Candy Neville in the Oregonian

Ahead of tonight's US Senate debate, the Oregonian profiles candidate Candy Neville:

U.S. Senate candidate Candy Neville figures she has about $700 in her campaign kitty. She has a cheering squad, but no organized support. Lots of passion against the war, but little political experience.

Yet, the real estate broker from Eugene astonished the political establishment with a second-place finish in a poll last week, ahead of Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley and behind Portland lawyer Steve Novick. Merkley and Novick are considered the front-runners in the Democratic race to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Gordon Smith in the fall.

Analysts speculate her showing in a SurveyUSA poll may say more about the men's lack of traction than a surge in Neville's popularity. But it was enough to catapult her into the season's only televised primary Senate debate tonight, giving her the exposure she's doggedly sought since launching her campaign at a lonely news conference in November.

Waging a primary campaign has been like "slushing through snow up to my waist," she said.

"It's nigh on impossible; however, it's not impossible."

While Neville has focused extensively on her opposition to the war in Iraq, the article details some of her other positions and ideas:

While Novick and Merkley also favor withdrawing troops from Iraq, Neville has highlighted opposition to the war.

The war, she said, is responsible for the poor economy, the country's lack of resources and dreadful standing abroad.

She also favors a generous universal health care system, thinks illegal immigrants should be able to become legal and wants to use Oregon's rich natural resources to build a sustainable and prosperous economy.

"I want to get into the waves and solar and the wind, the things that actually provide energy," she said. "That's what I think comes after the war. For us to get into the good news, we have to get out of the bad."

Appalled by high campaign spending, Neville used to tell people to donate to their favorite charity instead. But a few months ago, she started accepting contributions through an online account.

Read the rest. Discuss.

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    It's a pretty good article. I read it late last night, and I was glad to see them go over some of her other issues.

    I had the chance to meet her for a few moments this past weekend at the Platform Convention. I can't wait to see her in the debate. She doesn't have very good chances for the U.S. Senate race, but I really hope she considers running for office again.

  • backbeat12 (unverified)
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    Several months ago I wondered aloud here as to why Candy's candidacy had not been mentioned at BO. Was told she was not a serious candidate, had no $ and was a nobody.

    What say you now, Kari?

  • backbeat12 (unverified)
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    Oh yes, I was told she was a fringe candidate.

    As far as I'm concerned, anybody who associates with Schumer is out of touch and hanging like a frazzled edge.

  • Sid Anderson (unverified)
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    Jenni,

    Like I posted in another comment section: Don't ever under estimate a woman who has successfully raised three children while running a business. The fact that she is now polling ahead of Merkley says a lot about her abilities... I mean for cryin' out loud she has no money, but somehow she's getting somewhere in this race!

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    So backbeat12, do you really think Candy has a chance against Gordon Smith?

    You tell us.

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    I'll echo Jenni here.

    I had the opportunity to hear Ms. Neville speechify at the infamous Portland PDA meeting that Novick tried to game an endorsement at. I came away very impressed with Ms. Neville.

    I agree that she doesn't have a realistic chance of even getting Gordon Smith's attention let alone competing with him. But it would be Oregon's loss if she doesn't run again for something more within her reach.

  • backbeat12 (unverified)
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    do you really think Candy has a chance against Gordon Smith?

    Did I ever say I did? Did I say I'm one of her supporters? No. I'm mocking Kari because several months ago I asked about all the candidates and wanted information about her. He said she was a fringe candidate. As it turns out, Merkeley is polling behind her. I'm openly mocking Kari.

    At this point I'm a Novick supporter, but will seriously consider Frohnmayer if polls show he could beat Smith, and if he debates well. I love Frohnmayer's stance on healthcare - he believes it is in the Constitution. And like many of us DFH's, he marched against the illegal, immoral invasion of an innocent country before the attack. As a mother of two almost-draft-age sons, his position comforts me, as does Novick's. But voting to give bush the high five in the Oregon legislature? Nope, Merkeley hasn't the maturity or judgement for the job.

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    Backbeat...

    First, we did cover Candy's entry into the race. On the very first day.

    Second, while I personally think that she has no money, no support, and thus no chance -- that's not a reason that we wouldn't cover her. We haven't covered her (much) because she hasn't done much. She hasn't made much news.

    Like it or not, blogging (at least the kind we do here at BlueOregon) is derivative. We don't do much original journalism - we comment on the journalism of others. If she can't attract the attention of journalists, then she's not going to get much comment here.

    Now, if you know someone who wants to make a multi-year commitment of some $50,000 to $100,000 a year, I'd be happy to turn BlueOregon into a nonprofit and hire a professional journalist or two to actually do some real reporting around here.

  • backbeat12 (unverified)
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    Kari, fair enough And I do enjoy your blog and appearances on KPOJ.

  • backbeat12 (unverified)
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    What I like about Kari: I'm teasing him, yet he doesn't hit me with ad hominem attacks. (unlike other writers here)

    Thanks for what you do, Kari. Look forward to meeting you in person someday.

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    I'm looking forward to seeing Candy Neville on the stage tonight with Steve and Jeff. She's a smart, dignified person and I admire what she's doing.

  • backbeat12 (unverified)
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    Will they replay the debate? Have to work snack shack all evening.

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    if kari had Merkley as the Patriots (perhaps now not such a good choice!) and Novick as Hofstra, what does that make Nevlile? DIII Mount Union?

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