Witigonen

A new Survey USA poll came out today, and it shows that the Merkley momentum is real: <a href="http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=8faacb64-2a90-4696-b544-61c07553ffa8">he has taken the lead against Steve Novick</a>. Jeff leads Steve (within the margin of error) 31 to 27. Over the past few months, Jeff's made up some pretty decent ground as people come to learn about his campaign and his record as House Speaker.

Here are the points-of-note from the cross-tabs: Jeff leads amongst 18-34 year-olds 28-22; leads amongst self-identified moderates 35-24 (while playing Steve close on "liberals"); leads amongst self-identified pro-choice respondents; leads 37-27 amongst people whose top issue is the economy; and leads 35-22 amongst respondents outside of Portland.

These cross-tabs are simply fascinating, and show the full scope of Jeff's support.

There's a lot still uncertain about these numbers, with a wide margin (24) still undecided and many voting for other candidates. But the momentum's ...

Just wanted to throw this up quickly before I have to hit the road: <a href="http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate2">Oregon's own Gordon Smith is in deep trouble</a>. <b>A Rasmussen poll has him under 50% to both potential Democratic challengers, and only ahead by three points against Jeff Merkley.</b>

Although he has a huge money pile, he must be starting to sweat out there in his D.C. offices. He knows that his days are numbered. Why else would he released the following horrendously negative attack:

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He's coming after Jeff Merkley because he knows that Jeff can beat him in November. This poll confirms Merkley's strength, and we begin to understand just how desperate that Smith is getting. Over at BlueOregon, <a href="http://www.blueoregon.com/2008/05/running-scared.html">Jeff Alworth says it perfectly</a>, and calls Smith on his bullshit:

<blockquote>Leaving aside for a moment the unsourced lies and misdirection, let's parse the ad for what it is, a blueprint ...</blockquote>

Writing at BlueOregon, <a href="http://www.blueoregon.com/2008/05/this-morning-in.html">Portland-area Rep. Earl Blumenauer recalls Barack Obama's recent visit to the House of Representatives</a>. He stresses just how popular this guy is:

<blockquote>Nothing illustrated the momentum, the optimism, and the power of the Obama campaign more than the reaction Senator Obama received on the floor. It was not necessarily a victory lap, but certainly there was a sense that here was a campaign at the top of its game as the end of the nominating process was approaching. Here was the guy to change the game in D.C. Most were feeling comfortable, if not excited, about the prospect of Obama leading the Democratic ticket in the fall. People clogged the aisles to move towards him. He had a wave for one… a hug for another… listening attentively… and informal banter. It was a rock star reaction to a regular guy.</blockquote>

As much as I appreciate ...

Today, through <a href="http://bojack.org/2008/05/minority_group_speaks_out.html">Jack Bog</a>, I learned that the Republican Party had made an endorsement in the race for Portland mayor. Their choice? <a href="http://www.witigonen.com/media/uploads/repubsmay08.pdf">None other than Sho Dozono</a>.

Here's the text of their endorsement:

<blockquote>A man of proven leadership in increasing society’s wealth. Sho is respected around the State. He creates jobs, met payrolls, saved schoolteacher jobs, and brought industry to Oregon. He has a sound plan for our future economy, a sensible attitude toward spending, a rational concern for housing working people in Portland and an understanding of the role of schools in Portland’s prosperity. <b>MCRP strongly endorses Sho.</b></blockquote>

Progressives, take heed and let there be no further confusion: Sho Dozono is the Republican choice for Portland mayor. Their endorsement, however, is just as flimsy as his talking points and is little more than propped-up campaign rhetoric.

They say Sho's a man of "proven leadership" when ...

The Reverend Chuck Currie, a prominent blogger and minister with the United Church of Christ, has posted a blog on his endorsement choices for the city and state's primary election cycle. Who is he supporting for Portland Mayor? <a href="http://chuckcurrie.blogs.com/chuck_currie/2008/05/oregon-may-2008.html">Sam Adams</a>:

<blockquote><b>Sam Adams has earned my vote</b>. Let me tell you something about Sam: he worked, as everyone knows, for Vera Katz when she was mayor. Katz was about as mean as they get and she never forgave anyone who crossed her. It got to the point that our arguments over housing policy were so heated that she wouldn’t talk to me and had this firm habit of having to go to the bathroom every time I got up to testify at council.</blockquote>

But here's the money quote. It shows exactly what Sam's made of:

<blockquote> <b>But Sam kept the communication lines open with me and other advocates ...</b></blockquote>