More from the rumor mill...

There is buzz coming up from I-5 from South of here... Folks are seriously talking to Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken about running for Congress in 2010.  Serious folks.  And it sounds like Mayor Leiken is seriously listening.  I think he should run, and I think he can win.

Some folks think Leiken should hold off making plans until incumbent Peter DeFazio decides to run for Governor - as in, wait for an open seat for an easier shot.  I don't necessarily agree with that line of thinking.  DeFazio could be very, very vulnerable if he decides to seek re-election to his CD4 seat in 2010.

The economy is certainly the top issue today.  Liberal tax and spend policies from the new administration will all but guarantee the economy will still be struggling 18 months from now - and there won't be any Republicans to blame.  While Peter DeFazio has been busy supporting new taxes, new fees, new regulations, and the free flow of OUR tax money into government program after government program, Mayor Leiken has been busy bringing a billion dollars of economic growth into Springfield.

Leiken, Oregon's Mayor of the Year, has a solid record during his three terms in office.  He has the name recognition and proven success within Springfield to win the district's urban core.  He also has the conservative credentials to please the district's many rural voters.

While there is no official word from Mayor Leiken regarding his future yet, he clearly is a face to watch in 2010 and beyond.  I expect to him to run - and win - in CD4.  And... who knows what might come 4 or 8 years later...

Comments

[Scott]

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Come over and let me know!

[Brian Collins]

As I recall, Mayor Leiken supported the first Wall Street bailout bill and criticized DeFazio for voting against it. Since the financial bailout bill is pretty much viewed as a failure because Wall Street hasn't used taxpayer dollars as Congress intended (CEO bonuses, money being used for acquisitions rather than loosening credit, banks not reporting how taxpayer dollars have been spent etc) I can't see that position playing too well.

Plus, it's kind of rich to criticize government spending when the Mayor was a primary promoter of spending federal money in his city to expand Bus Rapid Transit.

[OregonGuy]

I hope he runs.
.

[Josh Reynolds]

Leiken, a former Banker, was supportive about getting credit out the banking industry is what I remember him saying about the bailout. I think you are confusing the horrendous oversight that is not occuring in Congress as to the use of the TARP funds. Leiken, Lars Larson, Boehner, and many others supported it.

I like the BRT. Frankly, this new leg going out to the massive Gateway employment center, will be a good thing. You know the employment center that has occured under Leiken's watch.

[maxredline]

I've been hearing some of the same rumblings, and I think he'd make a good candidate. He's been an effective and productive counter to the nearby libs.

[a]

Hmmm,

Maybe Sid will run on a platform of penis jokes.

[Freeky Deeky Kiddies!]

What's in the drinking water of Springfield that makes all those kids in the picture look like some sort of wierd hybrids?