2010 Primary: Portland Commissioner 2

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Nonpartisan
City of Portland Commissioner Position No. 2
Four-year term, $102k salary LWVPDX.org (PDF)

[_] Jason Barbour	Yikes: No statement in official voters' guide. MultCo.us Ugh: Homemade campaign website, www.electjasonbarbour.com, a bit glitchy. Um, okay?: "...I'm running because I can..." ElectJasonBarbour.com Not quite: I'm still calling 911.: "We’ve had numerous recent high-profile incidents that reduced citizen confidence and trust close to zero..." LWVPDX.org (PDF) Ugh: "...Jason Barbour did not attend our scheduled interview and gives no indication of mounting a serious run..." WWeek.com In a bizarre rant, Barbour disputes interview was scheduled. ElectJasonBarbour.com
[_] Walt Nichols	Interesting: (too) pragmatic solution regarding homelessness: "We need to add more shelter space, We should look at adding to dignity village...we should change the law for folks that have RV and motor homes parked as per the law at home...." LWVPDX.org (PDF) Meh: "...Nichols has a track record of community involvement in his Southeast Portland neighborhood, but suffers from a first-time candidate’s inability to point us to specific differences with the incumbent..." WWeek.com Good, but naive: "...Nichols...says he doesn’t plan to seek public financing because he considers it a drain on public coffers..." WWeek.com
[_] (TOY) Timothy O Youker	Yikes: No statement in official voters' guide. MultCo.us Yikes: Did not respond timely to the League of Women Voters. LWVPDX.org (PDF) Ouch: "a professional clown who says he was once arrested for not paying child support" WWeek.com
[X] Nick Fish ELECTED INCUMBENT (2008-)	Meh: Campaign website lists bio and endorsements, but no actual plans for what he intends to do. NickFishForPortland.com Good: Seemingly knowledgeable answer about the controversial police bureau: "Reexamine ... the use of lethal and non-lethal tools. More focus on scenario based training and real world skills to deescalate situations. Union contract should include: drug testing...better ability for discipline that is imposed to be upheld by arbitrations. I support current proposed changes to IPR system and believe they can be strengthened by more inclusion of citizens on the review panels." LWVPDX.org (PDF) Huh, Portland cops are not drug tested???? Good answer regarding our homeless problem: "Currently enforcement is focused when camps block pathways or when health and safety issues are presented. I support this level of enforcement ... too many of our homeless are either mentally ill or former/current foster children. I support innovative programs which find foster kids permanent loving homes and families." LWVPDX.org (PDF) Good: "Fish’s rookie term has been, in sum, a good one. He’s consolidated aspects of the city’s work on housing, maximizing efficiency when demand is up and tax revenues are down. ...he showed some steel in his willingness to be in the minority on controversial votes, helping to protect taxpayer money by improving the deal to redevelop PGE Park for Major League Soccer..." WWeek.com Meh: "...Fish...is still a fledgling commissioner and has yet to chart a bold trajectory. But he has been a calm, analytical influence in countering the volatility at City Hall. At the very least, he rates an 'incomplete' and a chance to make his mark on housing and homelessness..." OregonLive.com

I voted for Nick Fish two years ago. I'm disappointed Fish hasn't been more outspoken regarding regarding some of the bigger issues such as the mayor's scandal, the Vancouver SUV bridge, but I can understand that he is playing it safe.

As for Fish's challengers, they are hard to take seriously. I'm support 'average' citizens stepping-up and throwing their hat in the ring, but it would be nice if these guys took themselves seriously. Nichols seems the one challenger with a bit of credible experience, but his campaign website lacks even a reason why he is running. Why waste voters' time if you're not going to at least campaign and differentiate yourself from the incumbent?

2010 Primary: OR Superintendent

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Nonpartisan
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Four-year term, $72k salary LWVOR.org

[_] Susan Castillo ELECTED 2-TERM INCUMBENT (2002-)

Top 3 things I want to do if I win. LWVOR.org Vague/Obvious: "...continue to work to improve student performance through clear, high expectations." Good: "increase access to Head Start, Early Head Start and full day kindergarten." Unlikely: "advocate for adequate, stable funding so our schools don’t suffer when the economy is bad." Interesting: "...The good news is that we know which students are at risk of dropping out and Oregon’s high school dropout rate is at an all-time low..." LWVOR.org Yikes: "In 2007...Castillo almost cost Oregonians millions after lawmakers discovered she’d mistakenly told local school districts they could charge tuition for full-day kindergarten. That was illegal actually...To fix her mistake, the Legislature passed emergency legislation, retroactively rendering her actions legal." WWeek.com Yikes: "...a Marion County Circuit Court ordered Castillo’s education department to pay $3.5 million to an online testing company the department had accused of breach of contract. ODE is appealing that decision. But if that effort fails, Castillo will have to lean on the Legislature for another major fix..." WWeek.com Unfortunate: "In 2008, one of Castillo’s employees embezzled almost $1 million in taxpayer funds from the department. Although Castillo says the department has recovered most of the money and put in place new accounting protections, we see a pattern here." WWeek.com Ouch: "...Castillo failed to put Oregon in the running for millions from the federal education grant known as Race to the Top. (Oregon’s application was 35th out of 41 states.) Oh, we forgot—she did help the teachers union in its efforts to curb the growth of online charter schools." WWeek.com Ugh: "...Castillo hesitates to tread outside boundaries set by the Oregon Education Association, one of her key backers. She lacks a strong agenda..." OregonLive.com Ouch. Isn't this her job?: "...Castillo too often has been on the sidelines of big issues. She does not command wide respect at the Oregon Capitol....She had to be pushed...to ask for a state audit of the financially troubled Willamette Education Service District." StatesmanJournal.com Yikes: "...we continue to be confounded that Castillo appointed a non-educator to the department's No. 2 position...despite her own lack of a background in education." StatesmanJournal.com

[X] Ron Maurer

Top 3 things I want to do if I win. LWVOR.org Obvious: "Have more students graduate high school." Good: "Prepare students for career jobs" Good: "Prepare students to go to college." Interesting: "...We need to reconnect our schools with vocational and technical career paths that provide a living wage. When the baby boomers retire, Oregon will face a significant skilled workforce shortage..." LWVOR.org Interesting: "...The Department should strive to reduce the administrative burden placed on schools in order to improve quality. We must reduce paperwork for teachers so they can focus more time on their students..." LWVOR.org YIKES: "...Maurer’s view that teachers with concealed handgun permits should be allowed to pack heat in homeroom. Maurer also says the content of sex education should be community-driven, rather than a state matter. ...he’s torn between faith and science. 'I am not a supporter of creationism,' he says. 'I am not a supporter of evolution.'..." LWVOR.org Good: "...Maurer freely admits that he is not the most qualified person in Oregon to serve as schools chief. He says he's running out of frustration that no one else would challenge the status quo. He deserves credit for doing so. In fact, if his vision and agenda were clearer, this newspaper would have endorsed him..." OregonLive.com Great: "...Maurer has an education background, including a doctorate in the field...As a state representative from Grants Pass, and former school board member, he may be closer to grassroots educational concerns that Castillo....He understands the problems created when local districts get inconsistent answers or are delayed in receiving information from the Education Department." StatesmanJournal.com

Well in this case, there is reason to vote out the incumbent. In what has to be a thankless and impossible job, Castillo has made several headline-grabbing blunders. It would be irresponsible for voters to reward her with a third term and hope for better results.

I don't believe in casting protest votes for unqualified candidates. Although, for some reason there are concerns about Maurer's qualifications (education doctorate, former school board chair, state rep.), he seems to be as or more qualified than Castillo (a former TV reporter and state senator). I'm hesitant about electing a Republican with, apparently, the usual biases against sex education and science, but the office is technically nonpartisan. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to be rallying the right wing base.

In nearly every national, state, and local political campaign, education is touted as a top priority, and yet Oregonians have left the top education job to a little-known elected position that offers no incentive to attract an effective executive (really, $72k salary???). It should be an appointed position.

2010 Primary: OR Judiciary

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Nonpartisan
Judiciary

Oregon Judge of the Supreme Court Position 5 Six-year term, $122k salary LWVOR.org
[X] Jack L Landau	Great!: "...Landau has ruled on just about every issue that matters in this state... he’s not afraid to call bullshit on his fellow judges. He’s been critical of the current Supreme Court for ruling on original intent—the idea we should interpret the state constitution based on what we believe the framers were thinking when they wrote it 150 years ago (nothing like those “storied times” when blacks were excluded from residency). And he chastised the court for its slow pace in turning around cases...." WWeek.com Wow: "Jack L. Landau will go down in Oregon constitutional history as a Court of Appeals judge who pushed the state closer to equal rights for gays and lesbians..." "...in Tanner v. OHSU, he wrote the opinion for the court, which found that employers cannot discriminate against gay and lesbian couples when providing health benefits. This 1998 ruling was revolutionary at the time and it electrified the left..." OregonLive.com
[_] Allan J Arlow	Top 3 things I want to do if I win. LWVOR.org Good: "Make justice easier and more understandable for everyone" Good: "Help people believe that courts will listen to them respectfully" Good: "Write decisions that are clear and easily understood" Interesting: "Any flat fee for government services disproportionately impacts lower income Oregonians. Court and filing fees are set by the legislature and not the courts. ...judges can give exemptions in some cases. ...Under the ethics rules, I cannot express an opinion on any matter which might come before me, including this question" LWVOR.org "...The Judges need to have a thorough understanding of many of society’s complexities and simultaneously give deference to the language and intentions of the authors of the Oregon Constitution and of elected representatives" LWVOR.org
Oregon Judge of the Supreme Court
[X] Rives Kistler INCUMBENT (2003-)	Good: "...courts have the power to waive those fees when people lack the funds to pay them. The courts should waive or defer fees when appropriate." LWVOR.org
Oregon Judge of the Court of Appeals Position 3
[X] Darleen Ortega INCUMBENT
Oregon Judge of the Court of Appeals Position 7
[X] Robert Wollheim INCUMBENT
Oregon Judge of the Circuit Court 4th District (Multnomah County), Position 15
[X] Alicia A Fuchs INCUMBENT
Oregon Judge of the Circuit Court 4th District (Multnomah County), Position 20
[X] Eric J Bloch INCUMBENT
Oregon Judge of the Circuit Court 4th District (Multnomah County), Position 25
[X] Kathleen M Dailey INCUMBENT

--MultCo Elections PDF, Oregon Blue Book

The judicial elections seem one of the most bizarre and dull aspects of the ballot. The candidates don't really campaign and can't appear to be political. Ultimately, it comes down to credentials.

The one contested race, the open supreme court position, is somewhat interesting. Initially, I was leaning toward Arlow as I liked some of his answers to the League of Women Voters, but I think I'll go with Landau. Yep, I have to admit it is because of 1998 gay rights ruling. I remember that ruling and appreciate his reasoning.

2010 Primary: OR Treasurer (Dem)

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Democratic Party
Oregon State Treasurer
Four-year term, $72k salary
Manages investment of state monies
Manages the sale of state bonds
Along with Governor and Secretary of State, oversees management of state lands LWVOR.org

[_] Rick Metsger

Top 3 things I want to do if I win. LWVOR.org "Create Jobs..." Interesting: "To improve financial literacy in our schools. In 2009 I authored and passed a bill to put the State Treasurer on the Board of Education." Meh: "Protect retiree pensions." "In 2009, as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, Metsger steered through a 6-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase, the first such hike since 1993. In earlier sessions, he faced off against powerful interests, helping reform the state’s workers’ comp insurer, SAIF Corp., in 2003 and taking on abusive tax practices by utilities in 2005." WWeek.com "...Metsger is arguably the best-qualified sitting member of the Legislature to serve as treasurer. He's worked on everything from mortgage reform to financial literacy to co-authoring bills to finance several billions of dollars in bonds to pay for massive transportation improvements and create thousands of badly needed jobs in the state..." OregonLive.com

[X] Ted Wheeler APPOINTED INCUMBENT

Yikes: His campaign website doesn't specify his plan or accomplishments as treasurer and is still written toward Multnomah County voters. TedWheeler.com Top 3 things I want to do if I win. LWVOR.org "Wise financial management of state funds through safe and diversified investments..." "Create jobs..." Excellent: "Provide independent evaluations of financial products like mortgages and credit cards so consumers get the best value." "Wheeler maneuvered the tricky shoals of the county without alienating constituents or most of his peers at City Hall and Metro. That collegial style will play well in Salem. Wheeler’s prior experience at Wells Fargo and Copper Mountain Trust give him stronger financial credentials than recent state treasurers." WWeek.com "...only Wheeler has the relevant private-sector financial experience to pair with his public service..." OregonLive.com

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz. I can't imagine many Oregon voters are familiar or knowledgeable about what exactly the treasurer does, at least I know I'm not. Bond ratings, land management, pension management are important, but these seem hard issues to politically debate -- especially with the Democrat contenders seemingly agreeing with other. I like what Wheeler did in Multnomah County and he is already in the job, so there is no reason to throw him out.

The Democrat will face an unopposed and unknown (to me) Republican state senator Chris Telfer, a Bend CPA. Her outdated campaign website still refers to January 2010 election as a future event, quotes Ronald Reagan, and claims she "is the only individual currently serving in the Oregon Legislature, with a financial expertise".

2010 Primary: OR Governor (Dem)

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Democratic Party
Oregon Governor
Four-year term, $93k salary LWVOR.org

[_] Roger Obrist	Yikes: No statement in the official Oregon voters' guide. OregonVotes.org Unlikely: "I would support legislation 'Eliminating property Taxes' as a way of raising revenue. Finding an alternative such as a sales tax." LWVOR.org "...a retired construction worker from Damascus, is also in the race, but not running a serious campaign." WWeek.com
[X] John Kitzhaber FORMER GOVERNOR 1995-2003	Jobs For Oregon plan JohnKitzhaber.com Making Americans Healthier plan JohnKitzhaber.com Education plan JohnKitzhaber.com Energy and Environment plan JohnKitzhaber.com Wow. I forgot about that: "In 1994, he displayed a level of aggressiveness and naked ambition unusual in Oregon politics. Democrat Barbara Roberts was finishing her first term as governor and planning to run for a second. Kitzhaber decided to take her on and forced her out of the race." WWeek.com "..The good news is Kitzhaber seems interested in more than a farewell tour. His brain is filled with ideas—about how to cut healthcare costs by putting a brake on ineffective procedures; about combining K-12, community colleges and higher ed into one K-20 entity; about budgeting in a different way." WWeek.com "..told the OEA to improve teacher performance if the union wants more money. He told enviros that before agreeing to their desires on LNG, he’d need to figure out a way to avoid short-changing employers and low-income ratepayers..." WWeek.com
[_] Bill Bradbury	America's Green State plan Bradbury2010.com The Bank of Oregon plan Bradbury2010.com LGBTQA plan Bradbury2010.com Quality Education plan Bradbury2010.com "...improved Oregon’s dreadful campaign-finance reporting mechanism, creating a new system that allows real-time reporting, easy searching and far greater transparency." WWeek.com "... exhibited little leadership...ignored abuses in Oregon’s initiative system, such as signature fraud...excessively partisan when he oversaw a post-census legislative redistricting in 2001...did nothing about the fact Oregon is one of only five states that places no limits on political contributions..." WWeek.com "...has also been shameless in his pandering to interest groups...promised the state’s most powerful labor organization...an additional $2 billion for education...[although] projected $2.5 billion budget deficit...pledged to shut down the state’s largest coal-fired power plant without proposing another source of juice...opposition to liquefied natural gas...proposing no viable alternative...create a “Bank of Oregon.”...prohibited by the state constitution...." WWeek.com

In the other races, I complained about the lack of specific plans from the other candidates. However, Kitzhaber's and Bradbury's similar campaign websites are overwhelming in their plans. Admittedly, I relied on Willamette Week's analysis more than reading through each website.

As our former governor, I automatically favored Kitzhaber. Although his health plan didn't really work out, he at least tried. Also, his efforts were largely hampered by a hostile Republican legislature. So, hopefully, he will have better luck with a friendlier legislature.

Even before the race and Willamette Week's brutal critique, I was not impressed with Bradbury. I was disappointed with his half-ass 2002 senate race that gave Gordon Smith another six years (although Kitzhaber's own indecision to run also didn't help). Bradbury seems to be part of the Democrat elite that panders to the base, gradually works their way up, and quietly expects to ascend to office by default.

There is also the electability factor in the general election. Although his last stint as governor may not have been stellar, Kitzhaber still is the impressive Oregon governor candidate: former ER doctor, jean-wearing outdoors man, and independent non-panderer. To me Bradbury seems to be a stereotypical Democrat candidate that may struggle against a strong Republican candidate.

2010 Primary: Metro President

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Nonpartisan
Metro Council President
Four-year term, $114k salary LWVPDX.org (PDF)

[X] Bob Stacey	Good: "...I have recommended—and will continue to recommend—a “restart” of the CRC process, with new aims of repairing the existing bridge as inexpensively as possible, adding non-highway transportation choices to the crossing, and achieving regional greenhouse gas reduction goals..." BobStacey.com Good: "We can allow new development to pave over those farm fields we depend on to grow those foods. Or we can permanently protect this close-in farmland. I want new development to contribute to a fund to ensure that permanent protection." BobStacey.com
[_] Rex Burkholder	Ugh. Currently on Metro board and seems to be one of the least critical voices regarding the Vancouver SUV Bridge. Considering Vancouver/Clark County oppose everything that Metro stands for, it's odd he is so willing to go along with their bridge project.
[_] Tom Hughes	Ugh. Campaign website oddly nonspecific. Ugh. Troubling endorsements from Commercial Association of Realtors, Portland Business Alliance, and suburbs -- all of whom would seem the least supportive of the Urban Growth Boundary and Metro. VoteTomHughes.com Poor reasoning. "...we'll be voting for Hughes, if for no other reason than being tired of the wasteful, juvenile 'planning' mafia that's quickly running our local government into bankruptcy...." BoJack.org It's like saying you don't like police wasting resources on policing. Planning is what Metro does.

It may merely be 'change' rhetoric, but Bob Stacey seems to get what Metro is about. Most importantly, Stacey is critical of Metro's current support of the Columbia River Crossing (AKA Vancouver SUV bridge). The I-5 bridge primarily benefits non-Metro residents: job-stealing, SUV-driving Vancouver and Washington residents. For generations, Metro residents have made significant sacrifices to live within the Urban Growth Boundary. Meanwhile, our Washington neighbors continue to sprawl, vote against bus and light rail, and refuse to even carpool over the bridge.

Current Metro Commissioner Burkholder seems too willing to bargain away Metro residents' interests in favor of the bridge for Washingtonians. Former suburban mayor Hughes touts employers he supposedly attracted to his city, but I'm not sure how that really relates to Metro as it focuses on long-term land use planning (although Stacey has also been campaigning on job creation).

2010 Primary: US Senator (OR Dem)

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Democratic Party
US Senator, Oregon
6-year term, $174k salary

[_] Pavel Goberman	Perennial candidate: 2008 BOLI Commissioner, 2008 US Senator Democrat Primary, etc.
[_] Loren Hooker	Like Goberman, Hooker's campaign website seems to be a conservative wish list.
[X] Ron Wyden INCUMBENT (1996-)

-- League of Women Voters (PDF)

No reason not to support our senator.

2010 Primary: MultCo Chair

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Nonpartisan
Chair of the Board of Multnomah County Commissioners
Four-year term, $136k salary

[_] Wes Soderback	So? "...His family has lived here for more than 100 years..." ElectWes2010.com Uh-oh: Did not respond to League of Women Voters timely. --LWV Yikes: "...Resent tax increases will help but, as the recovery money dries up we could be in for another budgit crisis. ..." (sic) MultCo Voters' Guide
[X] Jeff Cogen APPOINTED(?) INCUMBENT	Interesting: "In Multnomah County poverty has been moving east for at least a decade. We need to insure services follow the people who need them..." (LWV PDF) Annoying: Only "Possibly" supports sheriff charter reform proposal. (LWV PDF) Good, but not that relevant: Supports marriage equality (JeffCogen.com) Great gesture, but not the top priority for the county.
[_] Mike Darger	Uh-oh: Did not respond to League of Women Voters timely. LWVPDX.org Ugh: "...claims to have been affiliated with the national conservative group Americans for Prosperity..." WWeek.com

No reason not to support the incumbent Jeff Cogen -- although I wish his campaign had a few more details. The other two candidates seem a bit fringe.

2010 Primary: MultCo Sheriff

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Nonpartisan
Multnomah County Sheriff (term through Dec. 2010)

[X] Dan Staton (APPOINTED INCUMBENT 2009-)

Ugh: "...We have developed a marketing strategy team designed to build narrative, graphic and pictorial accounts of each aspect of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office..." Interesting, but vague: How is administering a training facility a top priority?: ...Staton said he'd like to see the county consider turning the jail [Wapato] into a regional corrections training facility...

[_] Muhammad Ra'oof

Huh?: "...my progressive leadership will accommodate a cordial working relationship..." Good luck with that: "...As a progressive Sheriff, I will support progressive immigration laws..." Meh: "...Community outreach involvement will be a centerpiece of my term as a progressive Sheriff..." Need more: Not much else mentioned besides being "progressive". It would be nice to hear what progressive jail management/policing is and how it would be implemented with limited funds.

---

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Nonpartisan
Multnomah County Sheriff (term from Jan. 2011)
Four-year term, $135k salary

[X] Dan Staton	(See above)
[_] Muhammad Ra'oof	(See above)

--League of Women Voters of Portland (PDF), OregonLive.com

According to an OregonLive.com article, Multnomah County's Sheriff Department is far different than most other sheriff's departments in the state:

...Multnomah County runs the second-largest corrections operation in Oregon behind only the state prison system, with two jails that house about 1,300 inmates. No other sheriff's office devotes such a large proportion of its operations to running jails, according to the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association. Where the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office at one time provided policing for 200,000 residents, it now does so for about 17,000. Yet even as the duties have shifted, the elected sheriffs come from a law enforcement -- not corrections -- background....

Before he was appointed to state treasurer, former County Commissioner Ted Wheeler proposed changing the county charter to make the jails independent from the sheriff. It's a sensible proposal -- especially considering the current dysfunctional system. As I understand it, currently an unqualified patrolman is expected to administer a large jail system, but is not accountable to efficiently manage its budget as the county board is responsible for the finances.

It's easy to point out how the current sheriff management system has failed:

• "...The $58 million Wapato Jail has sat empty since its completion in 2004 and has drained already-stretched county coffers of $300,000 a year to maintain...." (02/10/2010 OregonLive.com)
• Meanwhile: "...the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office reported this week they were once again forced to release prisoners because local jails were full..." (06/19/2009 WWeek.com)

While both candidates recognize Wapato as an embarrassment, neither have specific plans to resolve it or admit to the department's larger systematic failings. Not surprisingly, they both oppose removing the jails from the sheriff's office.

I'm tempted to cast a protest vote for underdog candidate Muhammad Ra'oof, but I can't find his specific ideas nor does he seem interested in campaigning on real reforms such as removing the jails, reforming overtime abuse, or bringing professional management to the department. He mainly says he is a progressive candidate and that's about it.

Incumbent Dan Staton doesn't even bother making a statement in the voters' guide and merely cites his experience and endorsements. In other words, 'trust me, I'm the status quo'. More disturbingly, Staton's response to the League of Women Voter's (PDF) concern about public confidence in the sheriff is "marketing" as opposed to acknowledging the department's numerous leadership scandals, incompetence, and mismanagement.

Unless another option is provided, I'll reluctantly vote for Staton and hope the charter reform follows.

04/26/2010: UPDATED AND REVISED.

2010 Primary: US Rep (OR-3rd Dem)

May 18, 2010, Oregon Primary Election
Democratic Party
US Representative, Oregon 3rd District
Two-year term, $174k salary

[_] John Sweeney

Ugh. Not a serious candidate: Didn't file a statement in the voters pamphlet. No campaign website. Meh. Somehow managed to respond to League of Women Voters' questions: "Top 3 things I want to do if I win. LWVOR.org Yikes. Insane. Jobs; lower the Social Security Retirement age to 60. Make room for the young. Wrong. Retirement age needs to be raised or Carousel implemented. :) Unlikely strategy: National Health Care is a matter of National Security. Silly and wrong: Reinstate the long range missile systems, we need them to protect us from the asteroids & coments, that can destroy the Earth."

[X] Earl Blumenauer INCUMBENT (1996-)

League of Women Voters' questions: "Top 3 things I want to do if I win." LWVOR.org "Create Jobs" 2010 campaign phrase that replaced 2004's 'fight terrorism' "Reform Healthcare" Brave, but good answer. "Protect the Planet" What no space missiles?

--Oregon Voters' Pamphlet, League of Women Voters of Oregon: Easy Voters' Guide

No reason not to re-elect our long-time congressman.