Sal Peralta: running a strong challenge
Kari Chisholm
Sal Peralta is running in a relatively safe GOP district. But there are signs that he might just beat incumbent Rep. Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville.)
First, the McMinnville News-Register endorsed him. Not incidentally, the News-Register is known as a very conservative paper that has endorsed Nelson three previous times (and just endorsed Ron Saxton). From their endorsement:
The Voters Pamphlet will tell you the basics of Peralta's biography, community activities and political priorities. But from those pages alone, you won't fully appreciate the breadth and depth of his political reflections, or the engaging relationship of liberal, moderate and conservative threads in his political philosophy. ...In recent years, we have criticized the partisan gridlock that prevents our Legislature from meeting important obligations. We have deplored the shortage of independent, knowledgeable leaders with the skills needed to help shape positive public policy.
Sal Peralta is a candidate who could provide progressive leadership for Oregon, we should give him that opportunity by electing him to the House of Representatives.
Earlier, the Salem Statesman-Journal had this to say in their Peralta endorsement:
When it comes to constituent service, state Rep. Donna Nelson, R-McMinnville, has a heart as big as her legislative district. But when it comes to being effective in the Oregon Capitol, she still is on the sidelines. House District 24 voters should send in a replacement: Democrat Sal Peralta. ...Peralta is clear about what he wants to achieve, and he has ideas about how to pay for it. For instance, his top priority is improving Oregon's funding for K-12 and higher education, which he says ranks among the lowest in the nation. He would find money by eliminating the corporate kicker and allowing communities to expand systems-development charges to pay for school construction.
He would be a strong advocate for doing the people's business in public and giving citizens the same access as lobbyists. He wants to put more money into providing health insurance for children and combating meth addiction.
But, here's the big story of the race. So far, Donna Nelson has raised absolutely zero dollars for her campaign this year (though she is sitting on $12,500 from previous campaigns.)
Sal Peralta has managed to raise $12,000 - almost all of it in small donations. This might just be a race where the netroots could make a big difference. Just 100 readers, donating $50 each, would make a huge $5000 splash in his campaign. If 240 readers showed up with $50 each, we'd double Peralta's campaign "warchest".
Let's do it. Donate to Sal Peralta now.
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Oct 13, '06
Kari--
Thanks for posting this! Sal is running a campaign that should become a model for Democratic candidates in GOP held districts. He has met one on one with countless community leaders to let them know who he is and what he is all about, and that has resulted in a number of surprising endorsements. He has used his time and resources in a very creative and effective way.
If there is any truth to the idea that the type of legislator you will be is reflected by the type of campaign you run, Sal is going to be an outstanding state rep. With just a handful of weeks to go, a push of support now could make a huge difference in this race.
Oct 13, '06
I cannot think of a more deserving candidate in Oregon this year. I was just in McMinnville on Sat. and saw Sal's new campaign spot and it's brilliant. Please contribute to buy a lot more airtime and we can all create one of the biggest upsets in Oregon on Election Day.
BTW, Sal Peralta endorses Measures 46 & 47 to get the BIG money out of Oregon politics.
2:38 a.m.
Oct 15, '06
Thanks for posting this, Kari. I was driving through Dundee yesterday, saw a few signs for him, and it was cool to know something about him.
And, yes, I made a donation through your link "Act Blue". Happy to support a candidate who thinks properly funding education is a priority.
8:58 a.m.
Oct 15, '06
Thanks Kari, and everyone who has contributed to the campaign for the support. You have no idea how much the money we've raised in the last few days means to my campaign.
I have no doubt that if each of us continues to do what we can, we will do what we must and take back the Oregon House.
When that happens, schools will be better-funded, fewer Oregonians will be without health insurance, fewer kids will go to bed hungy, and workers wqill get a better shake from state government than they've had in decades.
For what it's worth, House Republicans are spending money in the district this cycle. They're running a poll in the district right now, and the Republican Party of Oregon is distributing fliers on my opponent's behalf.
I expect that a great deal of independent expenditure money will be spent in-district during the next few weeks.
Oct 15, '06
God, the idea that District 24 might actually elect a reasonable legislator has me jittering with excitement.
I grew up in McMinnville (MHS '00), and remember a pretty steady stream of dim bulbs occupying that seat. To anyone who thinks that term limits are a good idea, I have one thing to say to you: Leslie Lewis chairing the House Education Committee.
Sorry I can't vote for you now Sal, since I'm registered in SW Portland now, but godspeed, dude.
Oct 24, '06