Vicki Walker announces run for governor

VickiOn Labor Day, state senator Vicki Walker announced an "exploratory" campaign for Governor. From her speech:

The result has been that while millions in tax breaks have been signed into law over the last several years, our public schools remain underfunded, health care costs have escalated and jobs continue to leave our state.

Progress on these issues requires political courage, boldness and action. Unfortunately, we’ve seen far too little of these from our current Governor. ...

If we are going to change the culture of state government, it’s time we had the courage to change the look of the people who run it.

To quote an old saying, “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.”

Read the rest of her speech, check out the website, and come back to discuss.

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    vicki walker was just on thom hartmann, announcing her campaign, and she said she didn't know how she could hear thom down in eugene. it's kind of disconcerting she wants to be a "new" governor and doesn't appear to know about the internet. i'm listening to hartmann from corvallis: it's streamed online. she might want to get a few briefings about computers and other technologies.

    "Ms Walker, it's w...w...w...dot..."

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    What are these internets you're talking about? Can I get one for my computer?

  • Rorovitz (unverified)
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    Ok, so VW gets no points for net savy, but what about the rest of her record?

  • LT (unverified)
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    Not just her record, but her vision. A friend says he won't support anyone for Gov. unless they can answer 2 questions:

    1) What is your vision for Oregon in the next 10 years, in detail? 2) In detail, how do you intend to carry out that vision?

  • josh (unverified)
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    Walker had one hell of a successful session in 2005...why she is throwing it all away (and giving the Republicans a real chance to pick up her seat) is beyond me.

    Enjoy your quick plunge in obscurity Sen. Walker!

  • Rorovitz (unverified)
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    So, can we get VW to submit answers to LT's two questions on this site? I have to admit I share Josh's sentiment, but I'd like to hear what she has to say.

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    A friend says he won't support anyone for Gov. unless they can answer 2 questions

    Do they have to answer honestly? If not, I'm sure we'll be content with the incumbent.

  • Jon (unverified)
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    I am all for new blood in Salem, God knows Gov. K. isnt doing anything at all. But there are a couple things in Vicky Walker's speech that concern me.

    First, that schools are "underfunded". I still dont think this is true, based on spending reports. They seem to have enough money, they just are not spending it wisely. It was prett sad when my daughter's school supplies list had "copy paper" on it! Where is all that money going?

    Second, she says something about a "more just society." What is she getting at exactly? This sounds mysteriously like "taking from Peter and giving to Paul, so Paul will feel better about himself."

  • mrfearless47 (unverified)
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    My requirement for Governor right now is ANYONE BUT Ted Kulongoski. My bias is quite clear. Kulongoski has left all the PERS retirees dangling in the wind after his santimonious speech in January 2003 promising that he wouldn't solve the PERS problems on the backs of people who retired. At least Kevin Mannix or Ron Saxton wouldn't be so blatantly dishonest as to try to sell that sack of horsesh*t. Kulongoski hasn't earned my vote and I'll work for ANYONE on the "D" side who opposes him in the primary. I haven't decided what I'll do if he wins in the primary, but I can assure you that I won't vote for him no matter what. Ted Kulongoski not only runs from his responsibilities as Governor, he lies, in public, about what he'll do and not do. If the "R" side can come up with a less reactionary candidate (not the right wing Mannix or the Libertarian Saxton), I'd vote for him/her in a heartbeat (gimme Norma Paulus, Dave Frohnmeyer, Vic Atiyeh). But many of us PERS retirees (and PERS actives) are gonna be out in droves to squash Ted in the primary.

    I don't have a good handle on Vicki Walker yet, but right now she's ABT.

  • pete sorenson (unverified)
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    hello blue oregon,

    i welcome senator walker's exploration. i explored in november and december 2004 and in janaury 2005 decided that i would be a better governor than ted kulongoski and that i had the energy to withstand the campaign. i've been at it eight months, i still think that ted will go out of office in january 2007 either because he doesn't run (he's running now), he loses in the primary or he loses in the general election. he's one of the most unpopular governors in the united states. for more info, our website is www.petesorenson.com

    thanks,

    pete

    pete sorenson for governor

    "a real democrat for a change"

  • mrfearless47 (unverified)
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    Pete Sorenson writes:

    i welcome senator walker's exploration. i explored in november and december 2004 and in janaury 2005 decided that i would be a better governor than ted kulongoski and that i had the energy to withstand the campaign. i've been at it eight months, i still think that ted will go out of office in january 2007 either because he doesn't run (he's running now), he loses in the primary or he loses in the general election. he's one of the most unpopular governors in the united states. for more info, our website is www.petesorenson.com

    So Pete, tell all of us PERS members and retirees what YOU would do as Governor to insure that promises made to us are promises kept?

  • Jean (unverified)
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    While not fond of Kulongoski, I'm not sure that Walker is a strong enough candidate to win the primary. It is easy to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters by saying the current condition of the state is poor and that our Governor is not doing enough.

    What are her plans to do something about it? How will she create a "just society"? How will she fund education? Can she bring jobs to the state? What will she do about healthcare and the OHP?

    Until I hear the solid answers to these questions, my vote is reserved for the Governor.

  • pete sorenson (unverified)
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    hello blueoregon,

    concerning PERS i will insure that contractual obligations between PERS retirees (and PERS beneficiaries), the state, school districts and local governments are honored. in 2003, governor kulongoski pushed (with the republicans) and then signed a bill that breached those promises. i wouldn't have signed the 2003 PERS bill, in fact, i would have vetoed it. i have a lengthy history, as a state senator and as a lane county commissioner, in support of dedicated public employees and i'm proud i've stood with them time and time again. i think everyone in oregon should have good retirement benefits.

    pete sorenson, candidate for governor

    "a real democrat for a change"

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