HD47: Jefferson Smith is in.
Jefferson Smith, the founder of the Bus Project, is running for State Representative in House District 47. The district includes a big chunk of the outer east side of Portland (map). The seat is presently held by Rep. Jeff Merkley.
I am honored to be running for the Oregon State House to represent District 47. With strong community focus and a lot of hard work, we can make some real change: ever-better schools, improved health care, a stronger and fairer economy, broader home ownership and a system that works better for people.
Donate via ActBlue. Visit JeffersonSmith.com for more.
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October 1, 2007 |
open discussion | Comments (106 so far)
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Comments
Posted by: Joe Baessler | Oct 1, 2007 12:52:48 PM
Nice Picture.
Jeff is one of my best friends and he will be a fantastic legislator. I know him better than most and help start the Bus Project. I’m honored to support him. We are lucky to have him run.
Before someone asks: Jefferson does, in fact, know that replacing Jeff Merkley does not automatically make him the Speaker. Otherwise he would have run against Minis years ago.
Joe Baessler
Posted by: Elizabeth | Oct 1, 2007 1:04:25 PM
Congratulations, Jeff.
Oregon is lucky to have such a smart, compassionate person running for public office.
Jefferson represents the ideals people are looking for today in a state rep: honest,
sharp, caring, and ready to go the mat for Oregon citizens.
Let's all get out there and do everything we can to help him change our little corner
of the world!
Posted by: Rahna | Oct 1, 2007 1:08:46 PM
This is very exciting! Jefferson is going to be a great State Rep. He is a forward thinker that will shake up the Oregon legislature and bring new, innovative and intelligent ideas to the people. I am thrilled! It's about time.
Posted by: Jeff Alworth | Oct 1, 2007 1:09:16 PM
More young, engaged liberals running for office. Is a golden era in Salem long away? And the more Jeffs the merrier, as far as I'm concerned!
Posted by: shannon greenfield | Oct 1, 2007 1:10:40 PM
Jefferson is a fresh breath of air, and I'm excited that he's taking the innovative, inclusive approach that he developed at the Bus Project to District 47.
He is sincerely skilled at getting people involved in the political process, and this and many other districts in the state could benefit from someone who brings energy and enthusiasm to local government. He'd have my vote!
Posted by: Galen | Oct 1, 2007 1:18:02 PM
This is great news. I have immense respect and admiration for Jeff, and he will be a superb legislator for District 47.
Posted by: Katy | Oct 1, 2007 1:18:16 PM
I'm Katy,I'm engaged to Jeff. I grew up in the district. It's an area that really needs strong representation.
My elementary school, Lincoln Park, how has 99-100% of its students on free or reduced lunch. The David Douglas school distict as a whole has 70% of its students on free or reduced price lunch.
There is no one I'd rather have representing my neighborhood than Jeff.Over the last weeks, as he's been listening to local leaders, he's really come alive and I see how excited people are getting.
A guy at the Glenfair Neighborhood Association said just last week "You're just what this district's been waiting for," and I couldn't agree more.
Posted by: Andrew Hall | Oct 1, 2007 1:27:01 PM
Those of you who have not met Jefferson or heard him speak are in for a pleasant surprise. He's a smart guy and an inspiring speaker, and he will know how to move people to action in Salem. I look forward to his campaign.
Posted by: Andrew Simon | Oct 1, 2007 1:42:50 PM
He's a great guy and he'll be a great legislator.
Posted by: James Mattiace | Oct 1, 2007 1:57:29 PM
It is truly going to be one heck of session in 2009. I was excited to see the work the 5 under 35 (C. Edwards, D. Edwards, Reed, Gelser, Clem) did this past session. Adding in Jefferson Smith's voice to speak passionately and eloquently about issues facing younger (and older) Oregonians is fantastic.
Jeff is a guy who "gets it" and I can't imagine a more solid individual to be a citizen legislator.
I think a new afternoon is approaching and the basic premise of the Bus (people power vs money power) has a chance to make Oregon an even greater state. (hat tip to all the other groups that have been pounding away at that for years ie. Ghandi; whose birthday is tomorrow)
From Morocco, this is James Mattiace. Back to you Kari.
NB: I was not comparing Jeff to Ghandi, just recognizing that the Bus is nothing new in terms of mobilizing people and it happened to be his (Ghandi's) birthday tomorrow.
NB: Not that you need to celebrate Ghandi's birthday or anything, just served as a useful allegory. In fact I didn't even know about the birthday until my friend Carol Van Houten from CALC (Eugene) emailed about the celebration.
Posted by: Bert Lowry | Oct 1, 2007 1:57:31 PM
I can't imagine anyone better for the job.
Posted by: t.a. barnhart | Oct 1, 2007 1:59:09 PM
and he'll make the fastest campaign speeches in the state.
this is great news. we're losing a great Speaker, but Jefferson will be a fabulous member of a strong House (under Speaker Sara Gelser...).
Posted by: Bdunn | Oct 1, 2007 2:01:48 PM
Jeff has an amazing way asking "why do we have to do it that way" and then proceeding to throw away the box for some new and better idea. We need that kind of thinking in Salem.
Seriously floor speeches are going to way more fun next session.
Posted by: Jake Oliver | Oct 1, 2007 2:05:43 PM
GO JEFF GO!
Posted by: Zoe Walmer | Oct 1, 2007 2:10:12 PM
I've known Jeff for almost 4 years and he has always worked tirelessly to engage new people in politics. I know that as a Rep he'll keep fighting for what's right and listening to the voices of everyone in the district.
Jeff's passion, brilliance, and committment will be great assets to him throughout his campaign and term of office, but history will remember him as Oregon's only Rep who could speak to his entire district at once with his unamplified voice.
PS--I heard Chuck Norris wanted to run for this seat, but backed down when he found out Jeff would be his opponent.
Posted by: Ben Matasar | Oct 1, 2007 2:19:01 PM
I've known Jeff through the Bus Project for going on five years, and I think if everyone in politics was as good as Jefferson we'd be in much better shape.
My check is in the mail, and I look forward to walking for Jeff this season.
Ben
Posted by: Jenni Simonis | Oct 1, 2007 2:19:44 PM
Boy, I wonder how many more of my friends are going to be running for office next year.
We're all going to be too busy on our own campaigns to help each other. ; )
Jeff--
Planning any snow day canvasses? ; p
Posted by: Mac Prichard | Oct 1, 2007 2:24:16 PM
I'm glad to see Jeff jump into this race. I've worked with him for the last two years as a member of the Bus Project Foundation board and have been consistently impressed by his leadership and his ability to inspire political change. Jeff will run a great grassroots campaign and do a terrific job representing House District 47 in Salem!
Posted by: Duke Shepard | Oct 1, 2007 2:26:08 PM
Jefferson will be a great voice for us in east Portland and east Multnomah county and I'll be pleased to vote for him.
He's got a tough act to follow, but he's the right person for the job. I want a legislator with ideas, energy, and a work ethic, and Jefferson sure fits the bill.
Posted by: Grant Schott | Oct 1, 2007 2:26:38 PM
With the low pay and irregular schedule of a state legislator, it's amazing that anyone would run, especially anyone with talent who could be successful in so many areas. Fortunately, many good folks do step up, as we saw with the class of '06. Jeff is a great start for the class of '08.
Posted by: Jenni Simonis | Oct 1, 2007 2:33:49 PM
I wouldn't say Jeff is a good start for 2008. I'd say he's continuing with the trend, as we already have some great candidates who announced some time ago.
Cyreena Boston, for example, announced weeks ago and has been knocking on doors for some time now. I've known Cyreena for more than a year and a half, and worked with her at the Donkey Stable last year. She's a great candidate and I look forward to seeing her down in Salem.
Disclaimer: I've been working on the Friends of Cyreena Boston web site, but I only speak for myself.
Posted by: Portland Dem | Oct 1, 2007 2:38:07 PM
I've know Jeff since before he was born and he was an amazing zygote!
Posted by: Sal Peralta | Oct 1, 2007 2:43:22 PM
Give 'em hell, Jeff.
Posted by: Albert | Oct 1, 2007 2:44:30 PM
I'm a big Jefferson fan - have been since I met him. I think he'll make a good governor at some point - or really, whatever he wants to take on :) Go Jeff!
Posted by: Zygotes for Smith | Oct 1, 2007 2:48:37 PM
"He was an amazing Zygote."
Hilarious.
That's gotta be on the lit.
Posted by: Mac Prichard | Oct 1, 2007 2:49:35 PM
I'm glad to see Jeff jump into this race. I've worked with him for the last two years as a member of the Bus Project Foundation board and have been consistently impressed by his leadership and his ability to inspire political change. Jeff will run a great grassroots campaign and do a terrific job representing House District 47 in Salem!
Posted by: Emily Matasar | Oct 1, 2007 3:11:10 PM
I respect Jefferson as a politician and as a friend, and am eager to help him in his campaign.
Posted by: Helena Huang | Oct 1, 2007 3:12:29 PM
As a recent transplant from the east coast and new Bus board member, I can tell you Jefferson and his work with the Bus Project are not only respected here in Oregon, but around the country as well. And for good reason: Jefferson is a big picture thinker who embodies the saying, "Think globally, act locally".
I have no doubt, he will represent district 47 well.
Helena Huang
Posted by: qer | Oct 1, 2007 3:46:01 PM
hate to break up the Bus Project backslapping, but Jeff isn't even registered to vote in District 47. What's his connection to the area?
Posted by: gold | Oct 1, 2007 3:49:44 PM
Wait, let’s get serious here. Do you know who we are talking about? Jefferson Smith- the creator and leader of a fluff organization that feels so good but really isn't effective. Jefferson Smith- the carpet bagger. Jefferson Smith- they guy with cheese residue clinging to his hip sports coat. Jefferson Smith- product of having just too damn many undeserved opportunities. Please, let’s not go overboard on the Jefferson Smith bandwagon. Actually, knowing the greasy muck that rises to the top of Jefferson's brain, I bet he organized his flunkies to reply positively to this post. Jeff is okay, sort of, but how about a little critical thinking.
Posted by: torridjoe | Oct 1, 2007 3:51:47 PM
He's buying a house there, qer. I'm sure his reg will catch up soon.
I certainly echo the kudos and excitement--I just wish he hadn't pretty much fibbed his ass off to my face, telling me there was almost no chance he'd run. :)
Posted by: torridjoe | Oct 1, 2007 3:52:39 PM
"Jefferson Smith- the creator and leader of a fluff organization that feels so good but really isn't effective."
Come again? Are we talking about the Bus Project here?
Posted by: Jenni Simonis | Oct 1, 2007 4:06:47 PM
Bus Project a fluff organization and not effective? Is that a joke?
I've done volunteering and work with the Bus Project since 2002 when I made phone calls and did computer work for them (I'd had a bad pregnancy and c-section at the time and was pretty much home bound much of the year). Since then I've been on numerous canvasses, helped at events, served on (and been a co-chair of) committees, and more.
I've been able to watch the organization as it grows and the amount of work the Bus Project is able to do increases. I'd say they've been quite effective.
They've gotten a lot of people involved in politics who might not have normally, including a lot of young people.
They've knocked on tens of thousands of doors (I'm pretty certain it's over 100,000, but I don't know the current number). Knocking on doors and talking to voters is hugely effective in winning elections. There's few things more effective in getting someone to vote for your candidate than having a volunteer canvasser at their door.
They've trained dozens of college students from around the country in politics and campaigning.
They've registered thousands of voters through their Building Votes program.
The Bus Project is very effective, and I can't wait for the day when we can have something like it in more states.
Posted by: lestatdelc | Oct 1, 2007 4:08:39 PM
Posted by: gold | Oct 1, 2007 3:49:44 PMJefferson Smith- the creator and leader of a fluff organization that feels so good but really isn't effective.
Bwhahahhahhaaa.. oh wait... you were serious there?
(scroll)
Posted by: LT | Oct 1, 2007 4:22:15 PM
In 2002, the Bus Project had something like a 50% victory record--as I recall they backed 14 candidates, won 7 and another lost by a very small margin and won the next time around.
The State Senate went from R majority to 15-15 in 2002 and one senator told me the Bus Project was a major factor in his election.
That is "fluff"?
Seems to me the BUS may be more open and more worthwhile than FP. They probably got more young people involved in politics. I have been on some of their local canvasses. Maybe gold is a troll or someone backing a candidate born and raised in HD 47?
Posted by: Ian Greenfield | Oct 1, 2007 4:24:28 PM
County Elections says Jefferson is a registered voter in District 47.
Posted by: Mike | Oct 1, 2007 4:30:34 PM
I'm a longtime fan of Jeff's work.
He's got my volunteer support and, as of a couple of clicks ago on ActBlue, he's got my money.
Posted by: Grant Schott | Oct 1, 2007 4:31:03 PM
Yes, Jeff has his critics who say that he has a big ego, a big mouth and is ultra ambitious, but those are common "criticisms" (In politics those could be called strengths) of candidates. I suppose that JFK, Gore, Gephardt, Biden were ridiculed by many as brash upstarts for running for congress at age 29.
The fact is that Jeff has been dedicated to the OR Bus project since he helped found it in '01 I was at the first meeting at a NW pub and it was clear that Jeff would was the chosen spokesperson. Had he then run for office in '02, you could probably have argued that he was only using it as a springboard, but that was/is clearly not the case. He is running for state rep., not for Governor or Congress as many predicted (not that there would be anything working with that). I would add that the OBP has been effective because Jeff knows had to step behind the scenes and let others step up and use their talents to help make it work.
In response to "Gold's" comment that Jeff "organized his flunkies to reply positively to this post", I've probably only talked to Jeff five times since meeting him in '01 and none in the past year. I simply recognize good candidates when I see one, and think it is important to support those people.
Posted by: Grant Schott | Oct 1, 2007 4:34:21 PM
Correction on my last post, end of 2nd paragraph. I meant, "Jeff knows how to step behind the scenes" not had.
Posted by: Elizabeth Leventhal | Oct 1, 2007 4:49:40 PM
The Bus has won 9 out of 10 State Senate races in 04, which
resulted in a progressive led OR Senate for the first time
in over a decade (after having acheived the power-sharing
15-15 tie in 02).
They followed up that success by winning back the OR House
in 06.
Jefferson was also instrumental in helping win back the WA Senate in 04, making Washington a trifecta state when it came to implementing their progressive agenda.
That doesn't even cover the work they've done via Politicorps, Building Votes, Trick or Vote, Bus Project Presents, Days for Democracy, or their work on ballot measures.
The mass canvass model Jefferson put into action has been used around the country to great results.
BTW, the reason so many Bus Project volunteers are commenting on this blog post is because of the type of person Jeff is and the type of example he's set for young people, esp those new to politics.
If he has a strong following it is because he's been an effective leader - albeit one that does not take himself too seriously.
But most of all, he is also an all-around nice guy, who always sees the best in others...
Besides, who couldn't like a guy who is willing to carry a doll on a rope (ie, the child that got left behind) to make a point about education?
Posted by: Sal Peralta | Oct 1, 2007 5:12:18 PM
Anyone who has spent any time with Jeff understands that he has dedicated his life to helping to change the direction of Oregon for the better.
This guy could be charging $300 an hour or more at a law practice instead of doing what he's doing, which is running an organization that is dedicated not only to positive social reforms, but to getting students engaged in the political process and helping to groom the leaders of tomorrow.
There are a handful of people on this earth with whom I'd march into the gates of Hell. Jeff Smith is one of them.
Oh yeah, please don't feed the trolls.
Posted by: qer | Oct 1, 2007 5:17:42 PM
torridjoe: "He's buying a house there, qer. I'm sure his reg will catch up soon."
Wish he'd say that. Portland is strange in that this isn't that weird-- to move a few blocks down the street into a district and in a matter of a few short years represent it. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, that's a subject for a different discussion that's probably already been had somewhere on this blog.
I'll tell my friends out there to vote for him if he's contested, and I'm sure a canvasser or two will also be knocking on their doors.
Posted by: ne_pdx | Oct 1, 2007 5:32:50 PM
Not to diminish the Bus's work, but claiming that they "won" a certain number of seats isn't a realistic claim. It'd be like Planned Parenthood or the NRA claiming they won seats for their respective side.
And I think it is fair to question how Jefferson will represent the district, because that will be his job if elected, and frankly I don't see any connection other than it's an open seat. Being somebody raised and living in NE Portland, you can't just plop yourself in here, be a Democrat/progressive/whatever and automatically be in touch with the community and its needs.
Posted by: Nick Klonoski | Oct 1, 2007 5:35:54 PM
Jeff is one of the most outstanding leaders this state has seen in a long time. I am so glad that he is going to try to take his abilities and outside-the-box thinking to the state legislature. He is going to shake things up in a great way. The best is yet to come from this man...just you wait and see.
My dad was Jefferson's college professor at Oregon, and has always said that he is one of the best and brightest people he ever had the good fortune to teach. Good luck Jefferson...we're with you cause your with us!
Posted by: Pete F | Oct 1, 2007 5:53:16 PM
Yeah Jeff!! Very exciting!
p.s. I just read about this for the first time here on BlueOregon. And much as Jeff might hate to hear it, I don't do stuff just because he tells me to…and I don't think any of the people I call friends who posted above do, either.
If Jeff needs his friends' support, I'm sure he'll find a more meaningful and productive way to enlist it than to have us post on a blog. He always does.
You've got my number, Jeff.
Posted by: verasoie | Oct 1, 2007 5:54:48 PM
Can't wait to canvass for Jeff, he'll be an inspiration to many as a legislator and help inaugurate a progressive wave in Oregon.
Go Jefferson!
Posted by: Ron Buel | Oct 1, 2007 6:03:22 PM
Jefferson Smith is a true leader.
With a group of his friends, Jefferson created an institution that has engaged thousands of people in Oregon politics -- for the first time. The Oregon Bus Project is, far and away, my favorite political organization, and I am proud to serve it on the Bus Project PAC Board.
I have been watching Portland and Oregon politics closely for 38 years now. Jefferson has as much potential and promise as anyone I have seen, including the dishonored Neil Goldschmidt who I worked for, and the current Democratic U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, who I helped to defeat Bob Duncan for Congress in 1980. In Salem in 2009, Jefferson will join at least half a dozen other members of his generation who he has encouraged and helped to win office. It is truly a talented group -- from Ben Cannon to Tobias Read, to Chris Edwards to Sara Gelser, and beyond. There are more coming, too.
It is not fair or right to say that the Bus by itself won the 18 out of 20 House and Senate seats it worked on in the last two election cycles. In Oregon, unfortunately, money still talks, and the Bus Project gives no money. What it gives instead is much more valuable in terms of making democracy really work -- grass roots volunteers who knock on doors and listen and talk to voters. Without Jefferson, there is no Bus. Maybe the Dems would still be in control of both Houses, but count me as a close observer who doesn't think so.
I encouraged Jefferson to run for the U.S. Senate before Jeff Merkley got in that race. Jefferson said he has spent all of this time and effort working for legislative candidates and that Salem is where his heart is. He is so smart and quick and honest, I am confident he will be a great legislator. And, someday maybe, a great Governor.
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Posted by: Big Barton | Oct 1, 2007 12:51:23 PM
It's about time he ran. It would not surprise me to see him wielding the Speaker's gavel in a few years.