Oregon makes a splash at Netroots Nation

Carla Axtman

So Austin, Texas is hot. And I don't mean that hot in the kind of way that draws you in and makes you want to linger and enjoy it. Its hot in that wet, heavy, sticky, sultry kind of heat that takes your breath away. I think those of us from the Pacific Northwest are especially susceptible to that kind of heat blast. Our temperate climate spoils us for the rest of the world's weather extremes.

Nevertheless, I'm having a really wonderful time...and soaking up a good deal of information and ambience. I even rode down the elevator this morning with "Kos" himself. Yes, I'm a hob-knobber. Or at least I told myself that for the 4 minutes that I stood next to a very sleepy looking Markos as we made small talk.

Kari already made mention of Jeff Merkley's presence at the premier conference for political bloggers. Jeff managed to create a very good buzz for himself among the attendees, especially this morning as a panelist on a discussion of smart energy issues.

MerkleypanelThat's Jeff of course, speaking on the great things we've done in Oregon on renewable and alternative energy--as well as his views as a progressive on renewable and alternative energies. The panel was extremely well attended. Based on the buzz I heard (and the rush of people who wanted to meet Jeff and shake his hand afterward), it was a tremendous success.

In news of the weird and interesting here at NN's Exhibition Hall, the folks at ActBlue had a big surprise today. The Clackamas County Democrats are #4 on the hot list pages at their site - right after Chris Dodd, Wes Clark, and Rick Noriega. (Click on the picture below to enlarge)

Clackdemsactblue

It looks to be money that will go toward maintenance of the party headquarters in Oregon City.

Its a great demonstration of how small organizations can find themselves right there with the big raisers on the premier place for Democratic fundraising online.


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    I am really pleased to hear that Jeff had a chance to speak and was well received there. We need more interest at the national blog level to get more funds for Jeff.

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    Its hot in that wet, heavy, sticky, sultry kind of heat that takes your breath away. I think those of us from the Pacific Northwest are especially susceptible to that kind of heat blast. Our temperate climate spoils us for the rest of the world's weather extremes.

    And that is one of the big reasons I now live here and not in Texas.:)

    If you fly over Dallas, give a wave to my mom.:)

  • Admiral Naismith (unverified)
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    YAY you for being there!

    I'm green with envy.

  • Jim H (unverified)
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    And that is one of the big reasons I now live here and not in Texas.

    That makes two of us :)

    Carla, you think Austin is bad - hang out in Houston for a day - yuck!

  • admiral_naismith (unverified)
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    Carla, you think Austin is bad - hang out in Houston for a day - yuck!

    It's just like sitting in a giant dog's mouth.

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    Just one more reason I moved away from the Houston area - I can't stand that kind of heat.

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    Carla, you think Austin is bad - hang out in Houston for a day - yuck!

    Even people IN Texas, don't like Houston.:)

  • Progressive Electorate (unverified)
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    <h2>Happened to run into Merkley on the street last night. I was very impressed with his at ease personality. I am pulling for Jeff.</h2>

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