OR-5: Mike Caldwell is out.
The Oregonian reports that General Mike Caldwell won't run for the 5th Congressional District. Caldwell told the O that he thinks Paul Evans will run.
Caldwell, the deputy director of the Oregon Military Department, said the challenge of quickly raising a large amount of cash to compete in the May 20 primary led him to decide against running. Caldwell said he would have to take a leave of absence from his state job, leaving him without an income while he ran for office.Caldwell is the second prospective candidate to remove himself from the race this week. Oregon Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner said Tuesday that he wouldn't run.
Meanwhile, Paul Evans, a military veteran who advises Gov. Ted Kulongoski on military matters, said today that he plans to announce his intentions on Monday. Evans wouldn't say what he'll do. Caldwell, a friend of Evans, said he expects that Evans will run.
Discuss.
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Feb. 20, 2008
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connect with blueoregon
1:00 p.m.
Feb 20, '08
It is good that Caldwell is deferring to Paul, because Paul is the better candidate in my opinion. Now he can do it with Caldwell's support rather than opposition. Paul is grounded in the district, has a strong network and experience, and is a great campaigner. He is a motivational speaker like Obama and speaks directly to the people who live there.
It should be a fun contest.
Feb 20, '08
I agree with John C.
RUN, PAUL, RUN!
Feb 20, '08
What's the matter BO, couldn't get Chuck to find someway to promote a tax increase?
I'm going to stop coming here if I have to sift through this type of minutia. Kari's initial OR-5 speculation included at least 10-15 names. Does BO intend to post about each one who isn't running?
ZZZZZZ
Feb 20, '08
Paul would be a fantastic candidate. And as a Conressman he would make Oregon proud.
Feb 20, '08
But can Paul Evans win?
Unlike Hooley, DeFazio, Blumenauer, and Walden (and Les AuCoin, Jim Bunn, Bob Smith, and Mike Kopetski before them), Paul Evans has never served as a state legislator or county commissioner. Several other prospective D and R candidates have.
We can't risk losing the "Fighting Fifth" to a Republican.
Feb 20, '08
But can Paul Evans win?
Unlike Hooley, DeFazio, Blumenauer, and Walden (and Les AuCoin, Jim Bunn, Bob Smith, and Mike Kopetski before them), Paul Evans has never served as a state legislator or county commissioner. Several other prospective D and R candidates have.
We can't risk losing the "Fighting Fifth" to a Republican.
Feb 20, '08
So what legislative office did DeFazio hold? He defeated a legislator (whose fans were saying "a vote for Margie Hendricksen is a vote for women") in the primary but it was my understanding he held county office. What about Wyden and Wu?
Paul was an excellent Mayor, and that 2006 state sen. election showed he has a massive and loyal following.
5:09 p.m.
Feb 20, '08
According to Wikipedia, DeFazio was an aide for U.S. Representative Jim Weaver.
He held that position for 5 years before becoming a Lane County Commissioner in 1983. He was chair of the Commission from 85-86.
In '86 he was elected to Weaver's spot after Weaver didn't run for re-election.
5:31 p.m.
Feb 20, '08
I'm going to stop coming here if I have to sift through this type of minutia.
If you don't like the minutiae, maybe you should just be hanging out at OregonLive.com.
BlueOregon is a blog about progressive politics in Oregon. When Oregon has the #1 most-targeted Democratic seat in the country, we're gonna talk about potential candidates.
I suspect many more of our readers are interested than not. But most importantly, if you're not interested, just scroll on by... nobody's forcing you to read it at gun point.
Feb 20, '08
Neither Ron Wyden nor David Wu had ever been elected to any office before Congress. And they both defeated officeholders in the Democratic primary to go on to the general.
Ron defeated incumbent Congressman Bob Duncan in a Democratic primary to win his first elective office.
David Wu had never been elected to before defeating Chair of the Washington County Commission Linda Peters in the Democratic primary for Congress, and went on to beat Molly Bordonaro in a multimillion dollar race.
Feb 20, '08
... and let's not forget that a legislative record can be a major liability when running a competitive campaign (see, e.g., John Kerry's failed bid for president ("I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.")).
Paul has been mayor of Monmouth and a senior aide to the Governor. I don't think anyone can credibly doubt his qualifications to run for Congress.
Feb 20, '08
anon, what legislative office had Jim Webb and Tim Walz (not to mention Adm. Sestak) held before winning US Senate or House races in 2006?
Or is this your way of supporting a legislator? If so, does your legislator think this argument will win votes?
Just asking--sometimes bloggers saying things "in support of" various politicians that the politician may hear about and consider folly.
7:49 p.m.
Feb 20, '08
Ron Wyden had a significant base in the elder community due to his founding & work with Gray Panthers in Oregon. Bob Duncan was a somnolent member of Congress in his second stint (3rd district); don't know how he was earlier when representing the 2nd district. Wyden may have been encouraged to challenge him by the fact that in 1978 an obviously bizarre follower of Lyndon LaRouche gained double digits (mid-teens at minimum) against Duncan in the Democratic primary.
Paul Evans clearly has the regard of many and support from his previous run and his status as a veteran & presumably has (non-exclusive) backing within the DPO given his current role. Does he have any population-based constituency in the district?
Feb 21, '08
Chris,
Since Paul was the mayor of Monmouth, he is well known and well liked throughout Polk County, and in particular in Monmouth and Independence.
He is also well regarded by service-members and vets, since he volunteered to serve multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and has been a strong advocate for them while working in the Governor's office.
So he has two strong population-based constituencies: a regional constituency and an issue-based constituency. He is probably more established in the community than Ron Wyden was before Ron ran for Congress, and he is certainly more established in the community than David Wu was before he ran.
Feb 21, '08