Ink on paper
A while back we noted that our favorite Oregon politician, Vicki Walker, had published a 16-page booklet outlining some specific things she would do if, as she hopes, she is elected the next Oregon secretary of state. Today in the mail we got a hard copy of that document -- pretty much what you see on the web, but for those who prefer the dead-tree information technology, we guess.
The more we think about it, the more we think Walker is the best candidate for the position. Sure, Kate Brown has all the money and is a heavy favorite, but the job needs a person with an independent spirit. Indeed, by rights the secretary of state should be a nonpartisan post. That being the case, a true-blue Democratic standard-bearer like Brown is not the ideal person for that office. In contrast, you can't find many more independent Democrats than Walker these days, and so to us, she's it.
| Posted at 4:47 AM | Permalink |
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Comments (13)
Brown is a member of the club and the no-change candidate. Ms. Vicki has my vote.
Posted by Abe | April 11, 2008 6:44 AM
She's why I'm changing my registration from R to D. For the first time, in a long time, I see someone who's not afraid to color outside the lines. That's a vote I'll actually enjoy casting.
Oh, and that's the only vote I'll cast as a D this time around - you guys don't need my help with the Obama/Clinton thing.
Posted by cc | April 11, 2008 7:34 AM
Vicki is my hero. She took on the Goldschmidt machine over SAIF and the higher ed board and was the only legislator that exhibited any guts. She was a pariah in Salem after that, at least until the rape scandal broke. She would make an excellent Secretary of State.
Posted by Dave Lister | April 11, 2008 8:33 AM
Ditto, Dave Lister. I am now up to 22 votes for Vickie.
Posted by KISS | April 11, 2008 9:05 AM
Vicki voted for HB 2614, which prohibits members of a political party from supporting an independent candidate by signing his/her nominating petition. That vote alone makes her unqualified to be SoS because it shows that when push comes to shove, Vicki is a partisan hack.
In fact, the only candidate running for SoS who didn't support that turd was Metsger.
Posted by Miles | April 11, 2008 9:17 AM
cc -
I urge you to consider casting a vote for Kroger in the Dem AG primary -- simply because, like Walker, Kroger is NOT part of the usual crowd of Dem insiders descended from the Goldschmidt gang.
The same cannot be said for Macpherson.
Posted by Nonny Mouse | April 11, 2008 10:23 AM
I will be voting for both Walker and Kroeger, although I do hope both are strong enough to stay independent, given the partisan shenanigans that seem to be commonplace.
OSB's Ad Law section is sponsoring a debate between Kroeger and McPherson next Thursday, 7pm at the new bar center. They'd like people who would like to attend to make reservations; should be an interesting time.
Posted by Cynthia | April 11, 2008 12:28 PM
Apropos nothing...when I read "favorite Oregon politician" I could not determine whether you were being sarcastic. I had to read and re-read to figure out what I think you intended to say.
As a relative newcomer to Portland and an occasional reader of your blog, I often have trouble figuring out when you are being facetious/sarcastic or sincere. Your message usually becomes more clear upon closer reading. (But who has time to read the Oregonian on Saturdays or read things closely these days??? Joking.)
When I first saw the phrase "Sam-the-Tram" a long time ago, I thought it was a term of endearment. Hee-hee.
Posted by JC | April 11, 2008 2:54 PM
HB 2614, which prohibits members of a political party from supporting an independent candidate by signing his/her nominating petition
I agree that that piece of legislation is abominable -- and no doubt unconstitutional -- and I quit the Democratic Party over it. (I rejoined recently, however, because for a lot of state races, the primary is the election.) And as I said in discussing the matter on this blog, Walker and the rest who voted for that law really should be ashamed.
Posted by Jack Bog | April 11, 2008 3:56 PM
Thanks for your support, Jack, and the wonderful comments by your readers. As to HB 2614, it is the one time I wish I had an eraser. It became obvious that the practical implications of the bill is that it effectively put an end to an independent candidate's ability to get on the ballot. I regret my vote and will work hard to convince the legislature to correct our mistake.
Posted by Vicki Walker | April 11, 2008 11:08 PM
Thank you for your honesty, Vicki. I can see why Jack supports you.
Posted by Miles | April 11, 2008 11:59 PM
cc -
I urge you to consider casting a vote for Kroger in the Dem AG primary...
Hadn't thought about that, but I will. This could be more fun than I thought. Novicks's got my vote too. The entertainment value alone would make him a great Senator and Gordo just doesn't do it for me any more.
Now, if only someone were challenging that esteemed member of the National Academy of Sciences - NOT - Mitch Greenlick. That guy's just off the charts and should retire. Losing him would make me a happy Democrat.
Posted by cc | April 12, 2008 7:27 AM
Thank you for your honesty, Vicki. I can see why Jack supports you.
I have always believed public officials should be held accountable, and that everyone...regardless of the size of their pocketbook, or who they know...deserves a seat and a voice at the table. I find it easier, and more honest, to admit my mistakes than to try and make excuses for them.
Posted by Vicki Walker | April 12, 2008 2:35 PM