Margaret Carter has filed for MultCo Chair.

As a lawyer who represents criminal defendants, civil plaintiffs, and tenants, I am hoping we don't get any last-minute ideological stealth candidates filing for judge. Oregon should abolish judicial elections. The federal system is a much better model.

Susan Sokol-Blosser (my daughter Deborah's mother-in-law)is filing for the Oregon House seat presently filled by Rep. Jim Weidner (R-Yamhill.

Thank you so much, Carla and Kari! This is really helpful.

Off-topic comment deleted--Editor

Jack Lort's yesterday wrote about Will Boettner running in Dist 59. I see that another Eastern Oregon D has filed for a state house seat. Pete Wells, Pendelton City Attorney and Umatilla Democratic Party chair, is running for HD 57, held by Bob Jenson. GOP chair Bob Tiernan has, of course, has been trashing Jenson and Smith for their support of the tax increases and urging conservative challengers. I don't know if any Rs have filed against them. Does anyone out there know?

Here is Pete's press release:

Pete Wells Files for Democratic Nomination for Oregon House District 58

On Monday, March 8, Peter H. Wells of Pendleton, filed with the Secretary of State's office to be a Democratic candidate to serve in the Oregon House of Representative from House District 58.

  House District 58 includes most of the population Umatilla County and a small sliver of Union County.  Ten of Umatilla county's twelve cities are in the district as is the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

  The district is now represented by Representative Bob Jenson.   Mr. Wells stated: “Representative Jenson has represented the district well since 1997. However the state Republican Party leadership does not honor the thoughtful stance of Representative Jenson.  If the party chooses to replace Representative Jenson as the party's nominee, it is important that the Democratic Party have a candidate that can continue to represent all of the district.   If Representative Jenson is selected as the nominee from the Republican Party, I look forward to a fair discussion with Representative Jenson on those issues to which we bring different approaches.”

  Mr. Wells is Pendleton City Attorney.  He has served as Umatilla County counsel, budget officer, and data processing manager; loan servicing manager for Western Heritage Savings and Loan; in private law practice and, before law school at University of Oregon School of Law, nine years in computer businesses.  Mr. Wells was recognized for his community service by the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce with its First Citizen award in 1997.

  Mr. Wells has a wife, ElRae, and four adult children, Ray and Mary Sara by birth, and Andrea and Toni, by circumstance.  Pete and ElRae Wells have five grandchildren.

"Former State Treasurer Jim Hill has filed to run for his old job. "

Good

Jim Hill, if memory serves, did an outstanding job his last time around.

We Jim Hill in the race I'd say the Teddys are way out on a limb with this one-

Paul Van Orden is a really dedicated public servant who knows, and thinks, a lot about how government can run better. He does a great job as the noise control officer for Portland. People should take his campaign very seriously.

(Full disclosure: Paul is married to the main private investigator for my law office.)

HD 39- rematch of Toby Forsberg (D) and Bill Kennemer (R).

Toby lost by less than 500 votes last time. Let's see if we can win it.

I said it on the WWeek page and I'll say it here... Jim Hill was an outstanding Democratic State Treasurer the first time around. There is little doubt that he would provide a steady hand at the wheel during the current crisis.

Looks like Bernie Meyer filed for Mult County Sheriff today. His filing claims he has served as an acting police chief, patrol supervisor, and was/is? on the east county major crimes team. The sheriff race could become interesting.

Please, please, please tell me that some one really strong has filed to run against Matt Wingard!!!

Nothing to see here folks:

Jim Hill Ad

I was a strong supporter of Ted Wheeler. Now I’m just a supporter. I am disappointed because I thought Ted was going to be a thoughtful caretaker of the Treasurer’s office until the good citizens of Oregon elected a Treasurer in November. With him now filling for election, he becomes just an appointed incumbent running for re-election. A real nice incumbent with what I feel is an unfair advantage.

Can't tell the players without this score card but it's still been a wild and woolly day. Thanks.

You missed one for Multnomah Co. #2.

Loretta Smith, Wyden's veteran staffer, has apparently decided to flex her electoral muscles.

She should make a compelling candidate in such a crowded field.

Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride.