At last! From Corvallis! A real reporter!
From the Corvallis Gazette-Times online, we have a reporter (Matt Neznanski) asking, gasp, real questions about real issues!
Just after Barack Obama’s campaign stop in Albany Friday, Gazette-Times reporter Matt Neznanski had five minutes to ask questions one-on-one of the candidate. Here is a transcription of that conversation.Gazette-Times: You talked today about renewable energy. Oregon and western states use hydroelectric power a lot. It’s clean, it’s renewable, but we see that there are problems that come with it in the collapse of our fishing industry off the coast. How do we strike a balance for our need for energy and the environment, and what can the executive branch do help guide us?
...
Gazette-Times: Senator Clinton was in Portland this morning talking about health care. Difference in plans aside, what’s the likelihood that health care is something that we can tackle and work to solve in the next term and how do we get there?
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Gazette-Times: You grew up living in different countries and different regions of the United States.What do you bring from that experience that might shape how you approach domestic and foreign policy?
To read Sen Obama's answers to Matt's questions, read the full story at the Gazette-Times website.
And here's hoping some of them there big city reporters pay them some attention. Thanks, Matt, for one more reason for Oregonians to feel proud.
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May 9, 2008 |
T.A. Barnhart | Comments (2 so far)
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A penny short? Have no fear. Ballots will be delivered.
All this week, I've gotten concerned emails from BlueOregon readers concerned about the forthcoming postal rate change on Monday -- when the price of a first-class stamp goes up one penny to 42 cents. Folks have been terrifically concerned about ballots getting returned, and people being disenfranchised... all for want of a penny.
I've checked in my friends at the Secretary of State's office, and they've verified two things:
#1. The USPS will deliver ballots in Oregon that are a penny short.
#2. The County Elections offices will pick up the cost of an extra penny.
So, have no fear, folks. All is well.
Now, a couple of notes:
- This probably doesn't apply if you're mailing in your ballot from out-of-state. Oregon post offices know all about our election, and they know what a ballot looks like. But that doesn't mean a mail carrier in another state will. Get your 42-cent stamp on there.
- The counties are terribly concerned that a bunch of people will take advantage of their generous offer - and it'll cost 'em a bunch of money. If you're reading this post, then you know all about the postal rate change -- do the responsible thing and pony up your own damn penny.
(Of course, it's not that huge a budget hit. Even if we had 100% turnout of all two million Oregon voters - and nobody mailed a ballot until Monday, and they all did it a penny short... it'd cost $20,000 - split among 36 counties. We should be so lucky for turnout like that!)
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May 9, 2008 |
Kari Chisholm | Comments (0 so far)
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Gordon Smith wants negativity
If Gordon Smith wanted to knock Merkley out in a primary, why would he bash Steve Novick on television just days ago? Smith's consultants wouldn't only reach this conclusion this week, right? And if not, why waste time taking shots at Novick on broadcast television?
Here's another theory: Gordon wants as much negativity out there about Merkley and Novick as possible. Which explains the first ad. The new one reflects the disparity of what's on television right now. Merkley's negative ad is already filling the airwaves and this new spot merely balances it out.
But if I'm wrong and Gordon Smith really wants Steve, let's give 'em what he wants. Merkley grossly underestimated Novick this primary and we can only be as lucky to have Smith make the same mistake.
That's how incumbent U.S. Senators lose.
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May 9, 2008 |
Charlie Burr | Comments (39 so far)
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Running scared, Gordon Smith wades into the Democratic primary
You can tell a lot about what scares a politician by looking at who he's attacking. Well, as of last night, Gordon Smith started attacking Jeff Merkley. I'll get to the content of the ad in a second, but first, let me vent a little wrath. You don't have to be a Merkley-backer (and I know a few of you aren't) to see how outrageous this is. Gordon Smith, with his $8 million war chest, is wading into the Democratic primary. It doesn't take a master logician to see where he's headed with this one--Smith sees Merkley as the strongest challenger, so he's trying to take him out now.
Here's the ad:
Leaving aside for a moment the unsourced lies and misdirection, let's parse the ad for what it is, a blueprint of fear. The Republican Party is a badly-damaged brand. Voters now associate it with corruption and incompetence, and incumbent Republicans are trying to wash the stain from their Scarlet Rs. So Smith hits Merkley for being the corrupt one and the ends with this capper: "Jeff Merkley, more of the same when it's time for a change." Let's see, why would a 12-year Senator be hyping himself as a candidate for change?
The text of the ad contains outright lies as well--de rigueur for Republican hit pieces. Merkley is, of course, the candidate who pushed for and passed ethics reform in Salem. The ad suggests he raised money from lobbyists during the session (sourcing, amusingly, two articles that ran before the session began--how's that for bungling a lie?); yet he didn't raise a single a nickel from any Oregon lobbyist or special-interest organizational PAC during the legislative session.
Gordon Smith, by comparison, has spent more than a decade dipping into the coffers of lobbyists and special interests. In fact, BlueOregon tracked him raising money for this election more than two years ago from lobbyists and special interests.
But leave aside the slander and muck--that we anticipate. The real outrage is that Smith is trying to hand-select his opponent. And he wants Steve Novick.
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May 9, 2008 |
Jeff Alworth | Comments (33 so far)
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Ad watch: Merkley's negative ad
From Harry Esteve of The Oregonian:
The context: Merkley, who is Oregon House speaker, and Novick, a Portland lawyer and consultant, are in a tight race to see who gets to challenge Republican Sen. Gordon Smith. Both candidates have fairly similar views on the big issues, such as ending the war in Iraq and providing universal health care. Merkley has sought to make the race a contrast in style -- with him as a team-player and Novick as a brick-thrower. Novick supporters say the ad negates Merkley's claim because it is clearly meant as an attack on a fellow Democrat.
The truth: Novick has admitted that some of his blog posts and comments about fellow Democrats were "over the top" and has said he would tone them down in the future. However, he also argues that it's important for Democrats to point out when other Democrats waver from principle. The ad accurately quotes Novick, but takes only small pieces of each quote, which removes a lot of context. In some cases, the ad accurately represents Novick's tone. In others, Novick is being intentionally provocative; or the comments were tongue in cheek, or not aimed specifically at the person mentioned.
Discuss.
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May 9, 2008 |
in the news | Comments (15 so far)
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Have you voted yet?
If you haven't voted yet, what are you waiting for? Are you just procrastinating - or still making up your mind?
Discuss.
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May 9, 2008 |
open discussion | Comments (41 so far)
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Jim Middaugh: Why I'm Running
By Jim Middaugh of Portland, Oregon. Jim is a candidate for the Portland City Council.
I’m Jim Middaugh, and I’m running for Portland City Council Position 2 because I’ve got the experience, independence, creativity and history of getting things done for Portland that we need to make our city even better than it is today.
I helped create a community grants program to strengthen our schools. I partnered with business to cut red tape at South Waterfront. I cut my own budget by more than a million dollars while bringing salmon back to Portland. I helped find new resources for housing and the homeless. I teamed with our universities to search for local solutions to global warming.
I serve on the Columbia River Gorge Commission, where I’ve stood against proposed development that would scar our scenic area. I was co-chair of my neighborhood. I volunteer in my kids’ schools. And, I’ve served Oregon on behalf of two members of Congress – Jim Weaver and Peter DeFazio. I’ve consistently demonstrated the candor, courage and creativity needed to make our city greater. My independence, experience, and passion for Portland will allow me to deliver results on the day I take office.
Our city is great because we agree about our values. We value things that are green, progressive, affordable and open to all. We value the voices of regular Portlanders just as much as the voices of the rich and powerful. We’ve succeeded in maintaining these values largely because we’ve had a string of bold visionaries who turned them into policies that work. It’s one thing to want to be a leader on the environment or affordable housing. It’s another thing entirely to navigate multiple layers of government and business and to get your colleagues to agree with you. To be the Portland we want to be, we need elected leaders who are committed to our values, and who have the practical experience, independence and creativity to turn them into action. I will be that leader.
But don’t just take my word for it. Ask Erik Sten, Peter DeFazio, Jim Weaver, Elizabeth Furse, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Stand for Children, SEIU, NARAL, BRO, the Multnomah County Democratic Party, the Portland Mercury, the Northwest Examiner or any of the hundreds of other people who are listed as supporters on my web page – www.jimforportland.com. You can also ask any of the 1,700 people who contributed $5 and their signatures in record time to get my campaign up and running. I’m the only publicly financed candidate in this race, which means I’ll never answer to anyone but the people of Portland.
I know that there are a lot of important races in this election, and you have a lot of decisions to make on your ballot. I hope that you will decide to vote for me, Jim Middaugh, for Portland City Council position 2.
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May 9, 2008 |
guest column | Comments (12 so far)
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New DSCC Ad Targets Smith
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has released its first paid tv advertisement of the year, targeting Senator Gordon Smith:
Discuss.
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May 9, 2008 |
in the news | Comments (9 so far)
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Timber Payments Included in War Funding Bill
A provision to give rural counties $400 million in timber payments has been added to the Senate version of an Iraq war funding bill that could pass as soon as next week.
From the Oregonian:
The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee has agreed to add $400 million for county payments to the must-pass Iraq war funding bill, giving rural communities in Oregon and beyond unexpected hope that federal aid could be delivered this year.The decision by Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., to include the funding in the $193 billion spending bill was a major achievement for Oregon lawmakers who have been scrambling to find a way to provide county payments before funding runs out in June.
"This funding could not come sooner for Oregon's rural schools and communities," Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said. "I am deeply appreciative that my Senate colleagues continue to recognize the importance of keeping rural America afloat."
Having the funding attached to the Iraq funding bill is significant because it is one of the few pieces of legislation -- perhaps the only one -- that is guaranteed to pass soon. Its main purpose is to provide money to support troops and operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the larger war on terror. It could pass as soon as next week.
There are still a few challenges confronting the deal:
Even so, major barriers remain.President Bush has vowed to veto any bill that exceeds $183.3 billion. That total includes $108.1 billion in war funds for the remainder of fiscal 2008, plus $70 billion to pay for war operations for the first half of fiscal 2009. That provision was added so that Bush and Congress don't have to confront the controversial question again until after the election.
As written, the Senate proposal totals $193 billion, nearly $10 billion more than Bush says he will allow. That total includes the county payment funds. It also is more generous than the bill written by the House, which generally adheres to Bush's outline.
White House Budget Director Jim Nussle repeated the veto threat Thursday, warning that Bush would reject either the House or Senate bill because each contains additional spending for such things are extended unemployment insurance and money for veterans.
Read the rest. Discuss.
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May 9, 2008 |
in the news | Comments (4 so far)
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DeFazio Endorses Obama
Yesterday night, Congressman Peter DeFazio endorsed Barack Obama, becoming the third US Representative from Oregon to do so.
From the Oregonian:
On Thursday night, Rep. Peter DeFazio became Oregon's third Democratic congressman to endorse Sen.Barack Obama, putting the Illinois politician one delegate closer to the presidential nomination.DeFazio said that Obama, who will begin a two-day campaign trip to the state this morning, "represents our best chance of winning in November."
"We must not allow Senator McCain to continue the failures of the Bush foreign policy, war in Iraq and disastrous economic policies," DeFazio added.
Sen. Ron Wyden is the last Democrat in the delegation to remain neutral. He has said he won't take sides until after Oregon's May 20 primary, although his chief of staff, Josh Kardon, is heading Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign in Oregon.
Reps. Earl Blumenauer and David Wu had earlier endorsed Obama while Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Rep. Darlene Hooley had endorsed Clinton. All these elected officials are superdelegates who automatically attend the Democratic convention and can vote for whomever they want.
Read the rest. Discuss.
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May 9, 2008 |
in the news | Comments (25 so far)
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Obama takes the Hill: A view from inside
By Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Portland, Oregon. Earl co-chairs the Oregon Obama campaign.
This morning, in the midst of a procedural argument with the Republicans, I had to have House Security clear a path through an unexpected sea of reporters so I could get back to the House floor. The reason was immediately apparent: members of the media had their noses pressed against windows in the door gazing at Barack Obama as he was slowly moving down the aisle, doing what he does best: being Barack!
I must confess to a little satisfaction because I had been lobbying the national campaign to have Barack drop by while the House was in session. A number of members are now ready to declare their support. My sense is that at least 95 percent of the super delegates know exactly who they are going to vote for, and most will support Barack. Many were looking for an opportunity to solidify in their own mind or perhaps express to him where they are and where they are going.
Nothing illustrated the momentum, the optimism, and the power of the Obama campaign more than the reaction Senator Obama received on the floor. It was not necessarily a victory lap, but certainly there was a sense that here was a campaign at the top of its game as the end of the nominating process was approaching. Here was the guy to change the game in D.C. Most were feeling comfortable, if not excited, about the prospect of Obama leading the Democratic ticket in the fall. People clogged the aisles to move towards him. He had a wave for one… a hug for another… listening attentively… and informal banter. It was a rock star reaction to a regular guy.
The press gallery, usually vacant since the media usually follow floor procedures on CSPAN monitors, suddenly filled with reporters trying to get a first hand look at the spectacle “off camera.” Student pages materialized from all over the Capitol to crowd the back of the chamber to look at and, maybe if they were lucky, meet Obama. I smiled as he stopped to pose for pictures with dozens of these shining, eager, young faces. I’m confident that given a secret ballot, Barack would win the page vote in a landslide.
The setting was the middle of another procedural battle, with the chamber filled with members and super delegates. I watched Clinton supporters carefully. Until now, Senator Clinton claimed the majority of House “super delegates,” a situation that has changed as Senator Obama’s campaign surges. A few that didn’t quite know how to respond. Then I noticed even some of the Clinton supporters gravitating towards Obama to shake his hand. All eyes in the chamber were drawn to the dynamic.
Continue reading "Obama takes the Hill: A view from inside "
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May 8, 2008 |
guest column | Comments (19 so far)
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"Fair Trade" continues to be a winning issue
By Arthur Stamoulis of Portland, Oregon. Arthur is director of the Oregon Fair Trade Campaign.
Trade policy gained prominence as a winning election issue in 2006, when "fair trade" candidates used it to beat "free trade" incumbents in 37 separate Congressional races across the country. It didn't make a lot of headway in Oregon that year, mainly because there were few incumbents being challenged from the left, but that has changed in 2008.
At least two television ads aired in the state so far highlight candidates' views on trade: Barack Obama's "Enough" criticizes "tax breaks to companies that are moving overseas," and Jeff Merkley's "Places" says he will "fight to end trade deals that ship our jobs overseas." Trade policy has also been raised time and again by a wide range of candidates in voter pamphlet statements, printed campaign materials, fundraising letters, stump speeches and candidate debates.
Many pundits predicted that trade would fade as an election issue after the much-contested Midwest primaries, but that just hasn't been the case. Trade has proven itself to be a viable issue across the entire country, including here in the Pacific Northwest. A new poll by the Pew Research Center suggests why.
According to Pew, "There is now broad agreement that free trade negatively affects wages, jobs and economic growth in America. By greater than six-to-one, the public says free trade agreements result in job losses rather than in new jobs."
The fact that these numbers apply almost as much to Republican voters as to Democrats suggests trade will continue to be a hot topic in the general elections, when candidates compete for Independents and other swing voters.
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May 8, 2008 |
guest column | Comments (18 so far)
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