15pm. 

What a victory for Oregon!

Election day in Portland, 2010

On Election Day, after work, Stewart King and I drove down to Kitzhaber HQ to see if we could help out. We were given a turf to walk (the Brooklyn area, by Aladdin Theater), and set out.  There was a sense of urgency.  The folks at HQ knew, and we knew, too, that the race was very tight.  Every vote would count.

Stewart and I knocked on the doors of registered Democrats and Independents, with a very simple message:  Get your ballot in today by 8pm!

Last-minute canvassing at Kitzhaber HQ

Between us, we collected 5 ballots from voters who may or may not have otherwise made the 8pm deadline.  Our efforts were replicated by many others throughout Multnomah County, and lo and behold, that may have been the difference in the race.

Although Dudley led through election night and as late as 4:30pm of the next day, most of the uncounted ballots were from Multnomah County and running 70%-30% in Kitzhaber's favor.  By 6:15pm Kitzhaber overtook Dudley in the vote count.  Dudley conceded 45 minutes later.

We won!  And all Oregonians should be glad of it.

Because, judging from his campaign, Dudley would have been a disorganized and pliable governor.  The campaign lacked organization and message and was run by highly-paid, out-of-state, GOP political operatives.  Really, Dudley's candidacy seemed GOP boilerplate:  present a vaguely genial empty-suit candidate; have him spout placations over a big, big financial megaphone; hope people aren't paying too much attention, or distract them with a non-issue, or chant "Tax cuts, tax cuts, tax cuts."  Karl Rove politics.

Jack-o-lanterns

Well, I'm happy to say that in Oregon, we'll have none of it.  The cynical GOP formula doesn't work here.  This ain't rural Georgia, people.

Kitzhaber's victory was the result of a genuinely active and informed citizenry.  We were organized, determined, and unrelenting.  As I've said before:  the GOP still does not have an answer for the Democratic ground game.  Not here in Oregon. 

Honestly, I hope Chris Dudley continues to participate in state politics.  I still think he's a good guy.  But he needs to lose those repugnant GOP campaign people.  They are poison in Oregon.  If Dudley could help revive the old Oregon GOP, the party of Mark Hatfield and Tom McCall and Vic Atiyeh, Oregon could only benefit.  But the national GOP is not welcome here in Oregon.  Stay away, Rick Perry!

Oregonians, I'm proud of you.  I'm proud of us. We've remembered who we are, and who we are not.  In the days to come, we will have cause to keep that in mind.

Election day 2010

Well, here we are:  Election Day 2010.

Last night, I dreamt that I came face to face with Karl Rove.  He and I were standing in the middle of Kitzhaber campaign headquarters.  I was overcome with an acid hatred.  I tried to speak, but found that I was out of breath.  "When Rome falls," I wheezed, "I will seek you out.  Be sure of it."  He smirked.

Then Maty gave me a nudge and told me to stop snoring.

Get your ballots in, people!  It's too late to drop them in a mailbox.  You have to take them to official drop sites by 8pm tonight.  Your county clerk's office can help you find the nearest place.  Go to this site:  County Elections Offices.

Regardless of what happens today, the 111th Congress has an impressive record of achievement:  health care reform legislation, Wall Street overhaul, consumer credit card reform and regulation, a big Federal stimulus.

Have they done it all in a way that fits with my left-wing, progressive sensibilities?  Certainly not!  But this is a vast, diverse country.  Nobody gets everything they want.

Election Day 2010... here we go...

Election day countdown: Once more into the breach!

Kitzhaber HQ, Saturday before Election Day

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the wall up with our English dead.
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;

--Henry V, Act III, Scene I

Perhaps a tad much.  But the trials and disasters that lesser men face, though shadowed in obscurity, are of no less import to us than were the walls of Harfleur to the Bard's darling Hassy.  Yes?  No?  Aw, whatever.

Saturday before Election Day found me walking the 12 or so blocks from my pad on 36th to Governor Kitzhaber's campaign headquarters.  If national polls and prognosticators are correct, the GOP in all its rancid, depraved glory, is set to score big gains nationally.  Well, not here in Oregon.  Not if I can help it.

My good friend and coworker, James Minor, drove all the way up from Tualatin to join me in the effort.  We were assigned a canvassing turf way out in the vicinity of Portland International Airport south of Sandy Boulevard.  I find it interesting that our assigned turf was so far out of city center.  In my previous three canvassing shifts, the campaign sent us to neighborhoods that were closer in, with higher concentrations of registered Democrats.  This time, although there were a goodly number of Democrats in the neighborhood, they were spaced farther apart than in the city.  I interpreted this to mean that the Kitzhaber campaign feels it has sufficiently canvassed the dense inner-city neighborhoods and is now making forays out into the suburbs.  That seems like a hopeful sign.

Good Mister Minor

James and I arrived at our turf and set out.  A light rain fell steadily and we were soon lost in a maze of apartment complexes, winding residential streets and cul-de-sacs.  We had difficulty locating many of the addresses on our canvassing sheets due to the haphazard layout of the suburban thoroughfares. 

This was the least successful of my canvassing experiences, but between the two of us, we still managed to knock on roughly 50 doors.  According to the formula that I learned last week, that should convert to 4 more Kitzhaber votes.  And since polls indicate that the race is very tight --well, four votes is four votes.

Mio Sushi is our reward

Another hopeful sign:  while we were at campaign headquarters, I asked one of the staff if he thought the Dudley campaign could match our get-out-the-vote effort.  His reply:  "They got nothin'."  Apparently one of the Kitzhaber staff had called Dudley headquarters, posing as a volunteer, and asked how she could help.  The folks at the Dudley campaign seemed taken aback, stammered for a moment, and then suggested she hand out fliers in her own neighborhood.  Haphazard and half-baked.

But it is also a revealing detail about how the Dudley campaign hopes to win this race:  inundate the television and radio airwaves with negative ads and rely on voter willingness to believe anything that comes from the Idiot Box.  No surprise, I guess, that the Dudley campaign holds voters in such low regard.  The campaign is being run by highly-paid national Republican strategists.   

We'll see if it works for them, but as an Oregonian, I find it insulting.

Being the son of a football coach, I've been inculcated with a good dose of the competitive spirit.  (Some might say too much.)  I hate to lose.  But, if we do lose, I can rest easy knowing that I've done my part.  It's one thing for the fake patriots to win in some sh*thole Confederate backwater.  But I'll be damned if I'll let them win here in my home.

And I am hopeful.  I think we'll win.

Canvassin' for Kitzhaber

Governor Kitzhaber has a lot of support in my neighborhood

Sunday morning, I took a stroll down the street to Governor Kitzhaber's campaign headquarters.  Earlier in the week, I'd made a commitment to do some canvassing and, even though the weather was, as we say here in Oregon, "kinda sucky," a man has got to stand by his word, eh?

Señor Ardillo gave me a quizzical eye as I walked past

I arrived at headquarters to find the staff well involved with preparations.  Looming rainclouds had them stuffing campaign literature into plastic sheet protectors, sorted into neat packets for the volunteers.  Congressman Earl Blumenauer deployed some of his office staff to help with the canvass effort, and a steady influx of volunteers made their way through the doors.  Bagels and coffee were on hand to give people a little fuel to burn while they walked around the neighborhoods.

Weatherized campaign materials

 I learned a couple interesting tidbits during the brief training session/low-key pep rally:

• the single biggest predictor of how a person will vote is the neighborhood in which that person lives
• every 50 contacts made in a canvassing operation results in 4 extra votes, an 8% return on investment

This weekend was the beginning of the Big Push.  Most Oregon voters by now have received their ballots.  So from here to election day, it's a matter of reminding voters to get the ballots completed and turned in.

Pre-canvass training session

We were told that we would be contacting "likely voters" (voters who have voted in the last two elections).  Our contacts were further winnowed down to registered Democrats, Independents, and Republican women. 

Training completed, I was assigned to walk turf in the Hollywood District, south of Killingsworth Street between 37th and 41st avenues.  The neighborhood had a high concentration of Democrats.  My canvass sheet identified roughly every other house as a potential Kitzhaber voter.  I knocked on a lot of doors. 

Richard Lancefield

My canvassing partner was the loquacious and sage Richard Lancefield, a retired Portland attorney and fellow native Oregonian.  We got along famously.  Richard has a lot of great ideas about how to organize people.  

The weather was miserable:  intermittent, intense showers, gnawing coolness. 

The face says it all...

 If we're to believe the polls, the race is a dead heat between the Governor and his opponent, brick-laying former Trailblazer, Chris Dudley (46% career free throw shooter).   Dudley has a lot of money to throw at the race; millions more than the governor.  But here in Oregon, the Republicans still don't have an answer for the Democratic ground game.

We shall see...

2010 mid-term election: Time to vote

John Kitzhaber on the campaign trail

The mid-term elections are upon us.  I received my ballot on Monday and had it filled out and in the mail by Tuesday night.  Here's how I went:

Candidates

US Senator:  Rick Staggenborg, Progressive

Truthfully, if I thought Ron Wyden was in danger of losing his seat, I would cast my vote for him.  But he is one of the (few) safe incumbents this year, if we can believe the polls and national prognosticators.  So, I followed my heart and voted for the candidate with views closest to mine. 

Here's the line from Dr. Staggenborg's entry in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet that stuck with me:  "I will work for real health care reform and a Constitutional Amendment to abolish corporate personhood."  Sold!

Representative in Congress, 3rd District:  Michael Meo, Progressive

Same principle applies here as with the Senate seat:  if I thought Earl Blumenauer might lose, he'd have my vote.  But the GOP has as much chance of winning in the 3rd as Sarah Palin has of being awarded a Pulitzer Prize. 

I met Michael Meo at the Oregon State Fair back in 2008 and he seemed sincere.  Plus, when I read this blurb in his OVP entry, I knew he was my man:  "I will advocate the withdrawal from over 700 military bases around the world, and the prosecution of the war criminals who initiated aggressive wars and interventions under false pretenses."  Michael, I hate Dick Cheney, too.

Governor:  John Kitzhaber

See here, here, here, and here.

Treasurer:  Ted Wheeler

Wheeler is a Democrat, endorsed by my party, the Working Families Party.  Plus he has the endorsement of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.  That's good enough for me.

State Representative, 42nd District:  Jules Kopel Bailey

Jules does a good job.

Metro Council President:  Bob Stacey

I met Bob Stacey at a fund-raiser earlier this year.  He strongly supports protecting our farmlands and rural areas from urban expansion. 

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Director at Large:  Jill Kuehler

Based on her endorsement by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.



State measures

• Measure 70 Expands home ownership loans for Oregon veterans, including National Guard
  
  Yes.  Oregonians should be proud of our veterans.  According to the OVP, this measure has no direct financial effect on state or local government expenditures. 
  
  
• Measure 71 Annual, time-limited Legislative sessions
  
  Yes.  I think this measure provides greater flexibility for the state legislature, making it more responsive to the annual needs of the state.
  
  
• Measure 72 Allows state to use less expensive mechanisms for routine borrowing
  
  Yes.  I haven't heard any cogent arguments against this measure.
  
  
• Measure 73 Increases minimum sentences for repeated sex crimes, jail time for repeat drunk driving offenses
  
  No.  The last thing we need in this state is to incarcerate more people.  There has to be a more progressive, less expensive solution.
  
  
• Measure 74 Establishes medical marijuana supply system and assistance and research programs, limited selling of marijuana
  
  Yes.  See here or here.
  
  
• Measure 75  Authorizes Multnomah County casino
  
  No.  I just can't see how a casino would help anything.
  
  
• Measure 76 Continues lottery funding for parks, beaches, wildlife habitat, watershed protection beyond 2014
  
  Yes.  Lottery revenues are, by their nature, regressive.  But funding for parks, beaches, and wildlife is essential.  Until a better method of funding is in place, the lottery will have to do.

County measures

• 26-109 Repeals county term limits 
  
  Yes.  I've never been a fan of term limits.  They restrict my ability to vote for the person I feel is most qualified.
  
  
• 26-110 Multnomah County Official running for office midterm 
  
  Yes.  I don't think that holding one office should disqualify a candidate from running for another.
  
  
• 26-111 Salary commission for Sheriff and District Attorney 
  
  Yes.  I have to admit, I cast this vote solely based on the recommendation of the Multnomah County Democratic Party.  I don't know much about the issue.
  
  
• 26-112 Vacancy in office if office-holder leaves district 
  
  Yes.  This measure will, hopefully, deter well-financed outsiders from worming their way into Multnomah County government.
  
  
• 26-113 Election dates for vacancies limited to the May and November elections 
  
  Yes.  This seems to be the most cost-efficient implementation.
  
  
• 26-114 Allows Board of County Commissioners to form county library district
  
  Yes.  Support your local libraries.
  
  
• 26-118 Five-year levy:  Oregon Historical Society Library, Museum, educational programs
  
  Yes.  Support our state culture and history.

City of Portland measures

• 26-108 Shall Portland provide public campaign financing to City candidates who meet qualifying requirements and are subject to additional regulatory oversight? 
  
  Yes.  We should run our national elections like this. 
  
  
• 26-117 General obligation bonds for fire vehicles and emergency response infrastructure
  
  Yes.  It's needed.

Tri-Met measure

• 26-119 Bonds to improve transit, particularly for elderly and disabled
  
  Yes.  The more we invest in public transit, the better.

Well, like I said, my ballot was in the mail by Tuesday night.  Let's see what happens...

Economic winter and another pitch for Governor Kitzhaber

Economic winter:  How cold will it get?

I kid you not.  Neighbor Mac and I were standing on the sidewalk in front of my house this Saturday, when I got another reminder of the dire economic situation in our state and in the nation.

I had been sweeping the walkway in anticipation of Maty's return from Africa when Mac came by, walking his dog.  He stopped and we engaged in another of our rewarding discussions about state and national politics.  (Mac's one sharp cookie, folks.)

Our conversation was interrupted when I inadvertently made eye contact with a short, swarthy man, smoking a cigarette, walking down the middle of the street.  He was ambling along, glancing first to one side and then the other.  When he saw me, he called out and approached me with a smile.

"How are you?  Good to see you," says he, extending his hand to me, as if we were long lost acquaintances. I had no recollection of ever seeing him before.  

"Do I know you?" says I, shaking his hand.

"I work for you," he says. At this point, it was apparent that his command of English was tenuous.

I was confused.  "I'm sorry," I said.  "I don't understand."

"You working?" he inquired.  He indicated the broom in my hand and waved at my yard.  "You have work?"

Then I understood.  He was looking for day work, for some way to earn some money.  (Granted, the condition of my front yard could be said to invite such inquiry, but I was still a tad surprised.) 

"No, I'm sorry," I said.  "I don't have any work for you."

The man shrugged and set off down the street, still on the lookout for opportunities. 

"That about says it all, doesn't it?" says Mac.

***

Unemployment in Oregon is reaching desperate levels.  Imagine being so desperate that you take to wandering the streets to randomly ask people if they need help with anything.  Or, going back to the example I laid out last week, imagine being compelled to plunder your life savings to keep yourself in house and home.  I've never in my life seen it this bad.

What can be done?

In the realm of state politics, I believe we have an opportunity to make things better.

Electing John Kitzhaber as governor has the potential to improve our situation and get us on the road to recovery.  Kitzhaber has a plan to employ Oregonians to upgrade public school buildings, to make them energy efficient using Oregon labor.  Our long-suffering construction industry would see an immediate benefit which would, in turn, benefit the peripheral industries that support construction workers.  It's a public works program that recalls the days of FDR and the New Deal, when Americans were faced with similarly trying economic conditions.

Chris Dudley advocates capital gains tax cuts that will supposedly make Oregon more attractive to business.  The idea is that, if we cut taxes for upper income Oregonians, they will then be encouraged to invest in Oregon.  In other words, give money to the people at the top of the income scale and rely on their good will and business acumen to create jobs.

Governor Kitzhaber's plan won't make everything right, but it's a start.  Wouldn't it be better for Oregonians to use tax revenues to put ourselves to work taking care of our infrastructure, than to absolve the plutocrats of their responsibilities for maintaining our society?

As I said to neighbor Mac, there are two ways to do it:  the FDR way, or the Robespierre way.  He got a laugh out of that.

Oregon Governor's debate 2010

Last night, the two major candidates for Oregon governor, Democrat John Kitzhaber and Republican Chris Dudley, participated in a debate sponsored by The Oregonian and KGW Channel 8.  You can see the debate in its entirety here.

When I sat down to watch, I had already made up my mind to support Governor Kitzhaber, and after watching, I'm all the more convinced that he is the only real choice.

Dudley unimpressive

Chris Dudley, it seemed to me, did little more than recite standard GOP talking points.  Cut capital gains taxes, reduce labor costs, decrease regulation.  Is this not, as Governor Kitzhaber pointed out, simply warmed-over trickle-down claptrap that every Republican from Ronald Reagan to Junior Bush has been spewing for the last 30 years? 

Dudley disappointed on so many levels, even granting him allowance for being a political rookie.  His performance often seemed to deteriorate into a mindless repetition of key words.  It was clear that he had been well-briefed by his highly-paid national Republican party operatives about which phrases to reiterate:  a sad and cynical statement about how they view the voting public.

Dudley avoided any specific proposals about how to address the state's budget shortfalls beyond the tired, old Republican meme of cutting "wasteful" spending.  The closest he ever got to a real proposal was to suggest that the Business Energy Tax Credit could be pared down, which seemed to contradict his supposed support for encouraging alternate energy businesses to come to the state.

Further, Dudley disappointed me on a personal level.  I had always liked the man as a person.  But, even after Governor Kitzhaber declined an opportunity to attack Dudley on avoiding Oregon taxes by establishing a residence in Camas, Washington, Dudley took a dig at the Governor.  Rather than return the Governor's magnanimous gesture, Dudley tried to make hay over the pseudo-controversy surrounding Kitzhaber's nomination to the Oregon Investment Council of Jerry Bidwell, from whom Kitzhaber had acquired a home loan.  Nothing pisses me off more than affording a courtesy to an opponent, only to have him ignore your gesture of good will to try to score cheap points.  Bad form, Chris.

It is clear to me that Chris Dudley's ideas for Oregon involve opening the state up to rapacious corporate interests, putting a thumb on working class Oregonians, and freeing the upper echelon of its responsibilities for upkeep and progress.

Kitzhaber commands facts

Again, I can't claim to be objective, but it seemed to me that Governor Kitzhaber displayed his superior knowledge and political acumen right from the get-go.  His answers included detailed (and very wonky) ideas.  I especially liked his proposal to fund an effort to upgrade our public schools to be more energy efficient.  As the Governor pointed out, this would have the advantage of creating jobs here in the state immediately and offer the long-term benefit of cost-savings for heating and cooling public school buildings.

Further, Kitzhaber suggested a targeted capital gains tax cut for corporations that reinvest those savings in Oregon.  Responsible Republicans (if there are such) should be happy about that. 

Governor Kitzhaber also demonstrated his much greater understanding of Oregon.  He pointed out that there is a budding distillery industry in the state, naming specific businesses.  He deftly answered a question about land development that had left Dudley stymied.

Kitzhaber has always preferred to run positive campaigns.  Recall in 1994, when he first ran for governor, and resisted the negative campaigning that his opponent, Denny Smith, reveled in.  Kitzhaber demonstrated yet again that he views such tactics as distractions.

Summa

Chris Dudley is just another of the GOP's cookie-cutter candidates a la Sarah Palin or Junior Bush.  Lacking in capability and intellect, but attractive and able to recite poll-tested phrases.  Further, he's a johnny-come-lately Oregonian, a wealthy outsider trying to elbow his way into the state.

Governor Kitzhaber has the experience, the knowledge, and the genuine love of Oregon that will provide the leadership we need going forward.

I urge you to join me in supporting Governor Kitzhaber.

13 Enviros host Governor Kitzhaber

Humble author and the Guv

Friday evening, I attended a cocktail party/fund-raiser hosted by the Portland-based 13 Enviros political action committee.  The event was held in support of Governor Kitzhaber's campaign to be (re)elected to the governor's mansion this year.

I arrived at the home of Nicole Cordan, at the foot of Mount Tabor shortly after 6pm to find a crowd of well-dressed, finely-mannered Portland political activists enjoying smoked salmon, a delicious taco bar, fresh fruit, barbecued ribs, beer, wine and various other delectable goodies. 

The event was a mere twenty-some blocks from my house in the Hawthorne area, which made it very convenient.  I was a tad self-conscious at the event, seeing as I was clad in my usual summer attire of shorts, tee-shirt, and sandals, while most of the other attendees were dressed in elegant evening wear.  (Well, after all, the invitation did state that the event was a "cocktail party.")  Nonetheless, I partook of the good noshes and tried to remain inconspicuous...

...which I did successfully until I was approached by an out-going gentleman who saw me standing by myself, came forward and extended his hand with a friendly smile.  "Bob Stacey," he said.  "I'm running for Metro President."

We shook, and I did my best to engage Bob about his candidacy for Metro President, but the truth is that I'm not up to speed on Metro issues to the extent that I should be, so I couldn't formulate pertinent questions.  Bob related his ideas about Metro, about where it should go, about his vision for its future.  I asked him about his ideas for growth in the Portland metro area and he seemed emphatic about the need to preserve our farmlands and countryside.  He talked a bit about his plans to provide incentive for in-fill development, which sounded good to me.  I'll have to investigate his web page between now and voting time to learn more.

Metro President hopeful Bob Stacey

Governor Kitzhaber arrived unannounced, sometime around 7pm.  I was wandering around and more or less bumped into him. He was dressed in his trademark jacket, jeans and cowboy boots.  His natural good looks and easy manner marked him as a leader, and he had all the subtle polish of an accomplished politician. 

When I approached him, he made and held eye contact.  I never once saw his eyes stray to the name tag I had affixed to my shirt, and yet he greeted me by name.  "Hi, Dade.  Thanks for coming," he said, extending his hand.

I asked the governor about his plans to fund our public schools and about how Oregon might address our revenue shortfalls.  "The revenue is just not going to be there for a couple years," he told me.  (I'm paraphrasing.)  "We need to get the economy going.  That will bring revenues into line."  I thought this was a frank answer. 

Governor Kitzhaber delivering his remarks on Friday evening

Shortly after I spoke with him, Governor Kitzhaber delivered some remarks to everyone.  Since 13 Enviros mostly focuses on environmental issues, the governor related how, in his youth, he came to know Oregon through its rivers:  the Umpqua, the Santiam, the Deschutes.  He told how he believes that the life cycle of Northwest salmon can serve as metaphor for the importance of preserving Oregon, about how important it is, in these difficult economic times, not to take short-cuts on the environment.
Well, Governor, I'm on board with all of that.  And I'm proud to support you in your reelection bid.  Let's win in November.

Note:  Shout out to my old childhood friend, Jeff Stuhr, whom I ran into at the event.  Good to see you, Jeff!

Kitzhaber campaign kicks off

Artichokes

Heading right into an August roast, like we do every year.  Well, nothing is to be done about it, anyway.

The Kitzhaber campaign kicked off today, from its Portland headquarters at SE 31st and Division.  They called me a couple weeks ago, and I promised them some time, so I spent the late morning and early afternoon walking door-to-door, reminding folks that we've got a gubernatorial election this year.  And, oh by the way, we really want to make sure to elect Governor Kitzhaber. 

I walked down to headquarters, arriving just at 10am.  There was a lot of bustle and activity.  The operation was well-organized, with canvassing packets ready to hand out to volunteers.  It is hard to estimate their number since people were constantly coming and going, but when Attorney General Kroger spoke, just before we set out, there were some four or five dozen people.

Comings and goings

I got paired up with Lisa Jean, a woman from Raleigh Hills.  We drove to the area around Providence Hospital, on NE Glisan.  The campaign had given us lists of voters and their addresses.  We were to knock on a door and try to establish face to face contact.  From there, we determined (by asking directly) if the person was likely to vote for Governor Kitzhaber, and inquire as to the strength of that person's support.  We were also prepared to hand out campaign literature, register voters, and, if we did not make contact, to leave campaign leaflets in the door.

Together, Lisa Jean and I knocked on about 50 doors.  Most times, we didn't make contact.  But, of those we did contact, support for Governor Kitzhaber was overwhelming.  Of course, these weren't random voters.  The campaign had given us rosters of registered Democrats, independents, and a few Republican women.  There were no Republican men on the lists.  (I found this to be a revealing set of data.  But, I guess it should come as no surprise that Republican women might be restive within the bounds of that repressive party.)

Pre-canvass briefing

When we finished, Lisa Jean and I drove back to headquarters, where they were barbecuing hamburgers and hot dogs.

Attorney Kroger's remarks, and the exhortations of the campaign staff all indicate that Democrats know the key to victory this fall is voter turnout.  The higher the turnout, the better are the chances for success.

I'm encouraged that there is so much activity.  And we're still in August!

I remember well the 1998 election when Governor Kitzhaber crushed Bill Sizemore's sleazy power grab.  Back then, perhaps knowing that victory was writ in the stars, the Kitzhaber campaign had seemed lackluster, anemic.  

But that was then.  As Attorney Kroger pointed out, Republicans try to win elections by suppressing voter turnout, and by flooding the airwaves with corporate-funded messaging laden with fear and ugliness.  But they still don't have an answer for the Democratic ground game:  volunteers manning phone banks and knocking on doors.  Ask Gordon Smith how well a ground game does against money.  I'm sure he'll tell you.

Chris Dudley might be a nice fellow but, just as he was never the go-to guy at the end of the Blazer game, he's even less the go-to guy in state governance.  Especially not when we're in such a fix.  Especially not when his solutions are warmed-over GOP hash about tax cuts for upper incomes.  That trickle-down Reagan crap never really caught on, here in Oregon.  I'm not sure if Dudley knows that.

Junior Bush put us in a deep hole, folks.  His administration looted us, ran us into debt, bogged our military down in unwinnable wars, and left us with catastrophe on every front.  So, if we're going to get out of this, we need smart, capable leadership.  That's why I'm on board with Governor Kitzhaber.

Chris Dudley: Nice guy gettin' mixed up with the wrong people

Great work ethic, but not the guy to run the play

When I think back on Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Dudley's career as a Portland Trailblazer, I remember him being a good guy both on and off the court.  He certainly wasn't a big scorer; he was a very bad free-throw shooter and his ball-handling skills were negligible (to say the least).  But, he was a good defender and rebounder, and he had a great work ethic.

Since that time, Dudley has also proved to be a man of fine character in his prominent role in the community.  He's a well-known philanthropist who has done much for diabetic kids with his Chris Dudley Foundation.  In short, Chris Dudley is a good guy.

And that's why I'm so sad to see him running for Governor of Oregon as a Republican.  'Cause once you get that GOP stink on your hands, it's gonna be with ya for a while.  (Just ask Gordon Smith.)

It is disappointing to see Dudley getting mixed up with the Republican party.  But there is no denying that he's going all the way with it.  His campaign ads are standard GOP drivel:  tax cuts for businesses, fiscal austerity, yadda, yadda, yadda.  Willamette Week reported last December that Dudley, before he had publicly announced his intention to run, hired two big time GOP operatives to help him with his campaign.  Quoting Willie Week:

Dudley’s campaign manager is Chris Gulugian-Taylor, the former head of the Nevada GOP and in 2008, the Republican National Committee’s state director for Washington.

Dudley has also brought in Brittany Bramell, who served as spokewoman for New Jersey governor-elect Chris Christie, who defeated incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine last month. --Willamette Week, December 9, 2009

Those are some relatively Big Guns for little ol' Oregon.  By hiring two Republican operatives with national prominence and adhering to the GOP boilerplate for his campaign, Dudley appears to be hoping to associate himself with some "national movement" toward Republicans this November.  He apparently aims to come riding in on some national anti-Obama backlash.  There are certainly many in the national media who anticipate something of the kind.  (Personally, I have my doubts.)

But Dudley's decision to run his campaign by following the advice of national Republican operatives seems clumsy and politically tone-deaf with respect to Oregon and Oregonians.  Then again, Dudley has little to choose from if he's looking for help from Oregon Republicans.  The GOP is effectively dead in this state.

Remember the great Republican leaders in Oregon's history?  They have very little in common with the neo-Confederates and Bible-thumping hypocrites leading today's national GOP.  How would  Tom McCall, Vic Atiyeh, or Mark Hatfield fare in the post-Junior Bush Republican party?   

No, I'm afraid today's national Republican party has almost nothing in common with the Oregon Republican party that dominated state politics through much of the 70s and 80s.  To see how far the GOP has fallen in Oregon, consider:  Oregon has not had a Republican governor since 1987.  The state has not voted for the Republican candidate for President since 1984.  Both US Senators are Democrats.  Four of five congressional representatives are Democrats. Both houses of the state legislature are controlled by Democrats.  Oregon is as blue as it gets.

And yet, Chris Dudley imagines that the way to the governor's mansion is by hooking up with the toxic schmucks that Oregonians so universally reject.

It's a poor decision.  A brain hiccup.  To put it in perspective, imagine Chris Dudley, back in his days as a Trailblazer. He has the ball at the top of the key.  One point down, two on the clock.  He sees an open Clyde Drexler streaking down the baseline!  He motions as if to pass, and then --to the appalled horror of Blazer fans everywhere --he puts the ball on the floor and drives for the hoop!

It's that kind of a decision.

I'm not going to hold it against him, personally.  Like I said before, Chris Dudley is a good guy.

But I sure as hell ain't gonna vote for him!

2010 Primary ballots are here

It's primary time, here in Oregon.  The big race, of course, is to see who will replace Ted Kulongoski in the governor's mansion in 2011.  I am undecided between former governor John Kitzhaber and former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury.  An informal poll of my (mostly liberal) neighbors indicates that it should be a close primary contest between those two gentlemen.  Two of my neighbors expressed support for Governor Kitzhaber; two others indicated they would be voting for Secretary Bradbury.  (And then, there's my neighbor down the street with the Chris Dudley sign in his yard...)

Well, I'm off the hook for the primary, since, at the moment, I am registered in the Working Families party.  It's just as well, since I couldn't really make up my mind.  It's almost a certainty that I will be voting for the Democratic nominee in November, regardless of which man gets the nod.

Other than that, I took the lazy man's way out and voted for "down ticket" positions according to endorsements made by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

Here's how I went:

• Ballot Measure 68, Yes.  Amends the Oregon Constitution to allow Oregon public school districts to use bond proceeds to buy land and other assets, and would create a state matching fund to help finance school district capital costs. The measure would have no financial effect on either state or local government expenditures or revenues. 
  
  
• Ballot Measure 69, Yes.  Amends Constitution: Continues and modernizes authority for lowest cost borrowing for community colleges and public universities.
  
  
• Metro President, Bob Stacey.
  
  
• Portland City Commission, Position 2, Nick Fish.
  
  
• Portland City Commission, Position 3, Dan Saltzman.
  
  
• Multnomah County Sheriff, Andre Danielson.  The dream won't die, Andre.  Not as long as I can wave the flag.

Give this man a badge and a gun and let him get to work!

It all shapes up for an interesting November.  Early speculation is that Republicans will make big gains in the US Congress and across the country.  I withhold judgment.  People may be unhappy with the Democrats, but I don't think that means that they are therefore suddenly enamored of Republicans. 

We'll see...

A glance at the Oregon governor's race

This year, Oregonians must elect a new governor to replace term-limited Governor Ted Kulongoski when he leaves office in January of 2011.  A full slate of candidates from both major political parties are lined up for the job and have begun the task of selling themselves to Oregon voters.

The three names that garner the most attention in the media (and that must, therefore, be regarded as the "front-runners") are former Governor John Kitzhaber, former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, and retired Portland Trailblazer Chris Dudley.

I like all three of these men for various reasons.

Chris Dudley

Chris Dudley is a great guy with a great work ethic, as evidenced by his career on the NBA basketball court as a Portland Trailblazer.  Dudley was a workhorse and a team player.  You didn't look for him to score points, but you always knew that he would be down in the paint scrapping for those loose balls and blocking shots.  His work in the community speaks highly of him, as well.  Dudley founded the Chris Dudley Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting kids with Type I diabetes (an affliction from which Dudley himself suffers).

But... I am concerned about Dudley's lack of experience.  Oregon is facing some real challenges and I think we need a strong, experienced governor that knows how to work the state legislature to get things done.

Then, there is the unfortunate fact that Chris Dudley is a Republican.  Although I like and admire Dudley, my disgust for the Republican party, for what it has become, is such that I cannot vote for anyone associated with it.

(Please note that I have not always felt this way.  In the past, I have voted for Republicans.  I voted for Governor Vic Atiyeh in his reelection bid in 1982, and I voted for Norma Paulus in her unsuccessful bid to succeed Governor Atiyeh in 1986.  But the Republican party has changed since then.) 

Bill Bradbury

I have met Secretary Bradbury and he is a genuinely nice guy.  I like his positions on gay rights and green energy and I find his idea for a "Bank of Oregon" intriguing.  I like the idea of using state revenues to support local banks which will, in turn, use money to support local businesses.  In short, Secretary Bradbury's positions and philosophy jibe with my own views very nicely.

However, I have to admit to being a bit skeptical about Secretary Bradbury's ability to put up his dukes and fight, when warranted.  I was deeply disappointed with his performance in his 2002 race to unseat Senator Gordon Smith.  I volunteered for the Bradbury campaign back then and I really felt that Senator Smith was vulnerable.  I still believe a stronger performance by the Bradbury campaign could have succeeded.  The stakes in that election were very high, and it was offensive to me that one of the senators that represented my state supported Bush administration abuses.  Without Gordon Smith's mewling "aye" to add to the bleating Republican chorus, this nation might not be in such a terrible state today.

When things got tough with the state legislature, would a Governor Bradbury put up enough of a fight to get a progressive, pro-Oregon agenda passed?

John Kitzhaber

Governor Kitzhaber is a fighter.  That much is assured.  As governor, he implemented the Oregon Health Plan and held in check a Republican-controlled state legislature back when the state was in the grip of anti-tax demagogues represented by loathsome Bill Sizemore.

In the controversy over where to site a new state prison, Kitzhaber showed political courage by opposing a proposal to build the prison in rural eastern Oregon, instead choosing Wilsonville, just south of Portland.  Kitzhaber is a proponent of land-use planning, which does anything but endear him to developers:  another mark in his favor, as far as I'm concerned.  Kitzhaber is a medical doctor (a surgeon, in fact) and an avid outdoorsman. 

Which, then?

At this point in the race, I'm leaning toward Governor Kitzhaber, but I haven't written off Secretary Bradbury.  I have nothing against Chris Dudley other than the "R" behind his name.  Put it down to "blowback" from the Junior Bush administration.

The Oregon primary is only a few weeks away, so I'll have to make my decision soon.