OR-1: Oregonian endorses David Wu's primary opponent
In a rather surprising move, the Oregonian endorsed Will Hobbs in the Democratic primary in the 1st Congressional District - in a rebuke to Congressman David Wu.
Two Washington County Democrats are challenging Rep. David Wu for the nomination in this district stretching from west Portland to Beaverton and Hillsboro to the coast. They are Intel manager Will Hobbs of Cornelius and Tektronix employee Mark Welyczko of Aloha.It's unfortunate that neither has the financial backing to run a serious campaign against the undistinguished incumbent. To put it politely, the erratic, sometimes incoherent Wu has not won the respect of his House colleagues, a failure reflected in his slim resume of committee appointments and his perennially abysmal power ratings after five terms in Congress.
Democrats should opt for change and choose Hobbs over Wu. The Intel manager is vastly better informed and more capable of carrying on an intelligent discussion of the issues facing the nation and the district.
Discuss.
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April 26, 2008
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Apr 26, '08
No shock here. The Oregonian really really really doesn't like Wu. I think they've endorsed his general opponent twice in a row. They're trying to send a message, namely "Pander to the Oregonian or we'll unleash our really weak political powers." Seriously, after these guys endorsed Saxton in 2006, his numbers went down....
Apr 26, '08
I thought that was surprising too. It seemed especially odd given that the endorsement of Hobbs was more of a slam on Wu, in what should be a pretty safe race for him all the way to another term.
Perhaps the editorial board felt its "War-egonian" street cred was threatened by Wu's brave use of Klingon allusions on the House floor.
Apr 26, '08
David Wu has been a tireless worker for Oregon and his constituency. He has voted consistently to protect workers and civil rights. Representative Wu has taken unpopular stances in opposition to the corportists infecting our legislative branch.
Despite the "free trade" mania, Representative Wu opposed China's "Most Favored Nation" status and acceptance into the WTO at a time when the Clinton administration and legislature pushed for it. He asked why China instead of Russia? In the 1990's Russia was struggling to embrace democracy and rebuild their economy. Today, 16/18 of the most polluted cities in the world are in China and their human and worker rights continue to be horrendous. Russia has returned to an undemocratic form of government. Representative Wu was proven right in the stances he took.
Congressman Wu tried to fight the sale of Magnaquench to a Chinese company. Magnaquench is the only company that manufactures rare earth magnets used in missile targeting systems in the U.S. DoD. Despite his efforts, the company was sold and the factory shipped to China where our military now procures this type of magnet for targeting systems.
Representative Wu's record is:
o Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
o Voted YES on regulating the subprime mortgage industry. (Nov 2007)
o Rated 100% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
o Rated 92% by the NAACP, indicating pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
o Rated +10 by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance. (Dec 2006)
o Rated 100% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes. (Dec 2003)
o Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
o Rated 100% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record. (Dec 200)
What would some midlevel manager from Intel bring to Washington to top that?
12:11 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
What an arrogant, elitist thing to say. Hey, I used to live in Wu's district, and I always supported him, and gave him money. But there are some very talented people in the world who happen to be earning their livings in middle management somewhere, and Intel is a company with an enormous number of very smart, very gifted people working in it.
I don't know the first thing about Hobbs except for this endorsement. He may or may not be better than Wu. But that comment was uncalled for.
Apr 26, '08
I know very little about Wu, but I was unimpressed when I heard Hobbs speak. He called "writing letters to the Editor and calling my representative" political experience. And the rest of his speech was about how Wu was bad, not how good Hobbs would be if elected. In fact, at the end of his speech, someone in the audience called out "who is he? What's he running for? Is he speaking on behalf of Wu?" Apparently he did better in his endorsement interview. I think the O has been right on with their endorsements this season so far. I'll have to give him another look. Everyone has Off nights.
Apr 26, '08
Insults aren't facts, Stephanie.
I've known hundreds of people with "manager" on their resume. That doesn't mean they deserve my vote--especially to unseat MY REPRESENTATIVE.
If you like Hobbs, give me a reason to vote for him. Otherwise, why are you here?
Apr 26, '08
Does anyone know why Wu refuses to go on 620 KPOJ? Blumenauer and DeFazio are on there all of the time. I have even heard Hooley a couple of times. Does Wu have a problem with Thom Hartmann or Carl Wolfson?
Apr 26, '08
Dylan>Another smear by insinuation or do you have a link?
You could ask him yourself. Representative Wu's attended dozens of local meetings. Or you could call him up or email him and ask
1:06 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
I didn't say I liked Hobbs. I know almost nothing about him.
I'm here to discuss this topic. I am not here with a larger agenda relating to either Hobbs or Wu. I am simply calling out an unwarranted assumption/generalization on your part. You think Wu is great, that's terrific. I have personally had some less-than-fully-great interactions with him, but I would be inclined to support him again if I still lived in CD1. Since I don't, it's just recreational typing for me. Lighten up, Lani.
1:32 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
The Oregonian has made a habit of trashing David Wu, who as an earlier commenter pointed out, has been a very effective legislator for the first congressional district.
Their dislike appears to stem largely from the fact that Wu opposed some free trade agreements, including permanent most-favored nation status for China, that were strongly promoted by Intel.
Apr 26, '08
If you don't like the response, maybe you should lay off the name calling and stick to the issues instead.
If Hobbs has anything to offer beyond being a mid-level manager from Intel, I'm yet to see it and even the Oregonian in their pallid endorsement couldn't offer up anything to support Hobbs' candidacy beyond backhanded insults directed at Rep. Wu.
Apr 26, '08
Lani,
Do you work for Congressman Wu's campaign?
Apr 26, '08
I do not now nor have I ever worked for Wu's campaign.
He's been my rep for over 10 years and I will continue to donate to his campaign and support him for re-election.
Full Disclosure>Are you a Republican?
1:52 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
I think both The O and his supporters are right--he's been a good filler of the seat, voting right, but not a lot more. I wasn't at the interview, but while I think Wu is worth replacing, this guy sure hasn't stood out enough for me to know anything about him, and I'm a LITTLE plugged in.
Apr 26, '08
Wu has done well in a swing district. Being dissed by the O is a badge of honor and doesn't carry much weight with the electorate.
Apr 26, '08
The Oregonian does seem to be among the weaker papers at influencing people's votes.
3:44 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
"The Oregonian does seem to be among the weaker papers at influencing people's votes."
How does one measure that, really? Are you thinking anecdotally, cf Bill R? I agree all paper endorsements carry less weight these days, but does it still move votes indirectly, say on the basis of it influencing other media outlets, particularly DC political ones? I bet it gets mentioned in the Hill Monday...or not, I dunno. I think the largest paper in the state still has SOME kind of impact. How it translates into votes, not sure.
4:26 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
Well, you could measure it through a public opinion poll -- but only tells you what influence people say it has. You could also calculate their "winning percentage" - though that's probably too coarse a measurement. I'd expect Will Hobbs to triple or quadruple his vote as a result of this endorsement - but he'll still lose, and badly.
It's always been my sense that the Oregonian's endorsement (and to a lesser extent, the other papers) matters less the higher up the ballot you go, and more the further down-ballot you go.
It also has particular importance with respect to validating younger and less-experienced candidates.
Apr 26, '08
Well, I know people who actually sit down with the alt-weeklies to help them decide races. But even the folks I know who subcribe to The O don't really pay attention to the editorials. And I don't really know people who identify with the editorial perspective of The O in general, whatever that is.
4:38 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
"It also has particular importance with respect to validating younger and less-experienced candidates."
I think that may be the case--validating in some way the legitimacy of the candidacy for someone who's less experience. Picking the incumbent or the right choice on paper is an expected move; the whole reason we're talking about the endorsement for OR-1 is that it's NOT David Wu, the obvious choice.
Apr 26, '08
When I referred to the "badge of honor" I was simply making a statement about some of the O's previous endorsements, ie, the last governor's race or George W. Bush in 2000.
5:07 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
If I can read the tea leaves, my guess is that we can expect to see a nod to the GOP candidate in November, especially if it's Mannix.
As to the weird meta-commentary about whether the phrase "some midlevel manager from Intel" is off-base, can I just say that things have gotten WAY too touchy around here. For pete's sake, that's not a slam. If I were running for office, I would EXPECT to be referred to as "some blogger from BlueOregon." Until and unless you have more relevant experience, how do you expect to be referred to? It's not inaccurate, and hell, it's not even negative.
I will be SO happy when the primaries are over and everyone can smooth their feathers back down.
(Incidentally, I say this with no opinion of Wu. He's not my Rep, and I haven't closely followed his career. I got nothin agin him, but I don't have much for him either.)
Apr 26, '08
Here is the O's record in 2006 elections (close races or races where they endorsed the loser only):
STATEWIDE OFFICES
Governor: Ron Saxton (R)-Wrong.
Supreme Court: Virginia Linder-Right.
OREGON HOUSE
District 27: Domonic Biggi (R)-Seriously, way the f-k off.
District 29: Chuck Riley (D)-Correct.
District 30: Everett Curry (R)-Way off.
District 35: Larry Galizio (D)-Correct.
District 49: Rob Brading (D)-This one still pisses me off that Rob didn't win.
Not exactly a sterling record. Actually, when they endorsed an R, it almost backfired.
Apr 26, '08
Lani writes: Dylan>Another smear by insinuation or do you have a link?
Answer: My question was not a smear and I do not have a link to a secondary source-I have better than that. I have heard with my own two ears Thom Hartman lament the fact that Wu will not go on his morning show. This is supported by my own experience of being a daily KPOJ listener and hearing Hooley, DeFazio, and Blumenauer several times and not once hearing Wu.
You are incorrect that I can simply call his office and ask him. You know as well as I (that is if you have ever called a congressional member's office) that the Congressman is not the one answering the phone and his entry-level staffer answering the phones is not going to be answering questions like that. But I could leave a message and I may eventually get a letter in the mail (I used to work in a member's office writing such letters and believe you me, its a slooooowwww process).
You are correct that I could track Wu down at a town hall meeting and ask him myself, but why can't I ask the intelligent, well-informed masses that read Blue Oregon? Wouldn't that be quicker and easier? And isn't that the kind of thing this forum is created for?
Two words: lighten up.
6:19 p.m.
Apr 26, '08
I didn't say it was a slam, Jeff. I said it was arrogant and elitist. It was.
Apr 26, '08
Stephanie's right, it was elitist. Wu used to be my rep too and he always voted the right way, but to be honest I never felt very attached. He was just kind of there.
Apr 26, '08
I have been living in David Wu's district for his whole time in office. I have been to his few town hall meetings. This is a Representative who can't deal with people, with questions or with different opinions. In fact he once told me to find another candidate and I said if I did I would actively support that candidate. Will Hobbs is my candidate and like the Oregonian, I know that Will Hobbs will become a force in Congress unlike Wu whose only media attention was his Faux Klingon speach. Wu hasn't voted correctly on the bankruptcy bill, the Medicare Part D bill or to cut funding for the war and end the occupation. Yes, Wu voted against the favored nation status for China and all bills giving China an advantage but he is not thinking of America when doing that, he is thing of his native Taiwan! Will Hobbs is the answer to what we in District 1 have waited and wished for and in my case, prayed for. If we are going to change America, we also need to do it with our Representatives. Sitting there and smiling, is not enough. We need someone who will actually DO SOMETHING. Congress needs a WILL.
Apr 26, '08
If you like Hobbs, give me a reason to vote for him. Otherwise, why are you here?
Hobb's website is www.willhobbsforcongress.com. I found several good reasons to vote for him. He seems to have some good ideas about a whole slew of issues, and he appears able to communicate them effectively. Somewhere Willamette Week has posted a long interview/debate between him and Wu, and you can watch that and get an idea about the guy.
Apr 27, '08
One more thing. When you ask about impeachment, watch David Wu lose his cool and then respond that he hasn't seen any evidence that Bush or Cheney have broken any laws.
And if you want to hear more from Will Hobbs, come out to the Red Line Sports Bar & Grill in St. Helens today from 2:00 to 4:00 and listen to him speek and SING. Check out this website Will Hobbs Event Hope to see some of you there.
Apr 27, '08
Any more lies you'd like to repeat, Juli?
Wu COSPONSORED the resolution to impeach Cheney. Don't blame Wu for Pelosi's cowardice.
"This Administration has continued to erode the trust of the American people and enough is simply enough," stated US Rep. Clarke in a press release issued first to Atlanta Progressive News.
"H.Res. 333 was introduced to the House of Representatives by Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio on April 24, 2007, and asserts that the vice president manipulated intelligence to make the case for going to war with Iraq, falsified a connection between Iraq and al-Qaeda, and has threatened aggression against Iran," US Rep. Clarke says.
The 39 total co-sponsors of H Res. 635 were US Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA), Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA), Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), Rep. Jackson, Jr., (D-IL), Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), Rep. John Olver (D-MA), Rep. Major Owens (D-NY), Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ), Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ), Rep. Martin Sabo (D-MN), Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA), Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA), Rep. John Tierney (D-MA), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Dianne Watson (D-CA), Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), and Rep. David Wu (D-OR).
Apr 27, '08
It's not much of a secret that the House D leadership regards Wu as little more than a three-fingered monkey with a "D" sign hanging around his neck.
Every cycle there are rumors that the Leadership is sniffing around for somebody better in the event that Wu implodes. If the seat were ever truly in danger, Pelosi and Hoyer would pressure him to step aside.
Apr 27, '08
Pelosi has zero respect in this district. She's a paper tiger, all bluff and no claws.
Wu's been an outstanding rep for us and the disloyalty of party officials show how morally bankrupt many Washington insiders in the Democratic Party have become. It's getting hard to tell them apart from Republicans.
Now you know why corportists rule this country to the detriment of the voters.
Apr 27, '08
1) The Oregonian is probably the worst paper in town. When a sports image takes up a majority of 'above the fold' space on a fairly regular basis, you know shit ain't right. I wouldn't trust the paper with my obituary.
2) Total Bullshit: "It's not much of a secret that the House D leadership regards Wu as little more than a three-fingered monkey with a "D" sign hanging around his neck.
Every cycle there are rumors that the Leadership is sniffing around for somebody better in the event that Wu implodes. If the seat were ever truly in danger, Pelosi and Hoyer would pressure him to step aside."
You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. It sounds cool tho, like "you're on the inside, and stuff." but it's pretty obvious you're not.
Apr 29, '08
Wuck Fu!
Apr 29, '08
Representative Wu won his last election over a Republican opponent by over 20 points. I'm sure there's plenty of other members of Congress who'd love to have that kind of a win every two years.
The only people pushing for a different Democratic candidate want more Republicans in the Congress.
May 14, '08