Resistance is futile!

What Daniel said

Because Daniel is right.

While I am a true conservative with libertarian leanings, and Gordon Smith is pretty far from that, I have been saying for years that it is wrong for conservatives in Oregon to pile on Smith.  Yes, he is much more moderate than we are.  But our state is much more liberal than we are.  Real conservatives don't fare so well here.  We have a choice between "somewhat liberal" and "extremely liberal."  Give me the somewhat over the extreme anyday.

This is not to say we shouldn't continue to elect real conservatives.  On the contrary.  But we need to pick our battles, and build from the ground up.  We need to run good candidates for local elections first, and use their victories to build the farm team for statewide elections down the road.  We can't do better than Gordon Smith because we have no better candidate.  But perhaps Gordon will want to retire from the Senate in six years, or sooner (if we elect a GOP Governor in two years, there is a strong possibility of President McCain tapping Smith for a Cabinet post like Agriculture or the Interior).  That means we need to focus on a few things here:

Re-elect Gordon Smith, so we don't get stuck with Jeff Merkley.

Re-elect Greg Walden, our only GOP Congressman (and an OK guy).

Re-elect Jason Atkinson to the State Senate and groom him for higher office.

Elect Rick Dancer Secretary of State.

Once we do these things, we can focus on 2010 and beyond, and gradually shift our alternative to socialism from "somewhat liberal" to conservative.

In the meantime, SUPPORT GORDON SMITH!

Gilchrist is nuts

I listened to Lars talk to Gilchrist on the air about the Huckabee endorsement.  Here is a clip from the show:

Download 121207_gilchrist.mp3

It runs about 12 minutes.  Lars didn't pound Gilchrist into the dirt the way he did with a certain other figure who came off the wrong way on immigration.  But he did ask tough questions, and make it clear he is in disagreement.  He wasn't very apologetic.

I e-mailed the following to Lars, and he wrote back in agreement:

Gilchrist came off as a serious Kool Aid drinker. 

First, he kept saying again and again the choice is Giuliani or Huckabee.  Um… isn’t there also a guy named Thompson in this race, and hasn’t he been polling about as well as Huckabee nationally? 

Second, he kept talking about how “only” Huckabee has a written plan.  Um… didn’t Thompson lead the way by being the FIRST of the GOP candidates to put a comprehensive immigration plan on the web?  You can read it here: 

http://fred08.com/virtual/Immigration.aspx 

I’ve compared this to Huckabee’s plan, and it is far stronger.  Notice that “NO AMNESTY” is PLANK NUMBER ONE of the platform!  Huckabee’s plan sounds good, but if you read the details he talks about things like “fast tracks” to help people more quickly become legal immigrants – doesn’t that sound just like the “path to citizenship” for illegals?  You know… what Bush and McCain want?  Would President Huckabee “fast track” legal status for, say, illegal immigrant children who want to go to college in the U.S. with taxpayer scholarships? 

Third, he seemed so impressed by the whole “well, he may have a bad record, but he says he will do better now” idea.  Well, by that logic, he should be jumping for joy over Bush and McCain, since they both say “hey, we hear ya, and we know amnesty is a problem.”  Problem is, neither one has actually DONE anything to show they practice what they preach.  Actions speak far louder than words.  Duncan Hunter has fought tooth and nail to get a border fence built.  I believe him when he says he will finish the job Bush hasn’t.  I don’t need to see a written “plan” on a website to believe him.  In contrast, Huckabee has acted in complete contempt for the interests of national sovereignty and our citizens and legitimate legal immigrants.  Why should I believe he will do ANYTHING he has up on his website? 

Finally, he dissed Tancredo and Hunter because they have small support.  Um… Well, until a few weeks ago, Huckabee was right down there at the bottom with them.  You know what happened?  He got some important endorsements that motivated a very important bloc – the evangelical Christians.  Now he is a top candidate.  Couldn’t endorsements from important people who lead other movements among the conservative voters, people like Gilchrist, have given a boost to Hunter or Tancredo, elevating one of them? 

You know, I almost never find it appropriate to quote Dennis Kucinich, but he said one thing back in 2004 that really sparkled for me.  When asked why he was still in the race, despite having no chance at winning, he said “I can win if you support me!”  And so I believe we SHOULD support the candidates we LIKE rather than the candidates we “think” can win.  That’s how winning IDEAS build up steam. 

If Gilchrist had supported Thompson, Hunter, or Tancredo, maybe he wouldn’t be backing the “winning” candidate.  But he would be backing the winning IDEA, and would be in a position to continue pushing that idea.  Now, he isn’t backing ideas so much as “winners.”  Well, if Huckabee wins, and ends up with an actual immigration plan consistent with his past, consistent with Bush and McCain, then that BAD idea has been legitimized, because people will remember “hey, this is the guy that Minuteman fellow supported, so this must be what real immigration reform looks like.” 

I think a good idea just lost out to a slick candidate.  If elected President, Mike Huckabee might very be just like the Republican Bill Clinton: he panders to the base in order to win their favor, but then when push comes to shove, he forgets who took him to the prom.  Think about how angry gays are with “don’t ask, don’t tell.”  Um… wasn’t that a CLINTON policy?  That’s what happens you tie your special interest to the “popular” candidate instead of the ones whose principles actually match your own. 

I don’t think Gilchrist gave a satisfactory explanation AT ALL.  He has seriously discredited his own cause by backing someone whose record is so suspect.

Callers to the show sounded pretty disappointed in Gilchrist.  All I can say is: I hope those 30 pieces of silver work out for you...

A jock with brains!

Even if you don't follow sports, you know Lynn Swann:

But if you aren't from Pennsylvania, and don't follow politics, you might not know that Lynn Swann, NFL Hall of Famer and television personality, is running for Governor.  As a Republican.

Don't think for one moment that Swann is just some dumb jock, trying to keep his name in the spotlight years after leaving the playing field, by running for an office beyond his mental capabilities.  I've seen and heard Swann, not just as a sports commentator, and he is a bright and articulate thinker.

Oh, he writes, too:

Seeking a new way to reach voters and to answer criticism that he has been vague on the issues, Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann on Wednesday unveiled a new campaign weapon: A book....

The book, titled "A New Direction: My Plan for a Better Pennsylvania" - similar to a slogan the Rendell administration has used, "Plan for a New Pennsylvania" - will not be found in stores. Instead, Swann plans to distribute it on the campaign trail and sell it through his campaign Web site for $10.

This is a great move by Swann.  I wonder where he may have gotten the idea?  Too bad he can't give them away for free...

Breaking news...

We might have the beginnings of an "I told you so..."

I'm listening to Lars Larson RIGHT NOW and he is concerned that Ron Saxton may have changed for the worse his stand on IMMIGRATION.  He says Ron Saxton has changed his cell phone number and he can't get a hold of him to get him on the air...

More when I know it...

* update *

It sounds like the Saxton camp is now recognizing that immigration is a federal issue, and consequently is refusing to touch many aspects of immigration.  That's odd... isn't that what many of the non-Saxton crowd kept trying to say to people like Lars before the primary?

* update *

We are into the first break of the noon hour, and Lars is still unable to get Saxton on the air...

* update *

See MAX Redline for more information about Saxton's failure.

* update *

Be sure to read the comments for a good explanation of this whole situation.

* update *

A listener asked Lars if he would now admit that backing Saxton was a mistake, and would he now support Mary Starrett.  Interestingly, Lars "immigration is the only issue" Larson said that Starrett is a single-issue candidate and he won't support her...

* update *

It is now 3 PM and the Lars Larson show has ended.  Lars' ending comment was that he still can't get Ron Saxton on the phone and Felix, Saxton's campaign manager, has stated that Saxton will not address this federal issue.

See... we told you so...

Whatever happened to that Atkinson guy?

You may have been wondering what became of that one great guy who didn't win the primary... well, he certainly has been busy, even in defeat.  Please see the following press release:

---

Senator Jason Atkinson
Oregon State Capitol
900 Court Street NE, S-216
Salem, Oregon 97301

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Cheri Adkins
June 6, 2006
(541) 955 0911

Atkinson Participates in New Orleans Relief Efforts

NEW ORLEANS, LA – State Senator Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point) and his wife Stephanie spent the past several days in New Orleans aiding families who continue to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Atkinson is participating in the outreach effort as part of a national program that recognizes some of America’s top young elected leaders.

"This is one of the greatest civic challenges our country has faced,” Atkinson said. “My heart is forever changed experiencing the devastation of these Americans. I hope the rest of our country continues to rebuild this great city."

Atkinson, who returned to Oregon late Monday, says they stayed busy during their trip visiting with aid groups, touring the hurricane’s devastation and pitching in to help. The Senator had the honor of meeting with representatives from Women of the Storm, a grassroots organization calling on each member of Congress to visit the region devastated by last year’s violent hurricane in hopes of spreading awareness about the destruction caused by the storm and the long road ahead toward recovery. Stephanie Atkinson volunteered with the local charity Boys Hope Girls Hope where they helped move a displaced family.

“My heart really goes out to these families,” stated Stephanie Atkinson. “The children of New Orleans are suffering but their spirit and pride in their city will never die.”

Last year, Senator Atkinson was one of 24 elected leaders selected from the ranks of federal, state, and local government to be part of the inaugural two-year class of the Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Service. The Aspen Institute coordinated the New Orleans visit.

The Rodel Fellowship program is designed to bring together “the very best of the nation's emerging leaders” to discuss broad issues of democratic governance and effective public service by recognizing “public leaders the Institute has identified as ‘the true rising stars’ of American politics,” according to the institute’s website.

The Boys Hope Girls Hope program provides a stable, loving home environment and a strong academic program for disadvantaged but capable boys and girls. It is an inter-denominational program and welcomes children regardless of their race, creed or religion. Homes run by the organization where destroyed by Hurricane Katrina last year and are now working to rebuild.

The Aspen Institute is an international non-profit organization founded in 1950. Its mission is to foster enlightened leadership, the appreciation of timeless ideas and values, and open-minded dialogue on contemporary issues. Through seminars, policy programs, conferences and leadership development initiatives, the Institute and its international partners seek to promote the pursuit of common ground and deeper understanding in a nonpartisan and non-ideological setting.

Atkinson is a former candidate for governor, current state senator, author, and was chosen as part of the inaugural class of Rodel Fellows by the Aspen Institute.

-30-

---

I'd say that even without winning this year's primary, Jason Atkinson has a bright future in politics, combined with the youth and energy to endure.  Keep your eyes on him as he continues to excel in state, and perhaps national, politics.

One last reminder

Tomorrow is the end of primary voting.  Time is running out!  Remember to cast your ballot for Jason Atkinson, the best choice for the GOP and for Oregon!

And while every race is important, the other contested statewide race that is critical is, of course, the race for the open seat on the Supreme Court.  We need Jack Roberts for common sense on the court!

I probably won't be able to post again until after the results come in, so good luck Jason and Jack!

Folks have noticed the mudslinging...

...and they don't like it!

I received another e-mail from the Oregon Firearms Federation.  Keep in mind, this group usually does NOT endorse candidates.  This gubernatorial race has been a big exception.  Today's release:

Oregon Firearms Federation
P.O. Box 556
Canby, OR
97013

Voice: (503) 263-5830

http://www.oregonfirearms.org

ELECTION UPDATE FROM OFFPAC 05/11/06

If you have a TV in your home, you've no doubt been subjected to the attacks that Kevin Mannix and Ron Saxton have been exchanging.

You have probably also noticed that the one pro-gun candidate in the race has not been part of the mud slinging.

A recent poll has indicated, that in spite of what you may have guessed by watching the mainstream press, the race is a virtual dead heat and Jason Atkinson is very much in the running.

If you have not yet returned your ballot, we urge you to vote for Senator Atkinson, the only candidate with a proven record of supporting gun rights.

There are still lots of ballots out there, and your vote is critical.

Please take a moment to lend your support to a true friend of gun owners, Jason Atkinson.

Folks, isn't time Oregon elected not just a Republican governor, but a governor who isn't part of the same-old same-old political machine that has given us a never ending stream of both Kulongoskis and Saxton-Mannixes?

End the mudslinging.  Elect JASON ATKINSON.

A message from the Oregon Firearms Federation

Oregon Firearms Federation
P.O. Box 556
Canby, OR
97013

Voice: (503) 263-5830

http://www.oregonfirearms.org

5/6/06
A Message From OFF PAC

Dear Fellow Gun Rights Supporter,

As you know, we have very high standards for people who are asking to be hired for public office. OFF PAC rarely endorses candidates but always holds them accountable.

We are getting close to the final days to vote in the primary election. If you are a registered Republican, we strongly urge you cast your vote for Senator Jason Atkinson for Governor.

Of the Republican candidates, only Atkinson has a solid record on gun rights. Of the three major Republican candidates, only Atkinson went on the record and returned the OFF PAC candidate survey. (Oddly, Ron Saxton completed a six page NRA survey, but refused to answer a six question OFF survey.)

Atkinson has made no secret of his desire to reach out to gun owners. He has been a consistent voice for gun rights in the legislature. In contrast, Mannix has a well known anti-gun record in spite of the high marks given to him in the past by the National Rifle Association, and Saxton has no record on gun rights at all.

Since both Mannix and Saxton have a record of trying to work both sides of the fence, (Mannix was a liberal Democratic legislator and favors government solutions to every problem, and Saxton has close ties to the liberal establishment in Portland,) we think that Atkinson's consistency on many issues makes him the only reasonable choice in this race.

Regardless of which party you are in, we hope you will consider financially supporting Senator Atkinson, and if you are a registered Republican, voting for him in the primary.

Gun owners can make the difference in this race. In the last race for governor, Mannix lost by a narrow margin after gun owners learned of his anti-gun record, in spite of his lying to voters about that record. Your vote can make all the difference in this race as well.

Please support Senator Atkinson financially and with your vote.

For more, please see our commentary page.

Remember, you can support OFF PAC and get a tax credit. Click here for more details.

What the?

I caught parts of some Portland radio show the other day where they apparently interviewed all the candidates for Governor.  I only caught parts, so I don't know how the overall thing went.  But I did catch the bits where they were asking questions of Ben Westlund and Ron Saxton.  And as far as I know, this was REAL and not some joke.  But after hearing these bits, I have doubts...

What I learned about Ben Westlund:

I know all about his stand on issues because I have READ all about them.  This was the first I actually HEARD him speak.

Wow.  Just.  Wow.  Ben Westlund, on radio, sounds like the biggest GEEK in the entire world.  I thought I was listening to "Comic Book Guy" from the Simpsons.  In D&D terms, we are talking Charisma in the low single digits.  Yikes.  And then he comes off as the least technically capable person when, during the part about some personal, non-political stuff, he says he doesn't know anything about i-Pods and isn't able to feed himself out of his own refrigerator.  Oh, and he doesn't like beer.

Argh.  So much for the "Westlund alternative" if the GOP nominates a loser... Speaking of which...

Then, after being away from the radio for a bit, I heard some of Ron Saxton and learned during his session with the personal questions the following:

Ron Saxton also does not like beer.

Ron Saxton has all jazz in his i-Pod.

Ron Saxton likes milk and Graham crackers for a snack.

Worst: Ron Saxton prefers Katie Couric to The Daily Show.

Not exactly useful information, just fluff.  But come on, what's with both these guys not liking beer?  Does Oregon need a leader who doesn't appreciate our fine microbrewed ales?

If anyone heard the rest of this show with the other candidates, please help fill in the gaps.  And have some beer.

KEZI is useless

So I went to the Atkinson event earlier tonight, and it was a blast.  He was upbeat, energetic, enthusiastic, and on message.  The crowd appeared very eager to support him.  Yard signs were given out.  KEZI news was there.  In theory.

I just watched the 11 o'clock news on KEZI.  Before the news started, the announcer said "watch tonight to learn more about the candidates" or something to that effect.  So I watched.  It started out looking good, because it was the lead story.  Then...

Well, here is how it went:

Anchor: "With the primary a few weeks away, many voters want to learn more about the candidates.  State Senator Jason Atkinson was in Eugene.  Let's hear from the Infobabe."

Infobabe: "Thank you, Anchor.  Jason Atkinson spoke to a crowd in Eugene."

(screen shows footage of people in the crowd, but not Atkinson; if you look carefully, you can see the thinning hair on the back of my head)

Infobabe: "Some voters are still undecided.  This voter came here after listening to Kevin Mannix earlier."

Voter: "Atkinson is less of a career politician than the others seem to be."

Infobabe: "Atkinson said he was proud of his grassroots support."

(screen shows footage of Atkinson talking, for about a half-second)

Anchor: "Thank you, Infobabe.  And now, let's spend the rest of our remaining 28 minutes talking about sports and the weather."

Seriously... that was about the sum total of the coverage.  Now, I'm not going to say how a "non-partisan" television station should or shouldn't cover campaigns... No, wait!  Yes I am!

If you want to provide your viewers with actual INFORMATION, try showing more than a micro-blurb of the guy in the lead during an important election.  Play him SPEAKING, instead of talking over the video, babbling your own inanities.  Let your viewers know about his positions on the issues.  Interview some of the many enthusiastic supporters, and ask them why they are sold on this candidate.  Break some new ground in the way you cover a grassroots conservative candidate.  That way, when he is Governor, people will be impressed that you were there documenting the campaign.  Instead, you are going to wake up after the election scratching your head and wondering "who the hell is this guy, and why didn't we know about him or report on him?"

Just a word of advice for you folks at KEZI: evolve, or go extinct.  After all, people who want to actually LEARN something about the candidate can get a lot more out of a blog post like this one than from your vapid Barbie-Doll-Wannabe and her useless "reporting."

Evolve.  Or go extinct.

UPDATE:

While uploading the above, the TV was still on in the background, and I saw my first Ron Saxton commercial.  In it, he touts his experience on the Portland School Board or whatever it was he did (having never been, you know, like, a Representative, or Senator, or anything), then claims that he can fix all of Oregon the way he fixed Portland schools.  Oh, yeah.  That's what we need.  Flush the rest of the state down the crapper.  If my best achievement in life was "fixing" Portland schools, the last thing I'd do is campaign on it.

But then, it's probably the best thing for Ron to run on, since "I am a good friend of child-rapist Neil Goldschmidt and gave money to Bill Clinton" isn't going to win over many Republican primary voters...