Blumenauer: Why I'm Not Running
By Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland). Learn more at EarlBlumenauer.com
For the last year I have fielded questions and comments about me running for the Senate.
After Peter DeFazio announced his decision not to run for the Senate, the race became an unavoidable topic. I said I would look at it and consider whether a candidacy made sense for me and my family. At this time, it does not, and I have decided not to run for the US Senate.
This was not an easy decision. There is no question that Gordon Smith is vulnerable to defeat. His post-election turnaround on Iraq leaves no doubt that he knows he's out of step with most Oregonians. Gordon Smith and the Republicans were supporters and enablers of the Bush/Cheney Administration and its disastrous policies not just in Iraq but, on the environment, impeding and influencing justice, questionable political appointees, Terry Schiavo........ The list is extensive on the many ways Gordon Smith and George W. Bush are out of step with Oregon.
There is also no doubt that the Senate Democrats under the Chairmanship of Senator Chuck Schumer are poised to build on their 2006 success, with all the resources necessary to wage a winning campaign.
The difficulty in even doing the ground work to evaluate the race was that I have an important, all consuming day job. After years of working in the minority, fighting the Bush administration and Tom DeLay to stop reckless policies and promote Oregon priorities, the world has dramatically changed.
My issues, from ending the Iraq war to stopping global warming, to making sure everyone has health care they can afford, a quality education, and a good job, have gained not just attention, but traction and even momentum. My committee assignments put me in the best possible position to deal with these priorities everyday. I’ve been working for over a decade to get on the Ways and Means Committee and to regain a Democratic majority. I say with January both of these dreams become a reality. Speaker Nancy Pelosi also chose me to serve on the new Global Warming and Energy Independence Committee.
At this unique moment in history there is too much work to be done in the House of Representatives to take on a campaign for the US Senate.
The winning candidate should devote 100 percent effort for the next 18 months to overcome the onslaught that will come from the incumbent, Karl Rove and the Bush White House, and the many special interests who want to keep Smith in office.
I look forward to fighting hard to replace Gordon Smith with a progressive leader for Oregon and continuing to work with the Democratic leadership in the House and the Senate to strengthen our majorities while we hold the Bush administration and their Republican allies accountable in 2008.
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May 16, 2007 |
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Comments
Posted by: . | May 16, 2007 8:23:04 AM
Crap, crap, crap!!
Who do we recruit now?
It goes without saying, but we absolutely NEED to get Smith OUT this time around.
I was disappointed when DeFazio declined to run, but now I am starting to get really worried... what other progressive is there that has statewide name recognition and appeal?
Posted by: Jeff Alworth | May 16, 2007 8:26:27 AM
Is it possible to have strong ambivalence? That's what I'm feeling right now. I'm saddened to lose you as a possible next Senator; I think you'd do a great job. However, as a constituent of the third district, I'm also happy to know you'll be plugging away in the House. Wow....
Posted by: torridjoe | May 16, 2007 8:29:27 AM
Booo. Earl, don't you realize that for all your newfound power, everything you do will simply be blocked in the Senate because of hacks like Gordon Smith? How's that Obey bill going in the Senate, for instance? And I'm so glad we're all enjoying the increase in the minimum wage--whoops, that's been held up in an effort to appease Republicans too. Dang.
I don't blame you for not running--that's a personal decision. But I can't agree it's more important for you to be one of 230 instead of one of 54 or 55.
Posted by: Jeff Alworth | May 16, 2007 8:32:21 AM
I should say, as the comments pour in, that I don't mean to suggest that Steve Novick isn't a good candidate. I had just hoped to see a lively pool compete to take out Smith. A little excitement could be good for the campaign. I'm high on Steve!
Posted by: Faolan | May 16, 2007 8:38:03 AM
I think I have to echo Jeff here. I am a 3rd district constituent and so I am happy that I and my family will be represented by Earl Blumenauer in the House. But I had high hopes the Earl might also make a great Senator.
I think now that Steve Novick is the man. I was already very impressed by his credentials and his smarts. The only man who could step forward now and take it away from him is Dr. K in my opinion. I would be delighted to see either of them smack Gordo around the block a few times so I'll be happy either way.
We need now to start giving to Novick and or the Stop Gordon Smith site. Gordo must go.
Posted by: dartagnan | May 16, 2007 8:38:22 AM
"Crap, crap, crap!!"
And again, crap!!!
I have to think Gordo isn't as vulnerable as some claim he is, or Dems would be lining up to run against him instead of running away.
Posted by: Charlie Burr | May 16, 2007 8:43:07 AM
Here's Novick's response:
I respect Congressman Blumenauer’s decision and, as always, am proud that he is my Congressman. He will continue to be a strong progressive force in the House of Representatives.I will continue to run the campaign I began a month ago. I am running because we need universal health care and we need to get control of rising health care costs. I am running because we need to fight global warming and achieve energy independence. I am running because we need fiscal responsibility in Washington. I am running because we cannot continue to tolerate runaway economic unfairness – the growing gap between the rich and powerful and the rest of us. I am running because we do not need a Senator who has recently taken to posing as an anti-war hero, but supported the fiasco in Iraq for four years – and who even now supports John McCain for President – John McCain, the one candidate totally committed to continuing the war in Iraq.
I will continue to campaign on those issues. And I am going to beat Gordon Smith.
Folks can contribute here.
Posted by: Jeff Alworth | May 16, 2007 8:45:06 AM
Steve Novick, another 3rd District constituent, already has a response up on his website:
I respect Congressman Blumenauer’s decision and, as always, am proud that he is my Congressman. He will continue to be a strong progressive force in the House of Representatives.I will continue to run the campaign I began a month ago. I am running because we need universal health care and we need to get control of rising health care costs. I am running because we need to fight global warming and achieve energy independence. I am running because we need fiscal responsibility in Washington. I am running because we cannot continue to tolerate runaway economic unfairness – the growing gap between the rich and powerful and the rest of us. I am running because we do not need a Senator who has recently taken to posing as an anti-war hero, but supported the fiasco in Iraq for four years – and who even now supports John McCain for President – John McCain, the one candidate totally committed to continuing the war in Iraq.
I will continue to campaign on those issues. And I am going to beat Gordon Smith.
Maybe we should chip something into his coffers to show that we're ready to take down Smith.
Posted by: Charlie Burr | May 16, 2007 8:54:26 AM
Great minds think alike. Or something like that. :)
Posted by: Dan Grady | May 16, 2007 9:06:11 AM
SAVE DEMOCRACY, VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT!!
I have posted on numerous occasions that the man we should tap as our candidate should have the credentials to win statewide, should have national recognition for a ethical backbone.
I again offer my enduring endorsement for the candidacy of the previous candidate of 2002, the Honorable Bill Bradbury! There is no candidate that can as effectively offer a history that should have been had the electorate not voted for Gordon Smith. He has the standing to silence any criticism with the past debates sound bites, and campaign fubars of Gordon Smith's last election and subsequent voting record!
The above reasons are not just cost effective, but completely reputable when the opposition wishes to push back. The candidate that was consistent in 2002 will make a simple splice the irrefutable rebuttal!
I want to back a winner! I want to pound the pavement for a real progressive that will win, not can win, will win!
I implore the Democrats of Oregon to consider the imperative before us, we need a broad understanding that a Democrat must come out of Oregon this next Senatorial Election for our Democracy to be restored us. I pray my fellow Democrats will see the wisdom of this proposal, and the desperation of our cause to the survival of the greatest human experiment, Our American Democracy!
Happy Thoughts;
Dan Grady
Posted by: Vic | May 16, 2007 9:17:26 AM
It's time for Kitzhaber. He has the name recognition and reputation to beat Smith. Plus, he'll have a perfect platform to address the healthcare issues he cares about so deeply. The powers that be should be courting him. I believe he can be convinced to run.
Posted by: You Ain't Nothin But a Hound Dog | May 16, 2007 9:18:53 AM
Sure they are entitled to consider.
Sure they are entitled to decline.
But for two guys who never wanted to run for this seat they both sure ate up the clock and encouraged a lot of self-serving speculation.
Quite the display of peacock feathers, gentelmen. So coy.
And so now that Young Elvis and Elvis In Hawaii have both finally left the building let's start capaigning behind the candidate who're ready and willing to serve: Steve Novick.
Posted by: paulie | May 16, 2007 9:21:22 AM
Kari said it. Let's not wait for a candidate, get organized. We need to lay the foundation for the dark horse candidate.
Posted by: Interested Observer | May 16, 2007 9:23:17 AM
Well we have one more prominent "A list" candidate to hope for - Speaker Jeff Merkley. I heard that senior DSCC staff met with him a few weeks ago. If Merkley decides not to run I say we get behind Novick 100%.
Posted by: torridjoe | May 16, 2007 9:26:42 AM
We're still very early in the cycle; I think both DeFazio and Blumenauer bowed out with plenty of time. I disagree that they dragged their feet on the decision.
It's time for Steve, IMO. Let's not denigrate his viable candidacy any longer by talking about wishlist candidates. We have someone who wants to run, who can win, and who represents a strong progressive agenda. The pros have declined, and maybe we should take that as a sign that it's time for the more pure campaign of an amateur.
Posted by: JMG | May 16, 2007 9:33:05 AM
I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't say this, but I am just so SICK of so-called progressives being manic-depressive around candidates like Novick.
First they constantly whine about corporate influence and the terrible positions of the GOP, but when presented with an authentic progressive candidate like Novick running as a Democrat they immediately start convincing themselves that "this guy can't possibly win."
I got news for you---until they started winning elections, Peter DeFazio, Jon Tester, Bernie Sanders, Paul Wellstone, and Russ Feingold were ALL Steve Novick's.
What's especially sad is how weak and defeatist the visitors to this site are--they have so much learned helplessness that the prospect of a race that isn't a gimme from the start has them convinced that defeat is inevitable. Thus, they spend all their time looking for the magical messiah candidate, someone they think can win in a walk.
Well, it's not going to happen--there are no rollovers against an incumbent US Senator. But thank God Claire McCaskill, Sherrod Brown, and Jim Webb, Bob Casey, and that guy in RI (Whitehouse) didn't think that a tough race couldn't be won, the way the anti-Novicks on this site do.
If Gordon Smith wins in 2008 it will only be because of lilly-livered Democrats who would rather sit around fantasizing about the messiah candidate than work to elect an outstanding flesh (mostly) and blood human.
Posted by: Sadie | May 16, 2007 9:33:07 AM
I still think Senator Brad Avakian would be a great choice, here are my reasons why:
1. You will have to search hard to find somebody who is better respected in Washington County. And as we who have worked in Oregon elections know, Washington County is an all important swing county.
2. As a Senator for district 17, he represents part of Multnomah County and should not have trouble getting the PDX vote, too.
3. He is a state senator, so he doesn't have to worry about losing a seat in Washington D.C. to run.
4. It would be a fun campaign to volunteer for and contribute to.
Posted by: Dan Grady | May 16, 2007 9:39:02 AM
SAVE DEMOCRACY, VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT!!
This blog has been running from the obvious for the duration!
Bill Bradbury was a sacrificial lamb in 2002, but he instead made a good fight by staying principled, and right on the issues.
Bill Bradbury has a ready made national issue that should be front and center in the next cycle, fair elections. He is a reliable expert in the eyes of the nation.
Bill Bradbury is a true progressive.
Bill Bradbury has a Bill Bradley aire about him that will play very well in debates, and on the campaign, he has the height, and substance of a Senatorial candidate!
If his loss in the 2002 election is the hold-back factor, I would insist this is the reason he has the best chance! He represents history in a reflection of what the electorate did that resulted in Iraq, and the candidate that could have been!
Happy Thoughts;
Dan Grady
Posted by: Karol | May 16, 2007 10:39:38 AM
Any women statewide we can think of that would have a shot? I can't offer options, curious if anyone else can.
Posted by: LT | May 16, 2007 10:55:16 AM
A legislator would be a great choice to run against former Oregon State Senate President Gordon Smith.
Les AuCoin would not be a great choice--look at the people he alienated in the state senate when he was appointed to Forestry Board. His attitude was not one which was inclined to win friends and influence people. For more detail, see http://www.counterpunch.org/donnelly03232005.html
The winning candidate will fit this description:
The winning candidate should devote 100 percent effort for the next 18 months to overcome the onslaught that will come from the incumbent, Karl Rove and the Bush White House, and the many special interests who want to keep Smith in office.
and will campaign around the state.
A strong grass roots component (showing up in all counties doing town hall style meetings where ordinary people can ask questions and share concerns, for instance) is what will defeat Gordon. It will take the votes of Democrats, those who don't register with a party, and maybe a few Republicans to replace Gordon Smith.
Any truth to the rumor that John Frohnmayer is considering running?
Posted by: Colin Maloney | May 16, 2007 10:55:26 AM
Um... we don't need to "wait for a candidate." We already have one who can beat Gordon Smith, and his name is Steve Novick.
Bill Bradbury, who is someone that I greatly admire, is not in the best of health and I don't think that a statewide race would be really taxing on him. It didn't go so well last time either...
Early money is important, so please donate to Steve Novick's campaign now. All of us in Oregon have $50 of "free money" in the form of the Political Contribution Tax Credit, so let's send them his way. (i've already sent him mine for 2007.)
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | May 16, 2007 10:56:20 AM
But thank God Claire McCaskill, Sherrod Brown, and Jim Webb, Bob Casey, and that guy in RI (Whitehouse) didn't think that a tough race couldn't be won, the way the anti-Novicks on this site do.
Claire McCaskill - State Treasurer
Sherrod Brown - Congressman
Jim Webb - fmr Secretary of the Navy
Bob Casey - State Treasurer
Sheldon Whitehouse - Attorney General
Steve Novick will make a fine candidate, but it sure would be nice to have some interest from a statewide elected, a member of congress, or a legislative leader.
If I'm tracking this right, we're down to State Treasurer Randall Edwards and Congressman David Wu on the statewides and congressionals.
Over at DailyKos.com, Markos mentions Speaker Jeff Merkley and Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown:
At this point, we have writer Steve Novick in the race, as well as interest from Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley, Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown, and a couple of other state legislators.
Personally, I'd be thrilled if Jeff Merkley would get into the race. He's doing a phenomenal job as Speaker, and I'm not sure I'd want to see him leave that spot -- but man, given how tough he fought with Karen Minnis -- bring on Gordon Smith.
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | May 16, 2007 11:06:23 AM
Any women statewide we can think of that would have a shot? I can't offer options, curious if anyone else can.
Supt of Public Instruction Susan Castillo has already said she's out. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley has said she's out.
As I mentioned above, Senator Kate Brown would be a solid candidate. And hey -- what about Governor Barbara Roberts? Haven't heard much mention about her... and maybe she's not interested, but hot damn...
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | May 16, 2007 11:20:38 AM
If I'm tracking this right, we're down to State Treasurer Randall Edwards and Congressman David Wu on the statewides and congressionals.
Correcting myself: Secretary of State Bill Bradbury and Governor Ted Kulongoski haven't ruled themselves out yet -- though I'd be surprised if either was seriously considering a run.
Posted by: Blaine Palmer | May 16, 2007 11:34:03 AM
I'm with JMG in supporting an authentic progressive candidate like Novick.
Besides his impressive credentials in government (ten years in the Justice Department) and as an advocate (challenging lottery retailers), Steve has something over all these other hypothetical candidates: he's a fabulous communicator.
Anyone who's heard Steve speak, or read interviews with him gets this. His points are as clear and sharp as a nail and he hammers them home with wit and righteousness.
Name recognition is only worthwhile if voters have a positive association with it. As voters get to know Steve Novick, they're going to be very, very positive.
Posted by: Bill Bodden | May 16, 2007 11:43:44 AM
Given how superficial many voters are, I figured the deck is stacked in favor of Smith against Steve Novick, but with no other solid candidates offering to run against Smith we should be grateful that Steve is running and give him all the support we can. At a minimum, Steve will be right on the issues and in a position to put Smith on the defensive - and maybe give more voters a chance to recognize the difference between form and substance. With strong support and a little luck Steve could beat the suggested odds against him and join Russ Feingold and Bernie Sanders in the senate.
Posted by: bc | May 16, 2007 11:47:54 AM
As long as we're recyling: what's Phil Kiesling up to these days, besides open primaries? Jim Hill? Both won statewide.
Novick sounds great. I'm still hoping for Kitz.
Posted by: Jenni Simonis | May 16, 2007 11:50:08 AM
I'm just wondering how many times Kitz has to say "no" before people finally understand that he means no.
- - - - - -
From the AP article on Blumenauer not running:
Republicans, meanwhile, couldn't disguise their satisfaction at Blumenauer's decision.
"With first DeFazio and now Blumenauer, we are happy to see that Oregon Democrats agree on the popularity and strength of Senator Smith," said Rebecca Fisher, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Commission. "We are not taking any races for granted this cycle, but with the first top tier, and now the second tier taking their selves out of the race, we're more comfortable with what is going on out there."
And:
Though the Democratic field is still unclear, Smith is already in campaign mode. He recently staked out moderate positions on issues from children's health insurance to the war in Iraq, and took out a full-page ad in local newspapers touting Democratic and Independent supporters.
Posted by: John Mulvey | May 16, 2007 11:51:59 AM
Here's a galling quote from the R's:
"With first DeFazio and now Blumenauer, we are happy to see that Oregon Democrats agree on the popularity and strength of Senator Smith," said Rebecca Fisher, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Commission.
Posted by: JMG | May 16, 2007 12:13:42 PM
Why galling? All she would have to do is come to BlueOregon to find support for her position.
How 'bout we get something about Novick on top of this page, rather than a big story about why Earl isn't running, to follow the big stories about why Peter isn't running, which followed all the stories about whether John could be talked into running ...
Until places like BlueOregon stop pretending that Gordon Smith is some giant that only one of a select few gladiators could slay, you better get used to hearing that message repeated back to you, and having it become the received wisdom in the media.
When you attack Novick for not being Earl or Peter or John or Darlene or Bill, you are doing Gordon's work for him. Keep it up and you are making the reality you claim to want to avoid.
Posted by: John Mulvey | May 16, 2007 12:14:07 PM
Sorry for duplicating Jenni's quote.
I really like Jim Hill and Bill Bradbury but I wonder if they'd do it and if they'd get much traction. Dems tend to give people one at-bat and then they're out, unfortunately.
Novick is the man. Can we start planning the 18 debates now?
-John
Posted by: Dan Grady | May 16, 2007 12:14:52 PM
SAVE DEMOCRACY, VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT!!
Posted by: Colin Maloney | May 16, 2007 10:55:26 AM
I would like to know if this claim of Bill's health as a campaign issue has any substance other than the insinuation that his disease would disable his path to victory!! I would like to hear any substantive argument about Mr. Bradbury's condition and any effect it would have on his continued service!!
I find anecdotal evidence, and or hideous insinuation of his disease as campaign issues as cowardice that may well have the presumption of calling out those who would make such arguments! I believe this condition is a positive factor in his proposed bid of the Senate!
I have a hard time with why the progressive voices have a cold shoulder for a man who shows up for every meeting, function, or commitment that any other politician would delegate to staff, or worse devote his time to the lobbyist!
Happy Thoughts;
Dan Grady
Posted by: JMG | May 16, 2007 12:26:44 PM
SAVE DEMOCRACY!!! VOTE FOR AN ANNOUNCED DEMOCRAT WHO IS ACTUALLY SEEKING THE NOMINATION!!!
Posted by: Jeff Alworth | May 16, 2007 12:35:12 PM
Until places like BlueOregon stop pretending that Gordon Smith is some giant that only one of a select few gladiators could slay, you better get used to hearing that message repeated back to you, and having it become the received wisdom in the media.
Any evidence for this? Easy to say, but it certainly isn't my experience.
Posted by: Dan Grady | May 16, 2007 12:57:54 PM
SAVE DEMOCRACY!!! VOTE FOR AN ANNOUNCED DEMOCRAT WHO IS ACTUALLY SEEKING THE NOMINATION!!!
Why do we have to have a candidate in May of '07 for an election that won't happen until next year?? If your answer is money, I don't think so since the money will not come out of people's pockett until the race really starts and the DNC decides who to back!
I truly believe that Bill Bradbury will be embraced in this race by the DNC & DSCC this time around. The right candidate will match Smith's war chest in a hurry when the race gets started. The old finance models are out of gas, the web has seen to that.
Happy Thoughts;
Dan Grady
Posted by: JMG | May 16, 2007 1:00:59 PM
I need to cite evidence to establish that the GOP will sift through BlueOregon comments to find nuggets useful for them, and will feed those nuggets to the media as often as they can?
Or are you saying that I need to prove, in advance of the election, that Smith can be beaten before you'll think he can be beaten?
Every incumbent is presumably unbeatable, by the numbers. Until they're beaten, when suddenly people realize that the numbers didn't catch the shift in the electorate. In WA, Loonie Linda Smith knocks off entrenched liberal incumbent Jolene Unsoeld and suddenly Smith is unbeatable -- until she barely survives her first re-election campaign. George Allen is getting ready to run for the White House--until he loses to Webb. The same year that Washington's Maria Cantwell knocked off Skeletor Slade Gorton, Debbie Stabenow knocked off Spence Abraham in Michigan.
The bottom line is that Gordon Smith talks like an Oregonian and votes like Trent Lott. He's beatable for that reason alone. It's that simple.
But, as the saying goes, whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right. So just keep promoting people who _aren't_ seeking the nomination over Novick and you'll get to say "Told you so!" in November 2008.
Posted by: Dan Grady | May 16, 2007 1:18:43 PM
SAVE DEMOCRACY, VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT!!
But, as the saying goes, whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right. So just keep promoting people who _aren't_ seeking the nomination over Novick and you'll get to say "Told you so!" in November 2008. // JMG
I hear your impatience as you make points for Mr. Novick, what I don't hear is why Novick is the best candidate other than he's the first candidate in the race! Is that the bulk of your argument, first come - first serve? We should recruit Bradbury as a candidate that should have been, and now will be!
Happy Thoughts;
Dan Grady
Posted by: Grant Schott | May 16, 2007 1:21:28 PM
AL though I'm happy that Steve is running,I hope we have someone with statewide name recognition run. Kari mentioned Babara Roberts , who I've thought of before. ALthough she is 71, she us a youthful 71 and a great campaigner.
I think that Les AuCoin must still want it despite his bruising '92 race against Packwood.
Posted by: Jeremy | May 16, 2007 1:34:24 PM
What about somebody like Randy Leonard or Sam Adams? That would be so hot.
Posted by: Garlynn - http://undergroundscience.blogspot.com | May 16, 2007 1:54:30 PM
Remember that we're first fielding candidates for a primary election, after which there will be a general election. Smith is only on the ballot for most of us in the general.
That means that we should really be looking for two strong candidates to run. Sure, Steve Novick would probably make a helluva senator, and he would probably wipe the floors with Smith's rhetoric during a debate and an election.
But I'd also like to see him demonstrate his prowess by beating a better-known candidate during the primary. That would certainly heighten his elect-ability during the general.
Using Blumenauer's logic, neither Teddy K nor Bradbury is qualified to run in this race, unless they're willing to give up their days job to do so. As much as I'd like to see either of them run, I don't want that race to come at the expense of their job performance at the task that they have already been elected to do.
The candidates from the State Legislature, on the other hand, might be more promising, simply because Oregon does not have a full-time legislature, and therefore they theoretically will have some time off from their elected positions, during which they could conduct the affairs necessary to run this race properly.
Right?
Posted by: Carl Fisher | May 16, 2007 1:55:52 PM
In response to Mr. Grady: As of right now Mr. Novick is the best candidate out of the two declared running. Ty Pettit is currently the only other candidate in this race. I'm not seeing the energy from the Pettit campaign that is being generated from team Novick.
Steve is a solid progressive, has a fire in his belly that I have never seen in any candidate in recent Oregon history. When the time comes for a Novick-Smith debate (provided Gordo shows up) we're going to see the most provocative and informative debate we've seen in a long time. I would vote for him regardless of who the other candidates were in the race.
I think it's great that you think Mr. Bradbury should run, start a draft movement and see who you can get. Some of us are solidly behind Steve, others haven't even thought about the race yet. Good Luck sir.
Posted by: Urban Planning Overlord | May 16, 2007 2:00:16 PM
It's time for Doc K to step to the plate. I know it's not likely, but we can dream, can't we?
Posted by: lestatdelc | May 16, 2007 2:02:42 PM
Why is Novick the best candidate?
Simple, he gets it. He knows what accountability is, having fought tooth and nail to hold corporate polluters to account and pay for the damage they caused, not the taxpayers and homeowners who we harmed by their actions.
He knows policy, and the impact of policy inside and out on both a micro and macro level since that is what he has done for decades now. He has the legal expertise as well as the intellectual tools to be effective and knowledgeable about the vast array of issues we face, both here in Oregon as well as nationally and internationally (global environmental issues do not respect lines on a map).
He is solidly progressive, has the skills and the record of standing up for what's right, knows the in's and out's of the legislative as well as legal and regulatory processes.
He has the education and the intellect to be an outstanding representative of and for Oregon in the United States Senate, yet he has the populist/progressive perspective to not be in the pockets of anyone. He comes from a a rural community, knows first hand the toll those communities have taken when education and budget crunches hit their first.
As was mentioned up-thread, progressives have a real progressive, with the skill-set and background to be a great Senator, yet progressives bemoan that he isn't a machine politician and in the pockets of the party or electoral machine, nor is he in the pockets of corporate puppeteer/profiteers, and hence is not "electable"...?
Color me confused as to the hand-wringing over Novick.
I stand behind him, and continue to do so. I hope others join me in realizing the merits of the candidate right in front of us, who is asking for our support. He has mine.
Posted by: frank carper | May 16, 2007 2:13:21 PM
Color me confused as to the hand-wringing over Novick.
really? can he raise the 5 million it's going to take?
can you name a single challenger that defeated a sitting senator that wasn't
A: elected to lower office first
B: a previous candidate for statewide office
C: a senate-confirmed presidential appointee
D: a millionaire
name just one. how far back do you have to go?
will steve novick be the first?
Posted by: Disappointed in Tualatin | May 16, 2007 2:14:24 PM
Does anyone have a copy of Earl's press conference call from today? Willamette Week is reporting (http://www.wweek.com/wwire/?p=7959) that Earl slighted Steve Novick and I was hoping to read the whole transcript to see the complete context.
Posted by: pedro | May 16, 2007 2:17:34 PM
iteresting that kos mentions merkley, wonder what he's heard?
a primary between novick and merkley would be quite odd, i can't imagine that they'd be that different ideologically, and i can't imagine them attacking eachother.
Posted by: Greg | May 16, 2007 2:25:17 PM
Oregon's an odd state. I guess I'm both surprised and not surprised that people aren't taking Novick as seriously as he should be.
What about someone from the Portland City Council? It's not quite state-wide appeal, but one of them might be able to catch fire?
Post a comment
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | May 16, 2007 8:18:01 AM
This just makes it that much more critical that we continue to organize the campaign against Gordon Smith. Head on over to the DPO's StopGordonSmith.com and sign up. We don't have to wait for a candidate to start the campaign.
[Full disclosure - I built that site.]