I am an avid reader of blueoregon.com, but I vowed long ago I would never post. I will make one exception today for a truly exceptional public servant.

I served as Brad Avakian's legislative assistant in the state capitol during the 2003 legislative session. Frankly, I have been accorded no greater honor. Any solidly Democratic legislator will have good votes on a number of issues. Brad is unique not because of his votes -- but because of the process he goes through to cast each vote. Brad is a reliably progressive vote (his endorsements from every single progressive advocacy group this election cycle is a testament to that - OLCV, OEA, SEIU, Planned Parenthood, Oregon AFL-CIO, BRO, etc.). But he is not dogmatic. As someone who is both a proud Democrat and also vigilantly suspicious of weak arguments cloaked in partisan clothes, I found this approach refreshing. Brad will always be the consummate example of a public servant who reads the bills and votes the right way after careful thought.

Brad is nothing short of a modern-day Atticus Finch -- a civil rights lawyer who passionately defends just causes. A loving father of two kids (Nathan plays Jem to Claire's Scout!) who always knows that family comes first. And a neighbor respected by all who goes down to the Legislature to serve his community well.

I have heard from others that Sam Chase is a good guy who has done a lot for our community. I truly respect that, and I join others in sincerely applauding his work. However, in this race Sam has the misfortune of running against one of the greatest public servants I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know on a personal and professional basis. The Oregonian said it best in its endorsement for Brad: "In most other legislative contests, Chase would win our endorsement. But Avakian, with his solid record and key experience on the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee, is a keeper in the Legislature."

I urge voters in Senate District 17 to vote for Brad Avakian for state senate. Because I (like others) am annoyed by anonymous posts on blueoregon, I give my email below with the hope that anyone who wants to know more will contact me.

Dustin Buehler [email protected]

Brad Avakian's years of service to his constituents and experience in the Capitol are perhaps the most valuable legislative assets the residents of Senate District 17 could hope for in the State Capitol next session. I must disagree with the characterization of Brad Avakian's experience as a "liability."

As a staffer for Senator Ringo, I had the priviledge of working closely with Representative Avakian and his office (including Dustin) on many issues important to District 17. I came to know him as not only personally dedicated, but also as a thoughtful, knowledgable, and effective statesman.

In my opinion, the voters of District 17 are best served by the experience that Brad Avakian has already put to work for them.

In my effort to procrastinate studying for exams, I must take a brief moment to be a zealous advocate for Brad Avakian. He is truly a common-sense leader who has the necessary commitment and dedication required to be EFFECTIVE in Salem. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him! He truly deserves support from the progressive community!

Like Dustin, I too have had to the honor to work with Brad Avakian. He is a dedicated public servant with a true passion for public education. Brad understands the importance of building relationships and comradery with his fellow legislators – an art that is disappearing at the Capitol. Brad's colleagues consider him to be conscientious, thoughtful, and quick witted.

I support Avakian for two main reasons. The first is experience. Brad has served on the legislative budget committee (Ways and Means). Unfortunately, the passage of term limits forced out many of the Legislature's most experienced budgeters. This is the most important function of the Legislature and no matter how committed you are to "strong leadership,” the budget process is tough for rookies to grasp. If we ever want to begin addressing some of the serious issues facing Oregon, we need more people in the Legislature with Ways and Means experience.

Secondly, Avakian is one of the very few legislators currently serving in Salem with school aged children. I would be surprised if 10% of the current crew of legislators had school aged children. If 45% of the legislators had children in school (a number that would more accurately reflect the general population) – the school funding crisis would certainly be more of a priority.

I am sure that Sam Chase is a dedicated Oregonian with a passion for public service. I encourage him to find other avenues to serve his community. But right now – the Legislature is full of folks who really want to make a change – but like the experience to make it happen.

What Oregon needs right now is experience – elect Brad Avakian to the Senate!

Experience is a liability?

What?

It is this kind of nonsensical logic that leads to democrats electing incompetent naredowells. I'm not saying that Chase is one. But come on man, if "experience is a liability" is the only thing you can run against Avakian with you are in serious trouble.

And Chase is in serious trouble. Avakian has been one of six effective democrats in the Karen Minnis gulag better know as the Oregon House of Representatives. Avakian managed to hold to his democratic principles in this pseudo-fascist state and get things done in the House. And Avakian managed all of this by using his knowledge, wit, compassion, and experience. Yes Sam, experience.

Avakian is a much more suited candidate for the Senate. He has a track record of keeping to democratic values and getting things accomplished in difficult situations.

Chase you seem like a nice guy with a heart of gold and I'm sure someday you will make a great legislator. But the next time you run for office I sincerely hope that the best reason for people to vote for you is not your "lack of experience."

"Toluca Lake. Its thirty minutes away. I'll be there in ten."

I am a regular blueoregon reader and wanted to take a minute to let folks know why I am running for Senate.

I have committed my adult life to community service. Locally, we've done great work for schools, affordable housing, and the environment, but now, our schools are truly in jeopardy of failing. For too long we've heard the legislature talk about solutions, but year after year we have to fix the wreckage with band aids and duct tape. We're stretched to the breaking point and we all know why: the failure of the legislature. We can do better.

I have two children who will be in public school soon. Our children need to graduate from great quality schools and universities that give them targeted degrees. Moreover, if we want to attract and retain great business and remain globally competitive, we need to produce a high quality, educated workforce.

I led a grassroots organizing effort to secure $197 million in bonds for public schools, but we can't patch together our schools with bond after levy after bond. We have to adequately fund schools at the state level. We can't do it playing defense or by staying silent on the most important issues. We need a forceful effort to repeal the corporate kicker, to make new development pay for new schools, and to pursue long term tax reform.

Last session I helped lead the passage of a bill that reduced rents for low income seniors and disabled. We made the case to Republicans in the house that it was good economic development and it passed the Senate, House and was signed by the Governor. I don't accept the notion that nothing can get done in Salem. If "non legislators" like us can get it done outside the legislature, I know we can get much more done with influence on the inside.

It takes people who will focus on good ideas first and figuring out the politics second.

I hope you'll join me in my campaign for the State Senate. You can reach me at 503-810-4504 or visit my website at www.samchase.org.

Sam

Is Sam an advocate of term limits? How else to explain Chase says Avakian's experience is a liability. Avakian has had two terms to make things better, but he has been part of the problem in Salem, not part of the solution, Chase said. Strong leadership is the answer. "I'm willing to be a leader and stand up," Chase said. "To me, that's the fundamental difference in this race. I'm not a politician. I think that's a good thing." ?

Sounds like someone who doesn't care who he hurts in his primary campaign.

I had the great pleasure to meet the wonderful Dustin who made the comment above. I have been on Avakian's email newsletter list for some time. He has one of the better (more informative) newsletters.

A member of the House Minority was supposed to make things better all by himself as some kind of Superman?

That quote is all I need to know about Sam Chase, but then I'm the one who was not impressed with Sorenson's "leader not a mediator". We need details, not slogans--a problem with candidates in both parties.

If Sam wants to impress people, let's hear / read his views on Jessica's Law. Good idea? How to pay for?

Or is "experience is bad" all people are supposed to need?

Just read Sam's post - and I can tell he wants to and has done good.

Im not much for primary politics - "hey lets spend our money fighting the really bad guys" mentality - but I think its great when savy-smart-dedicated Democrats want to serve in the Legislature.

Avakian's experience still makes him the far and away better choice.

Hey Sam - how about moving to Clackamas, Lane, or Marion counties and challenging some of the so called "moderate" R's there?

I have known Sam Chase since growing up together in Washington DC. Throughout the years, Sam has proven to be an effective advocate for education, protecting our environment and working to bridge gaps in social and economic injustice. Sam has two young girls and feels that the legislature has been unable to make any progress in fixing our public schools. Sam Chase is not a politician. He is a community advocate with a proven track record of success. As a friend of his and a community member I urge the voters in Senate District 17 to vote for Sam Chase

Hey Charlie! Now we are voting where to send excess money - surely there are other worthy House candidates??

Clem, Roblan, Riley??

C ya in the Mempho... Debbie

Sam Chase is an excellent candidate for State Senate. Sam is not only passionate about his community, but he knows the issues and is very well connected. He could easily step in to the senate and hit the ground running. We need people in Salem who will not just support affordable housing and schools, but will actually be able to make a difference. I believe Sam is the right person for this seat.

The Multnomah Democrats are proud to support Brad Avakian in his race for the Oregon Senate. By funding education, protecting our environment, and helping all Oregonians get health care, Brad is standing up now for Oregon's future. Please join us in standing with Brad Avakian.

Sam Chase may well be a great guy. Those who know him should work on his campaign. But he won't get the support of Avakian admirers unless he shows us more than Last session I helped lead the passage of a bill that reduced rents for low income seniors and disabled. We made the case to Republicans in the house that it was good economic development and it passed the Senate, House and was signed by the Governor. I don't accept the notion that nothing can get done in Salem. If "non legislators" like us can get it done outside the legislature, I know we can get much more done with influence on the inside. It takes people who will focus on good ideas first and figuring out the politics second. Sam, what was the bill number?

Sorry, as much as I think discussion of ideas is lacking, someone wanting a quality incumbent to lose a primary because they believe in their friend should realize it takes more than just "he's a great guy" to win over skeptics. I know, I have been actively involved in primaries with more than one quality candidate.

No one ever built a following in this state by saying "forget that wonderful guy you've known for years and support our guy because he is better" without providing detailed proposals and accomplishments. When there are 2 quality people in a primary, one is going to lose.

I’m a less avid, but fairly regular reader of blueoregon.com – and honored to be included on the list of former staffers to Rep. Brad Avakian. I served, along with Dustin, during the 2003 session and handled both administrative and constituent affairs for Brad’s office.

I believe that Brad’s record and experience speak for themselves, and hardly need me to do that for him. His experience as a civil rights attorney, his commitment to public education and the well-being of the people in his district, and his deep and abiding respect for both his constituents and our civic process were evident every day that I worked with him, because they are simply a part of who he is.

I am sure that Sam Chase is an honorable and dedicated man who is committed to making our state a better place to live – but I really tire of hearing candidates with no experience in the legislature talk about the ‘lack of leadership’ or the ‘inability to get things done’ in Salem.

Working to pass a single piece of legislation is an excellent exercise in Civics - and the legislative process in general - and when the legislation really is something we can all support, it’s a cause for celebration. Sam is to be congratulated for his work to help make that happen... as are all the legislators who voted to pass the bill.

But working to pass a single piece of legislation does not a legislator make.

To disregard the impact of serving as a member of the minority party, and to assume that it was simply a 'lack of leadership' that allowed for the overpowering influence of the Speaker on all legislation that passed through the House – is simply disingenuous...particularly after having the above mentioned experience of working a bill in Salem.

Certainly our state needs all the bright, committed and honorable people it can find to serve in elected offices – so I concur with those who already know and respect Sam Chase, as another of those we hope to see in office someday. And I honestly hope that he will seriously consider Charlie Burr’s suggestion above. It’s about the Big Picture.

You hear the phrase ‘doing the work of the people’ quite often in Salem. Brad Avakian has been the embodiment of that phrase and his commitment and experience are far to valuable to lose. His constituents know it, and our state is luckier for it.

someone wanting a quality incumbent to lose a primary

I thought this was an open seat. There is no incumbent. The question is why is Avakian running for the Senate instead of continuing to serve in the House?

Sam and Brad have the same amount of experience as state senators. None in either case. Brad's experience in the House may give him some small advantage once elected, but he appears to have an attitude problem if his talking points of his supporters are that he is entitled to the seat.

And it is troubling that there don't seem to be any accomplishments attached to all that experience his supporters talk about. Now that is tough for a D in the House, so you can hardly fault him. But having experienced failure is also not a positive qualification that makes you obviously better than someone who doesn't have that experience. If he runs on his record of success in Salem, Avakian surely deserves to lose.

Chase describes has a lot of experience that is needed in Salem. And he has a track record of success outside the legislature working with diverse groups of people. That is not taking anything away from Avakian, but his supporters should try to make the case for him. Having spent two years being frustrated and ineffective, no matter what the reason, is not a qualification for office.

Although I respect and like Brad Avakian, I am supporting Sam Chase in this race. Sam has a unique record of accomplishment, especially in affordable housing. His leadership of Affordable Housing Now, an advocacy organization, built an amazing record of getting things on the street in City Hall and Salem. His leadership of the networking organization for affordable housing groups has built a powerful and cohesive force for good. Sam is bright, hard-working, and is a leader. There are a lot more important people than me on Sam's letterhead, but I am proud to be there. This is not for a seat that Avakian owns or currently holds. Sam had decided to run for it before Brad announced his candidacy. Sam is running a grass-roots effort, as one might expect from him.

Hey Ross -- here's a list of accomplishments to chew on before your next post:

http://www.bradavakian.com/issues.html

Hey Sam -- two recommendations:

1. Send Jeff Alworth a thank you note right away for posting on blueoregon and burying this thread.

2. I once again find myself in agreement with Charlie Burr, the wise sage of Oregon politics. If you drop out of the race today and pledge your remaining funds to Rob Brading, I'll cut you a $100 check immediately. ;-)

Good hunting to both candidates (and supporters on both sides!).

C'mon Kari - that was too easy. Interested parties should visit www.bradavakian.com and click the Endorsments link, or just scroll down a bit.

No one disputes that Sam Chase is a great guy. But is he really worth losing Brad Avakian from the legislature? Really?

And was Sam not a staffer for former Gov. Kitzhaber? I would hope a former boss would support him. Anyway, scroll down to State and Local Leaders, and you'll see the Brad's endorsement by another former Governor.

Media: The Oregonian (click here to read endorsement)

Education: Oregon Education Association American Federation of Teachers-Oregon Portland Association of Teachers Beaverton Education Association Oregon School Employees Association

Environment: Oregon League of Conservation Voters Oregon Natural Resources Council

Labor and Public Safety: Oregon AFL-CIO Service Employees International Union, Local 503 Oregon AFSCME Council 75 Oregon State Fire Fighters Council Tualatin Valley Firefighters Local 1660 Oregon Council of Police Associations

Other Organizations: Planned Parenthood Basic Rights Oregon Multnomah County Democrats

State and Local Leaders: Former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers State Treasurer Randall Edwards State Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo Senate President Peter Courtney (Salem, Woodburn, Gervais) Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (Southeast Portland) State Senator Alan Bates (Ashland) State Senator Laurie Monnes-Anderson (Gresham) State Senator Floyd Prozanski (Lane and Douglas Counties) State Senator Kurt Schrader (Canby) House Democratic Leader Jeff Merkley (Portland) State Representative Jeff Barker (Beaverton, Aloha) State Representative Mitch Greenlick (Northwest Portland and Washington County) State Representative Mark Hass (Southwest Portland) State Representative Paul Holvey (Eugene) State Representative Dave Hunt (Clackamas County) State Representative Mary Nolan (Southwest Portland) State Representative Diane Rosenbaum (Southeast Portland) Mike Osborne, Chair, Beaverton School Board Karen Cunningham, Beaverton School Board Ann Jacks, Beaverton School Board

If Sam is such a great guy, maybe he can attend the Special Session this week and tell us first hand what he would have done differently had he been a member.

He may be the greatest guy in the world, but he lost me with the attack on Avakian.

Will he publicly promise to provide the same or better information through email newsletters that Avakian provided? Does he know how many town halls Avakian held in the district his first session and does Chase promise to meet or exceed that number of town halls in 2007?

Will he speak publicly about what goes on in caucus? Or is all that a secret because the legislature is a team sport and anyone who isn't an R member or a D member is just a voter who should be content to be a spectator? Did he approve of the "negotiation room" strategy where a few people decided budgets in a closed room? Does he think current Dem leadership should be re-elected? Why or why not?

Or is his a campaign of "my friends like me, I have these great endorsements, so you are supposed to trust that I will be better than a legislator many people have seen in action and admire."?

I have never met Sam Chase. He may be the greatest guy in the world. But long before I ever heard of Brad Avakian I was fed up with "my friends like me, you should like me too, without my having to talk publicly about my detailed proposals".

I do not regularly post, but I feel compelled to comment here. It seems that staff members for Mr. Avakian were quick to write (in some cases multiple times) in his favor. Perhaps this is skewing the discussion.

I would like to voice my support for Mr. Chase.

Like many politicians, Mr. Avakian has proven he can advertise himself well and garner respect from his assistants and those with whom he directly works. Good job on the inside. But I consider the opinions of those whom he represents to be the real measure.

Perhaps he can "fight like a beast" but I prefer someone who negotiates like a fair, honest human being. Someone who just might get results from integrity and creative ideas, not political savvy.

Mr. Chase, with his record of innovative public service, and his leadership of an earnest campaign, in my opinion is clearly the superior leader of the two.

I prefer to make decisions based upon what I see, read, and hear, not based upon the comfort of a known commodity.

Uh, K Bereman-Skelly -- you might be interested in the following email that was sent out earlier today from the Chase campaign (see below).

Perhaps you will re-consider your thought that "It seems that staff members for Mr. Avakian were quick to write (in some cases multiple times) in his favor."

Pot to kettle? Pretty clear contrast -- Brad uses his e-newsletters to keep in touch with his constituents, not to flood a blog with a grand total of 5 emails from supporters.

[email protected] 04/18/06 12:42 PM >>> Sam Chase Needs your Support!

Hello, my name is Meredith Shield and as many of you know, I am Sam?s Campaign Manager. Working with Sam has been such a wonderful and positive experience. Sam is doing a great job and meeting all of his goals.

Blue Oregon, a progressive blog posted an article about Sam?s race this morning at blueoregon.com. The BEST way that you can support Sam Chase today would be to spend 5 minutes writing a quick response to the article saying why you support Sam.

This is a respected and well known political blog in the area. Doing something as small as this can have a great impact on the voters of the district.

Please visit blueoregon.com and post a comment on why you support Sam today!

Thank you for your continued support!

Meredith Shield Campaign Manager

I thought this was an open seat. There is no incumbent.

Maybe not, but Brad Avakian has been working hard for the constituents of Senate District 17 for the past two sessions.

While it may not confer a title of incumbency, it does in my mind make Brad Avakian the candidate who is most connected to the legislative needs of the district and most situated to effectively steward those needs through the Capitol.

I have seen Brad Avakian working with Senator Ringo for the past two sessions... the voters of Senate District 17 would do very well to keep Avakian on as their advocate.

For people I admire who support Sam, that is fine with me. But I agree with Steven:

"On the other hand, no one needs to believe him, either. I certainly don't. Not to take anything away from Mr. Chase, but it's always easier to criticize than it is to accomplish, especially when you're dealing with the zero-sum game that is legislative politics. And the fact that he doesn't acknowledge how difficult a job being a minority member is, doesn't speak well for being able to - to use the modern cliché - "get the job done" as legislator."

An advocate of schools and housing should care not just about current budgets but also budgets of future years. If the addition to Measure 11 sentences in Jessica's Law is not a current concern but a future concern, someone who claims to be an advocate and better than a current state rep. should tell us how he intends to guard schools and housing from the future costs of Jessica's Law. Do we need to reform the current tax and budget structure, or is the email sent from your campaign manager "The BEST way that you can support Sam Chase today would be to spend 5 minutes writing a quick response to the article saying why you support Sam." all we need to know about how you would tackle budget and spending issues?

Or doesn't that matter because they only thing needed now is to win the primary, and details like how to fund all necessary services can be solved later by "leadership" of someone who has never served in a minority caucus?

We don't know for sure who will be the majority caucus (if there were 14 of each, along with Westlund and Gordly--a possibility if Ben is not elected Gov.--it will be much like the 15-15 session) why would a community activist function better in that circumstance than a former state rep. who has survived being in a minority caucus? Because his friends think he'll do better and that is all we need to know?

Let's see Sam come on here and answer those questions.

As one of the two Salem staffers who actually worked for, as opposed to with, Rep. Avakian (and I won't speak for Dustin) I could respond in a number of ways to the post by K Bereman-Skelly - which is highly offensive, incredibly innacurate, and pretty darn close to dropping us all into the mud pit. He does HIS candidate no favors.

Suffice to say that I am proud and very grateful to have had the chance to serve as a legislative staffer -period. I would recommend the experience to anyone who has the opportunity. The fact that I worked for Brad Avakian (and Jeff Barker) was gravy.

But it gave me, and all of us who worked 'for the people', a bird's eye view of what happens in Salem. And so, yes - we do speak with a level of experience that few people have.

Some of those legislators carried their responsibilities with distinction, some just kept their seats warm, and some carried water for the Speaker.

K Bereman-Skelly may find his/her candidate to be running an earnest campaign. I don't see the 'integrity' - but do find it slightly 'creative' and fairly politicaly 'savvy' to quote the Oregonian's endorsement of Brad Avakian out of context to appear as an endorsement for Sam Chase.

Let's keep to the topic of issues and qualifications. I would strongly suggest that the above writer actually talk to constituents in Rep. Avakian's district. He will find that Brad has no problem running on his record of service.

Brad Avakian honors the institution and the state with his public service.

Brad taught me how to canvass, and his work ethic was inspirational as well as instructive.

Senator Avakian will bring honor and intelligence to SD 17 and he deserves your support.

While there appears to be a lot of talk about 'who's the greater guy' in this race, I want to post my take on why Sam should be elected to the Senate: No one in the current legislative body makes affordable housing a priority.

Not since a Kafoury (Gretchen or Deborah) served has there been someone willing to be an affordable housing champion. I'm not saying Brad is bad on the issue, but Sam's someone who can be great.

Let's face it, there's lots of folks willing to be a good education vote and stand up for kids. But few are serving with Sam's background in affordable housing. My two cents...

torridjoe

You forgot both of them are terrorist, too!

:)

"Of course you are a character, doesn't mean you have character."

"Perhaps he can "fight like a beast" but I prefer someone who negotiates like a fair, honest human being. Someone who just might get results from integrity and creative ideas, not political savvy. " (emphasis added)

Kari - Did I read that incorrectly? If so, I certainly apologize.

I did find offensive the suggestion that staff members are incapable of independent thought...

And I did find the comment about 'someone who negotiates like a fair, honest human being. Someone who just might get results from integrity and creative ideas, not political savvy' to be highly inaccurate -and offensive- in describing Brad's record. Perhaps Ms. Bereman-Skelley could clarify.

(Not too mention the fact that 'political savvy' is not inherently evil - nor is it a bad thing to have when it comes to working bills through the legislature. Or did Mr. Chase simply find success with his issue through sheer integrity and creativity?)

I absolutely respect the right of every writer to their opinions, including Ms. Bereman-Skelly. If your preference is one candidate over another for specific reasons - then by all means, talk about the specifics.

I would simply hope that we keep the discussion to qualifications and issues, not innuendo and commentary sans facts.

I have the greatest respect for Brad--as mentioned previously, my only concern about his going to the Senate is how much we will miss him in the House. He is an outstanding legislator--we're lucky to have him.

I have to definitely disagree with Sam's comment that Brad is part of the problem. Brad is a huge part of the solution, and has been every single day in Salem. When he joins the majority in the Senate, he will shine even brighter.

PB

Well, looking at the C&Es and endorsement lists, Brad's got this one wrapped up. Based on his experience, I think he'll do a great job. I agree with the folks saying -- thanks for being both great candidates, now let's move on and not burn our energy here.

That said, Sam's got Kitzhaber on his side, and Brad's got The Oregonian and the Multnomah County Dems, which usually drags people down.

"Brad Avakian, on the other hand, has navigated that hostile environment so adeptly, he's one of the few Democratic legislators who can say they did accomplish something, even under Minis's thumb."

Again - what were those accomplishments. The web site has a long list of things he supports and bills he voted for. I suppose you can call that an accomplishment. But to take one vote:

"# Responsible land use planning. Brad helped pass Senate Bill 82 (2005), creating a task force to promote responsible land use planning that protects Oregon's farmland and natural beauty."

This bill passed both houses unanimously. Maybe Avakian had a larger role than voting for it, but there is nothing to indicate that is the case and its kind of hard to see how he would have as a minority member in the House. So he helped pass it along with every Republican legislator.

There are a whole bunch of things he helped passed listed on that site - too many for him to have had any real involvement in all of them. That lengthy list of things he has done look like little more than a repetition of the fact that he was a legislator. Its fine if he wants to puff up that stuff for the web site. But his supporters here need to start talking about why Avakian instead of every other legislator who cares about kids.

Its pretty clear Sam is going to be a real advocate for affordable housing, he's walked the walk on that issue for a long time. I would expect the folks that spent six months in Salem working with Avakian to support him. If they didn't, you would have to ask why not? But the fact that he has the support of his friends who are political junkies doesn't mean that much. What's he going to do? Sam's told us. Lets hear from Avakian's supporters.

I don't have much to add to this discussion, as Brad was never my representative (though I was peripherally involved with his first campaign) but I'm curious as to why less experience for a job makes one more qualified. I'm also with Jennifer about the somewhat alarming dichotomy being drawn between "creativity and integrity" and "political savvy". Why are these things mutually exclusive? If an experienced legislator was exhibiting signs of apathy or incompetence, or truly in the pocket of some evil-doers, there might be a warrant for running a primary race against them. Good luck making that argument to the constituents Brad has tirelessly served for these last four years.

If an experienced legislator was exhibiting signs of apathy or incompetence, or truly in the pocket of some evil-doers, there might be a warrant for running a primary race against them.

So any representative who runs for the Senate is presumed to be superior to any other candidate until proven otherwise?

Good luck making that argument to the constituents Brad has tirelessly served for these last four years.

Well, that is only half the district. And even they might look at his record and ask "What has he actually accomplished fo us that any suburban legislator won't?" I suspect that Sam Chase can "help" pass bills by unanimous votes as well as Brad Avakian.

But for them and the other half of the district Sam Chase has specific experience in affordable housing and non-profit development. He has a real record of advocacy on a whole range of other urban development issues including protection of urban green spaces and transportion. Those experiences will allow him to make a unique contribution in Salem.

I'm trying to figure out what won't happen if Brad Avakian doesn't spend next spring voting in Salem. The record his supporters present here indicates the answer is not much. The argument seems to be he's a nice guy, smart and easy to get along with. All those qualifications apply equally to Sam Chase.

Oh, Ross... that's your m.o. for every candidate: Make them list accomplishments and then discount them because they don't conform to a set of arbitrary standards.

Unanimous bills don't just "happen." Ringo-Barker passed Chelsea's Law (HB 2050?) last session unanimously, but I give those two plenty of credit for making that happen.

I'm not going to discount Avakian's work on a bill because it was too popular. That's crazy talk.

Those [urban planning] experiences will allow him to make a unique contribution in Salem.

Err... what kinds of decisions does everyone think get made in Salem? I think Sam Chase makes a great candidate for Portland City Council, Metro, or Commissioner.

"While working his way through law school, Brad crafted the Juvenile Restitution Program, which trained troubled youth and put them to work, so they could earn money to repay victims of their crimes."

Indeed. Brad Avakian's legal career began even before he graduated from law school. He was (and still is) destined for great things.

Some of Brad's law school classmates are still making noise in local legal and political circles, including:

Eli Stutsman (Death with Dignity Act)

Alan Graf (recently retired(?) from his activist practice)

Bruce McCain (Jeff Merkley's challenger)

Max Williams (former Rep. legislator, now running state prison system)

Brad Avakian should win that race and he will serve his district well, especially as part of the Senate majority.

When one represents an entire district of Democrats, Independents, Republicans, and everything in between, one cannot just hang their hat on two issues - affordable housing and school funding. I find what Mr. Chase has done in the private sector to be very admirable, but it doesn't mean that he's ready to represent me in the Oregon Senate.

Brad Avakian cares that my daughter's school is funded and that my family can afford to keep a roof over our heads, but he also cares about the water my family drinks, the air we all breathe, the healthcare that we receive, the traffic on our local roads, annexation rights for me and my fellow unincorporated Washington County neighbors, reproductive rights, keeping good paying jobs in my community, and the list goes on and on and on.

I don't say these things just because he seems to be such a great guy. I say these things because as a representative, he has proven it.

And, Mr. Chase, I would like to know exactly which Democrats in the House weren't "part of the problem", as you see it? Because it would seem rather against logic to say that Brad is "part of the problem" unless you see every other Democratic member of the House as an equal or greater "part of the problem". Or perhaps you are just being political and opportunistic by ignoring the true problem in Salem?

For those wondering how "experience" can become a "liability", please re-read Mr. Meek's comment. I have nothing against Rep. Avakian except this; we really ALL must be concerned about our legislators becoming beholden to certain special interests.

I'd also echo those that emphasize this is NOT an incumbent's seat and I'm weary of those who naturally construe a primary challenge as a bad thing.

Choosing between Chase & Avakian? Based on this thread, we should all be so lucky.

So, for the second time, Dan Meek attacks Brad Avakian on Blue Oregon.

This from the same guy who made t.v. commercials w/ Don McIntire in 2002 in support of his two "judicial reform" ballot measures, # 21 to allow none of the above as a choice, and then # 22 to elect judges by district. The intent of # 22 was to make sure that conservative judicial activists get elected to the Oregon Supreme Court and the Oregon Court of Appeals.

If you look at all the extreme right-wingers (besides mr. Meek's friend Don McIntire) who supported # 22, you get a good sense of what a bad idea this was:

Jason Williams, Oregon Taxpayers Association Russ Walker, Citizens for a Sound Economy (Freedomeworks) Larry George, Oregonians in Action Republican Gubenatorial Candidate Ron Saxton Republican Gubenatorial Candidate Jack Roberts Republican Senator Ted Ferrioli
Republican Senator Charles Starr
Republican Senator Lenn Hannon
Republican Senator Gene Derfler
Republican Senator Steve Harper
Republican Senator Gary George
Republican Senator David Nelson
Republican Senator Roger Beyer
Republican Senator Bill Fisher Republican Congressman Bob Smith

Further, Dan Meek supported George W. Bush (Nader) in both the 2000 and the 2004 elections.

So, in my estimation, his criticisms of Brad Avakian are just another reason to support him.

I'm voting for Brad simply for personal reasons: I'm a teacher and union member that needs proven, uncompromising support in Salem; my family drives diesels and the Bio-Diesel Program Brad legislated into Oregon is working great for us; and I vote for candidates that have built up networks which will further their work most effectivley, which Brad has certainly accomplished already in Salem and the State!

Katja Freeborn

I'm not going to discount Avakian's work on a bill because it was too popular. That's crazy talk.

I wasn't discounting his "work" on a bill. But the list seemed to include every bill he voted on. Was Avakian a leader on SB 62? Not that I heard of - but maybe you can tell us his key role. It appears the "help" he gave was to vote for it like every other legislator.

Oh, Ross... that's your m.o. for every candidate: Make them list accomplishments and then discount them because they don't conform to a set of arbitrary standards.

Yes. It is. I actually look things up. The list provided here is not a list of his accomplishments, its just a list of issues and related legislative votes. His supporters keep portraying this as a list of his "accomplishments" For instance:

"my family drives diesels and the Bio-Diesel Program Brad legislated into Oregon is working great for us;"

It doesn't appear Avakian was even a sponsor of bio-diesel legislation, muchless responsible for it. But there were several different bills - so maybe someone who worked the issue can enlighten us about his contributions.

If you are going to run on your record, you better have a record to run on. Avakian's record seems to be he voted for some good legislation. And for those of us who were outraged that PGE/Enron collected taxes from us that they kept as profits instead of passing on to pay for government services, he also voted against some good legislation.

Give it a rest, Ross. You've lost this battle (see posts above).

From Avakian's web site:

"When education cuts eliminated local music and arts programs, Brad helped form the South West Music School in 1993, which is open to all children and operates without tax dollars."

From the South West Music School:

"Founded in 1995 in Beaverton, Oregon, South West Music School is a 501c-3 non-profit community music school, dedicated to providing the highest quality musical education and ensemble performance opportunities for all."

The South West Music School is located in the magnet school where Avakian's kids go to school. Its good to see he's taken an interest in his kids education ...

To be fair, you can probably do this with any candidate's resume. But its a bit disturbing that we hear these glowing endorsements from people who have to pull his qualifications of his web site. Their personal knowledge seems to be limited to what a great guy he is.

Those [urban planning] experiences will allow him to make a unique contribution in Salem.

Err... what kinds of decisions does everyone think get made in Salem?

Well, adifferentsalemstaffer, a lot of decisions get made in Salem that can both support and undermine urban development, greenspaces and transportation efforts. Affordable housing is a problem in communities around the state, but the issues aren't well understood by most people who hang out at the capitol even if they recognize it is a problem. That's the reason we need someone like Sam Chase in Salem, to educate people like you about those issues and help come up with realistic solutions to the problem.

Dude, Ross - enough.

If you are really into Sam, then go out and canvass for him. Quit trashing Brad, a good public servant who has served our district well.

Yeah Ross, time to let up and find another rant. As they say: that train has sailed.

Ross, Brad's website points out that he led the effort to form Southwest Music School in 1993. According to the ages given on the website, Brad's son was 1 year old at the time, and his daughter wasn't even born.

So you're suggesting that Brad had a diabolical plot to form a coalition of parents and community leaders to create a music school just so his kids could go there 15 years later? Sounds a little bit paranoid to me.

I think maybe you should find something better to do with your time today. Seems like you keep propping Sam up only so dozens of Brad supporters can knock him down again on this site.

My hunch is that the reason Chase hasn't posted a link to this thread on his campaign website is that he would prefer that it go away.

Yeah, no kidding. You'd think from the posts above that Ross was running against Brad. Avakian is going to win this seat. The endorsements show that, Avakian's record shows that, the C&Es show that, and this thread shows that. Time for everyone to move on.

I'm supporting Sam because he's smart, hardworking and he cares about the same issues I do. He's also a hell of a lot of fun and there aren't many folks in Salem you can say that about.

And I may be sniffing too much diaper cream, but since when is a Democratic primary a bad thing? I'd venture that not too many of the folks who've helped Sam out on his campaign would be donating to or working for Rob Brading anyway. I'm hopeful that after their first taste of the campaign world, more than a few of them will be inspired to open their checkbooks or walk a precinct for another candidate in the fall.

I personally am excited about the young up and coming activists who are running this year: Tina Kotek, Ben Cannon, Tobias Read, Jesse Cornett and Sam Chase. Good luck!

Right off the bat -- I am supporter of Sam Chase for Senate, and perhaps because I am 63 posts and an eternity of 24 hours later this makes no sense or relevance.

Everybody believes these are NICE guys and everybody knows they are both DEMOCRATS and that being in the legislature is TOUGH, but that frankly is all pretty irrelevant.

The question is who will be the better legislator for this open seat?

On the one hand you have Sam Chase who is supported by his own batch of heavyweights (which is also irrelevant), but has dedicated his life to helping the voiceless to have a voice.

On the other hand you have you have a smart, savvy lawyer who has been a good house member in a trying time.

One on the outside, one on the inside. Who will be more effective?

What turns it for me is Sam's passion for the little guy and Brad's support of the big guy.

I didn't think that PGE/Enron needed that much help and at least, as today's Williamette Week's Rogue of the Week pointed out, Brad was consistent in voting to let Enron keep our $900 million and lobbying the PUC to effectively 'de fang' SB 408, which would change that practice.

My support comes down on having a Legislature that watches out for all of us.

I just want to add that I don't read or take into consideration posts of people who don't identify themselves. Seems that all of the posts for Sam Chase in this discussion have been authored by real people who have conviction enough to sign their names. Enough said.

Sarah Birmingham

Brad's website points out that he led the effort to form Southwest Music School in 1993.

Yes - and the school's website says it was founded in 1995. And Avakian's biography at Vote Smart says he was its "President" from 1992 to 1998. Not that it much matters, but its pretty clear people aren't siting that experience from any personal knowledge.

Quit trashing Brad, a good public servant who has served our district well.

I'm not trashing Brad, its his supporters that I have the problem with. They keep talking about his record, his service and his accomplishments. Then when asked what they are, they point to his web site which seems to list every vote he cast as an accomplishment. In Charlie Burr's case he quotes almost word for word from the website.

They sure don't seem to have much direct experience with him to draw on beyond knowing him as a legislator in Salem. Even then, they can't really site from personal experience where he was an effective leader.

Maybe they are reading his C&E's and just want to be on the winning side.

The question is who will be the better legislator for this open seat?

Exactly, and reading the C&E's won't tell you that.

Ross, it takes more than a year to build a school.

Sarah, you make a good point, but in fairness some of us work for campaigns and officials that have decided not to make an endorsement in this race. We are real people, though. :)

Ross, If you have such strong feelings and live in SD 17, go out and campaign for your chosen candidate.

Otherwise, go out and campaign for the candidates in your area.

What is to be accomplished with furthering the debate on this topic?

And those supporters of Sam who criticize Brad Avakian's voting record and contributions had better make sure that if elected there will never be any such thing in Sam's voting record or C & E.

If any of you think Sam is the greatest thing since sliced bread, you should be out campaigning for him and not just blogging.

Just a word of advice: there have been too many campaigns in the last few decades or so where supporters of a particular candidate said something along the lines of "Forget that person you have known and admired for years! You're supposed to support my guy because he is better--all his friends say so!".

And when that is said in a primary, it can cause hurt feelings.

Sometimes, after the primary, the people who think their friend was unfairly attacked (my definition of fair: OK to say "don't vote for Brad because he supported HB 1234 which many of us opposed", unfair to say "our guy is a better advocate, all Brad has is experience") will decide after the primary they have better things to do with their time than to campaign for the guy who defeated their friend Brad. In this case it could be that they decide to work on the Gov. campaign, or that they decide to campaign for Galizio or Brading or some other deserving candidate. Remember the definition of volunteer. It does NOT mean "you campaigned for the primary loser so you owe the primary winner all your free time", whatever some activists have tried to say over the years.

Not only that, but the tone of a general election campaign can turn people off (talking too much about the opponent, not enough "if I am elected I will..."). One of those which comes to mind was a quarter of a century ago (24 years) when there was a hotly contested Gov. election and a hotly contested Congressional election.

The multi-candidate Cong. election had ended with the primary candidates meeting in a unity press conference the day after the primary and all saying nice things about each other. Not everyone who'd worked for the candidates who came in 2nd and 3rd got actively involved in the general election. But then they'd been involved in a level of nastiness one of the staffers of the nominee's campaign described as "when they act like that, you know they know they are losing".

The tone of that Gov. nominee got increasingly "here is what the incumbent is doing wrong" rather than "if elected I will..". I recall several people bailing out of the Gov. campaign to support the Cong. candidate and making that a close election although everyone thought a woman could never get elected from the district.

So you folks who are Sam supporters, by all means give him all the spare time you can muster. But make sure that you remember there are people who are not going to stop supporting the Brad they admire just because you want Sam to win.

They may just react to about reports like: "Chase says Avakian's experience is a liability. Avakian has had two terms to make things better, but he has been part of the problem in Salem, not part of the solution"

by saying: OH, So a member of the minority party is part of the problem, and the majority party is not responsible for their actions? Is this a case of "when they act like that, you know they know they are losing" involving a primary candidate?

Given the percentage of people who read blogs as opposed to the number of people who vote, I would suggest that Sam supporters spend their time out in the community talking to actual voters, not on this blog.

Sound like both candidates are great guys and progressive. I'm glad one of them will be my state Senator.

Sorry to get a bit off-topic, but does anybody have any insight on the race to fill Brad Avakian's seat (34th House district)? It looks like it's 1 Democrat (Suzanne Bonamici) and 1 Republican. Will this race be competitive? I care a lot more about Bonamici winning this than I do about which progressive leader will be my state Senator (and I have had good personal experiences with Brad Avakian, so I'll probably vote for him).

candidates put accomplishments online so people can get more information.

Yep. And there is nothing wrong with that. But what can you tell us about Avakian that we couldn't learn from his web site?

Ross, it takes more than a year to build a school.

They didn't build a school. I am sure there is some explanation for all the different dates. But you have someone claiming to be the President of the school for three years before it was founded according to its web site.

My point is that apparently no one here really knows what Avakian had to do with the school's creation. So why are they siting it as a reason for other people to vote for him? I don't think that is an unfair question.

As far as I can tell, the one clear accomplishment of Avakian's mentioned here was fighting to let PGE keep our tax dollars. But, I couldn't find that on his web site.

What is to be accomplished with furthering the debate on this topic?

You followed this with 12 paragraphs of arguments. Apparently you think some purpose is served.

For those who choose to post and remain unidentified, I hear your fear. I don't respect it. Show yourself or quit clogging the discussion.

Seems every Chase supporter on this discussion has listed their name, even though he is the underdog. This I do respect.

Sarah,

Thank you for telling off those unidentified posters!

Because as we all know its not your agruement that matters rather how you refer to yourself on a liberal, portland blog.

I don't know how we had a 74 post discussion without you.

"Pretty please, with sugar on top... Clean the f***ing car."

Well now "Winston", pretty please, with sugar on top, clean your f***ing ashtray!

Has it ever entered anyone's mind that anyone who is currently (or might be in the future) applying for a job might not want a prospective employer to Google their name and find their blog posts? Not everyone works in a job where employer/co-workers share their politics.

Have you noticed that below where the information about the person posting the comment blanks are there is this statement "Don't have a website? Use http://www.blueoregon.com to hide your email from spammers. "?

Is it possible that some really weird people blog here and elsewhere (take your pick of some who have posted unfriendly comments here) have discouraged those who are not public figures from using their full legal names? Are initials and first names "anonymous"?

Posting one's name on a comment means it will be here long after the elections are over. "Our guy is better because all his supporters use their full name" does not strike me as a good reason to dump an incumbent state rep. and vote for a challenger---unless one believes what both Sam and the term limits people try to tell us---that experience is not important in the legislature.

And sometimes the screen names can be whimsical (although such names can be a one time thing).

My favorite is http://www.blueoregon.com/2005/03/democratic_mess_1.html Posted by: Deer Caught in the Pancakes | Mar 29, 2005 5:29:02 PM

Let's talk about what's really important in this race...

Sam Chase is WAY hotter than Brad Avakian

I live in SD 17, and I am supporting Sam Chase and yes, I am volunteering for his campaign.

I have known Sam Chase for a long time and I share the same values that he does, service to others, public education, quality of life, defending our environment, peace and justice, and most of all a love of life and community.

I do not know Representative Avakian, he nor anyone from his campaign has knocked on my door and I have yet to get anything from his campaign in the mail. Which surprises me, as we are in a very walkable area of Cedar Mill and avid voters.

Two bills on which I completely disagree with Representative Avakian on are SB 408 (the PGE tax bill) and HB 2733 (which eliminates state oversight of home schoolers).

Sam would have voted for SB 408 and against HB 2733. While I don't expect my legislator to make the right vote every time, these two votes reflect a disregard for ratepayers and support of a system of schooling that I highly disagree with.

I think that everyone should look into the claims that their legislators and candidates make. The SW Music School is an awesome program, but not a school. It is a program available for schools and parents to access. It does not serve every student in the Beaverton School District and no tax dollars are used because it is fee based (parents who can afford it pay for it, yes, there are some scholarships).

While I applaud Representative Avakian for his involvement in creating this type of opportunity in Beaverton, it does not begin to address the need for music and art in all of the school districts in the state.

I think that SD 17 will be served well by electing Sam Chase.

We still haven't heard anyone defend Brad's position opposing SB 408 -- other than someone attacking Dan Meek. What's up with that? Why does Brad think we should we allow utilities to collect more taxes than they actually pay? Help me understand why this isn't just a case of utilities-have-representative-in-their-pocket.

does not strike me as a good reason to dump an incumbent state rep. and vote for a challenger

Me neither. But that his anonymous supporters keep repeating the dishonest claim that Avakian is an incumbent, when in fact this is an open seat, it does make one wonder about the integrity of the candidate they are choosing to support.

We still haven't heard anyone defend Brad's position opposing SB 408 -

According to Willamette Week he not only opposed it, but has attempted to pressure the PUC into misinterpreting it to PGE's benefit and has received the largest contribution from PGE of any candidate for the legislature as his reward. Can you say, "bought and paid for"? Yep - those C&E's certainly do tell the story.

I suppose it depends on what kind of Democrat you as to how much you think part of the problem is politicians who take huge campaign contributions from well-healed corporations.

Didn't Basic Rights Oregon push hard for the civil unions bill? And Brad thinks he knows what's better for them they they do? You don't take a trip of a thousand miles in one leap -- you take it step by step. What's his response to BRO?

And it would be travesty to lose Brad -- but he's the one who is giving up his house district.

Given that term limits have stripped Oregon of long-term experienced legislators, this is extremely valuable.

There are no term limits on the Oregon legislature.

He's been a fantastic representative for SD 17.

You can tell the people who have the central campaign talking point down. Avakian doesn't represent SD 17 and never has, he represented half of it.

he knows how legislation is put together and how its shepherded through the chambers.

So what legislation has he put together and shepherded through the chambers in his four years?

And Brad thinks he knows what's better for them they they do?

If BRO wants its very own bought-and-paid for vote in the legislature, maybe it should run its very own pet candidate.

It's ridiculous that the conversation is now that Avakian may not be deep enough into a special interest's pockets. What is it about independent-minded officials that scares the pants off of liberal Democrats?

I'm a sophmore at Westview high school and a volunteer for Brad Avakian. I read someones blog accusing Brad of thinking hes better then Basic rights oregon. Funny since they endorsed him. Also the claims that he belongs to special interets? Are the Beaverton Education Assocition, Oregon Education Association, American Federation of Teachers-Oregon, Oregon School Employees Association, Portland Association of Teachers, Oregon State Fire Fighters Council ,Oregon Council of Police Associations, Planned Parenthood, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, and Oregon Natural Resources Council endorsements special interest ones. And the claim of Sam being able to do more in the Senate then Brad? How many state senators have endosed Sam? The answer is one. Do you know how many have endosed Bard? Well 6 have. As well as 8 State Representatives to Sams 0. Its hard to believe that Sam will achive more then Brad in the Senate when 6 times as many Democratic State Senators have endorsed Brad opposed to Sam. By the way the reason I'm working for free for Brads Campgain is that he took time out of his busy to life to coach my constitutional law team for free. Thats dedication for education there. And by the way Brad sponsered HB 2858 which was the only no cuts funding budget for schools in the whole legisture. Stop accusing Brad of special interests because unlike Sam the unions that repsent the heart and soul of our workforce endorsed Brad. Like the Oregon Nurses Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 503, and the Oregon AFSCME Council 75 among others. Also lets not forget that Sam has done almost nothing to stop Wal Mart in Cedar Mill while Brad has worked tirelesy to oppose Wal Mart. Anyone watch his speech to the Stop Wal Mart group yesterday? I urge everyone to vote for Brad Avakian if they live in SD 17!

Rafael Baptista my contact info is [email protected]

So which half of the district, exactly, isn't being represented, Ross? Enlighten me.

Avakian is a member of the state House of Representatives. Each house district is one-half of one Senate District. Avakian has represented one of the two house districts in SD 17. He does not now and never has represented the other half, anymore than he represents people in Southeast Portland or Southern Oregon. He has never represented any of SD 17 in the State Senate. Which is what he is not running for. He is no more an incumbent than Maria Rojo de Steffey, Rex Burkholder or Susan McLain would be incumbents if they ran for the state senate from that District.

If people want to argue that Avakians experience in the house will help him as a Sentator.

I'm curious..were you just planning to ignore the Stand for Children and SB 1000 things

Whose ignoring them? He held a house party for Stand for Children. That's good. What exactly did he have to do on behalf of SB 1000 besides not getting the chance to vote for it?

The problem is that Avakian supporters keep talking about how he has experience getting things done, but then they can't name anything he got done. And we all know that was a problem for every Democrat in the House. But the Avakian supporters seem to be claiming his experience with failure in the House as his prime qualification for the Senate.

I don't see any of Brad's supporters saying anything untoward or unkind about Sam Chase

Then I suggest you re-read this thread. There were repeated suggestions that Sam Chase had no business running at all against such a fine candidate as Brad Avakian.

Of course they didn't give any reasons. They just repeated the claim that he was an "incumbent" and deserved election, knowing full well he was running for a different office than the one he holds now.

Lets be clear. Avakian supports schools. So does Sam Chase. Neither one has any experience doing much for them in the legislature. Avakian, because the Republicans wouldn't let him. Chase, because he hasn't served in the legislature.

Sam Chase brings a long history of effective community involvement and leadership. He brings real expertise on affordable housing, which is a statewide issue that just keeps getting worse and where the legislature lacks any real experts. He brings something unique to the table.

Avakian carries water for PGE. Protecting their profits at the expense of the people who paid the taxes that PGE kept and at the expense of needed services, like school funding, that those taxes would have paid for. Very GOPesque indeed.

Rafael -

Great job! I don't agree with our conclusion, but you actually gave some reasons to support Avakian and answered some of the questions about him. The BRO endorsement for instance puts to rest the civil union vote. Your elders could learn something from you.

The legislation that he sponsored and helped shepherd through is on his website.

No, it isn't. It appears to be mostly a list of issues with bills where his only role was voting for them. Some of them passed with unanimous Republican and Democratic support. Frankly, pointing to that list to support your claim that he has experience "shepherding" bills is disingenous at best. And telling me to ask Avakian just means you have nothing to support your own belief in that experience.

OK, so my earlier post was misleading, but not intentionally. Just now when I arrived home, there was a piece from Representative Avakian in my mailbox.

Nothing of great substance, but I did notice that his number one priority is fighting for people against the special interests. I guess that just doesn't include PGE rate payers.

Hey Ross,

Thanks for your comments. While I think that while your conclusion is wrong I believe that you ask good questions about Brad. Let me try to answer your question of whether he actually really helped pass many bills. I have to make one comment though first. I think that some of Brads greatest bills failed in the House because of the Republican leadership but wouldve passed in the Senate. Here are some of those. He sponsored HB 2885 in 2003. That bill wouldve increased penalties for drunk drivers. This session he sponsored HB 3469 which became law. This law banned child sex offenders from being in places where children are. Example they cant to playgrounds while kids are there. I think that right there is a crucial bill. I had a speaker at my school talking about sex in health and he told us that 1 in 5 Oregon children are affected by sexual abuse. I could go on longer on bills Brad worked really had on but I have to right an essay for a class.

Rafael Baptista my contact is [email protected] email with questions if you want

Diana,

I just read your post and wanted to remark quickly on it. First I urge you to call Brads campgain office at (503) 626-8069 and they can find a way to get in contact with Brad so you can ask him about special interests. But secondly I believe that his endorsment list defends his position that he opposes special interests. They include Beaverton Education Assocition, Oregon Education Association, American Federation of Teachers-Oregon, Oregon School Employees Association, Portland Association of Teachers, Oregon State Fire Fighters Council ,Oregon Council of Police Associations, Planned Parenthood, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, and Oregon Natural Resources Council, Basic Rights Oregon, and these fine individuals- Former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers State Treasurer Randall Edwards State Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo Senate President Peter Courtney (Salem, Woodburn, Gervais) Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (Southeast Portland) State Senator Alan Bates (Ashland) State Senator Laurie Monnes-Anderson (Gresham) State Senator Floyd Prozanski (Lane and Douglas Counties) State Senator Kurt Schrader (Canby) House Democratic Leader Jeff Merkley (Portland) State Representative Jeff Barker (Beaverton, Aloha) State Representative Mitch Greenlick (Northwest Portland and Washington County) State Representative Mark Hass (Southwest Portland) State Representative Paul Holvey (Eugene) State Representative Dave Hunt (Clackamas County) State Representative Mary Nolan (Southwest Portland) State Representative Diane Rosenbaum (Southeast Portland) Mike Osborne, Chair, Beaverton School Board Karen Cunningham, Beaverton School Board Ann Jacks, Beaverton School Board I urge anyone with questions to contact his office for more information.

Rafael Baptista [email protected]

You're not looking to have an honest discussion, Ross.

And, as is the usual process when people are frustrated that they have nothing to support their position, ad-hominens are quick to follow.

smearing of a very good representative

If saying he isn't an incumbent is "smearing" him. Then I'm guilty as charged. But I think that is a "smear" only if his "incumbency" is the only reason to support him.

I made it crystal clear why Brad didn't support SB1000.

I didn't connect SB1000 to civil unions. But I'm really confused. Were you saying one of Brad's accomplishments, that shows the value of his experience, was voting against SB1000? That demonstrates he knows how to "shepherd" legislation?

When supporters do name specific things that Avakian has done

They haven't. That is the problem. From his web site, he doesn't seem to have any accomplishments in the legislature beyond having cast his vote on lots of different issues. Now that may be misleading, but his supporters here don't seem to have much by way of personal experience with his accomplishments as a legislator whatever they were.

So if you work hard to try but are thwarted by the majority..that means you didn't do anything.

No - but its not a core reason for people to vote for you either. And here it appears to be almost the only reason for people to support him. If you are going to run on your record, you have to have a record. Otherwise you need to give some other reason for people to vote for you.

When you called Brad and asked him about this, what did he say?

I think reading the C&E's gives the answer to why Avakian is advocating for PGE to keep the taxes it collects instead of having them go to support government services, like schools. I am sure he has another reason he would give if asked, but I wouldn't believe it anyway. If you would, by all means ask him.

99 comments is more than enough. Good night, already.

So as I mentioned earlier, you showed up here with a chip on your shoulder determined to believe what you're going to believ

I think you are describing yourself. I showed up here not supporting either candidate. I worked with Sam Chase on the board of the Coalition for a Livable Future, but I haven't seen him for over a year. What I found was a bunch of Avakian supporters demanding he get out of the race. He had no business running against an incumbent.

And then someone pointed to his web site and I saw him trying to take credit for the "big look" on land use in the state. And that didn't seem quite right. I didn't remember him taking any leadership role in that. But I didn't follow the details so I looked up the final votes and found they were unanimous. So his web site was inflating a vote joined by every other legislator into an accomplishment.

OK. That's politics. But then it became apparent those supporters who were demanding that Sam Chase quit the race, didn't really have any reason for supporting him other than they thought Avakian was going to win or he was a great guy in Salem. In other words, they had no real reason to support him.

I not only don't live in the district, I'm not even in Oregon. I'm 1800 miles away in Northern Minnesota with too much time on my hands. Isn't that much obvious. But I have been around Oregon politics for 15 years and I care about what happens to the state.

What really set me off was the PGE vote and the fact that no one here, including you, could or would defend or explain it. You are saying people should vote for Avakian because of his record and you don't even know what it is.

I was merely noting the lack of honest discourse

Uh huh, nothing personal there. How do you have the nerve to lecture on honesty while making that statement?

I've already given my reasons for supporting Brad outside the "incumbency" line item

This was the reason, which I recognized already:

"I attended a meeting in his home for Stand For Children. Brad and his wife Debbie enthusiastically support this amazing effort to help lobby legislators to provide increased and stable funding in schools. They generously opened their home for the meeting with little fanfare..and helped generate a lot of new dues paying members for Stand For Children."

Followed by:

"His experience as a member of the Oregon House is invaluable in my view. That makes him an "incumbent" in the sense that he knows how legislation is put together and how its shepherded through the chambers. Given that term limits have stripped Oregon of long-term experienced legislators, this is extremely valuable."

So what exactly are the reasons that you gave that I haven't acknowledged? Again, there aren't any.

Then you haven't read the website very carefully.

Oh? I don't think so. I think it is you and anyone who is thinking of voting that needs to read it very carefully. We already have the "school" that isn't a school that he was president of three years before it was founded. The land use law he helped pass, along with every other member of the legislature. Its pretty obvious you need to read that site very carefully and then fact check everything on it.

So working hard in the minority isn't a reason for people to vote for you?

Sure it is. Its better than being lazy. But where is the evidence that work produced any results?

And no matter how he answers, you won't believe him anyway.

That's right. Is there some reason I should? You know, if he really believes PGE is in the right, he could have turned down the contribution and suggested they send it to the state treasury to help fund schools. If its not about the money, its easy to avoid the conflict of interest. Should I really expect him to now say "I know I shouldn't support PGE profits over schoolkids, but they are a big campaign contributors so what could I do?"

It seems that the big issue everyone here is discussing is the PGE issue. As a 16 year old at an extremaly overcrowed public high school I believe that we need the debate to education. My brother is a student teacher at Portland Public schools where school closures have become as common as rain in Oregon. I recall hearing somewhere that the big education lefy that Sam helped had no opposition. While all the major educators support Brad. At my school I mentioned to a few teachers that I have been helping Brad and they all said how they lovedd and how hard he worked for education. Thats why he has all the education endorsments. Without a strong education for our youth what will happen will all the adults when they retire? Will we have decent doctors and nurses? Many students in my social studies classes cant name half of the rights in the Bill of Rights. I have classmates who read a mere 10 pages in a few hours. I have friends who as freshmen were learning 6th grade math. I think that everyone needs to stop worrying so much about PGE and get tough on educaton as Brad has done. Listen to the Oregonian when they said that "Avakian, 45, is a civil rights lawyer with a long, strong record on education, health care and the environment." Whats more important educating our kids or the rate policy of PGE. Oh by the way whats Sam's stance on gettting tough on child sex offenders? Because with HB 3469 Brad got tough on them.

Rafael Baptista [email protected]

Rafael Baptista

I not only don't live in the district, I'm not even in Oregon. I'm 1800 miles away in Northern Minnesota with too much time on my hands. Isn't that much obvious. But I have been around Oregon politics for 15 years and I care about what happens to the state.

Ross, thank you for answering the question "why can't you just call Brad and ask him the question yourself?".

"Ross, thank you for answering the question "why can't you just call Brad and ask him the question yourself?"."

Oh. I could call him. He can even call me back locally on our cell phone which is a local Portland number. What purpose would it serve? None for him and none for me.

Rafael -

I doubt there is a dimes worth of difference between Avakian and Chase on the issue of education. Both want more money and resources to go to educating kids.

Because with HB 3469 Brad got tough on them.

Was Avakian even a member of the House Judiciary committee that sponsored that bill?

Show me Brad's accomplishments. And will his supporters please explain why Brad voted against the bill (SB 408) that requires utilities to actually pay the taxes they collect from ratepayers.

And while you are at it, please prove to me its just a coincidence that Brad takes utility contributions (see Willamette Week's Rogue column http://www.wweek.com/editorial/3224/7459 "Avakian benefited most from the utilities' largesse, collecting $6,250.")and then writes pro-utility, anti-taxpayer letters. As noted in WW, Brad was right there with Rs writing letters to the PUC on behalf of the utilities within weeks of collecting their contributions.

Ds in the district should use the still-closed primary for electing a true Democrat. Brad's a poster child for the danger of open primaries.

"I don't know Sam. He may be a wonderful human being and a gifted public servant. But I haven't seen anything from him, his campaign or his supporters that would move me to vote for him for this job over Brad Avakian."

I am sure PGE agrees with you. Why would they need to know anything about Sam Chase when they have such a fine representative in Avakian.

"No one demanded that Sam Chase quit the race."

I suppose not. They just suggested he was acting inappropriately in running against an "incumbent", that he should move to a different district or give up and give his money to another candidate. But they didn't demand that he do any of those things. I overstated the case. They didn't explicity say "we demand you get out of the race" - they just sort of politely suggested it.

you'd investigate it yourself.

I did. Have you read the Willamette Week article? I did. Avakian not only voted against the bill, he continued to lobby the PUC on PGE's behalf after it passed and then he took huge campaign contributions from the company. Whatever the reasons for his vote, that is a clear conflict of interest.

But there are no good reasons for having voted against that bill and even less for a legislator to lobby the PUC on PGE's behalf. Which is why there is deathly silence here defending it.

The bill stops PGE from collecting taxes from its customers and pocketing them as profits instead of paying them so the can fund government services, like education. So while Avakian was holding a house party for education, he was voting to let PGE keep tax money it collected that would have helped pay for schools.

Dirty pool, Ross.

It's one thing to lay out reasons why you disagree with Avakian's vote on a bill. It's quite another to accuse someone of a concerted effort to defraud the state. You might as well say, "Joe Democrat took money from a union and then voted for workers rights... it's a bribe!"

Let's explain something to everyone here:

Oregon's legislature does not vote based on its quorum... a bill needs 31 votes in the House, no matter who's present. So if someone had Avakian in their pocket, the instruction wouldn't be to vote "no"... the instruction would be "don't show up to session that day." (Which has the same effect as a "no" vote) That's how sneaky deals are done so they don't show up on someone's record.

It would have been a lot easier for Avakian to remain absent on that vote and placate the voters with a lot of hooey about the legislative process. As it is, he had the rocks to show up and vote "no."

When I disagree with a candidate, it's refreshing if he tells me so instead of trying to please everyone.

it's a bribe!

Bribes are illegal. No one has accused Avakian of being a criminal. But I doubt anyone, including Avakian, thinks he would have received PGE's largest contribution if he had voted in favor of the bill and then lobbied the PUC to enforce it.

Instead, Avakian not only voted against giving the taxes to the government, but he then wrote the PUC on PGE's behalf encouraging them to let PGE keep the taxes despite the bill.

Ross,

I appreciate a lot of the arguments you've raised so far - you are very articulate.

Please do not refer to any vote Brad has taken as a "bribed" vote. As someone who sat next to Brad on the floor of the House for almost every vote he cast during the 2003 legislative session, nothing said during this thread has offended me more.

If you don't like Brad's vote on PGE, fine. The truth is that Brad casts his votes the way he sees them. If that means a certain group gives money in the next election because they are served well by Brad's views, so be it.

Please keep this in mind. Aside from this, I really do appreciate every point you are raising, and I hope you will continue to contribute to this discussion.

Dustin

Has anyone read the bill yet (as opposed to the talking points)? The original idea was great, but after three amendments -- including one in the House -- it looked different by the time it got to the House floor.

First off, there doesn't seem to be a guarantee that any recovered money will stay in Oregon. If I were PGE's parent company, I could set those funds against unpaid taxes in other states. To someone who's not an attorney, such as myself, looks like PGE could use the bill to draw out tax deferments.

All this, not to mention the fact that the PUC could be doing all this through administrative rule... which begs the question of how much micro-managing the State Legislature should be doing to PUC rules and rates.

I don't know how I would have voted on it... but it's certainly not a black-and-white issue.

[Disclaimer: I don't speak for any candidate, campaign, or official.]

People who are afraid they might "lose their job" by revealing their identity should think long and hard about their allegiance to a political candidate or entity which forces them to wear a veil in public.

Sarah -- Really? Are you applying that test to any candidate... even one you might be supporting this cycle?

Sarah, so you are saying that an unemployed individual should never use their initials--should use their full name-- because of course no prospective employer in the world outside politics would refuse to hire someone because of what they say on a blog?

Or perhaps you think only political staffers post here?

What exactly do you do for a living that you aren't concerned about now (or 3 years from now) someone will Google your name and get all your blog posts?

Please do not refer to any vote Brad has taken as a "bribed" vote

I didn't. I was quoting adifferentsalemstaffer. As I said, perhaps not very clearly, no one is claiming Avakian is a criminal.

The truth is that Brad casts his votes the way he sees them.

I agree. And I think it is fair to ask what values are reflected in a vote that allows PGE to profit by keeping taxes that it collected and ought to be funding education and other government services.

And I think we should be clear. He didn't just vote against the legislation, he lobbied the PUC on PGE's behalf after it passed. Then he took a huge contribution from them. That looks like a conflict of interest and it is the kind of thing that damages the credibility of elected officials. And it makes it much harder to promote important government services. As Sam Chase said, that is being part of the problem.

Oh Ross,

Stop being such a party pooper. Everyone knows elected officials kowtow to wealthy interests, but nobody wants to read about his favored politico taking big contributions from robber barons like PGE and PacifiCorp.

After all, Avakian needs lots of money to run for a Senate seat, doesn't he? What's he expected to do, collect $5 from hundreds of voters in order to qualify for public financing? Oops, I forgot, that only works in Portland.

Everyone knows elected officials kowtow to wealthy interests,

Some do and some don't.

1) As people have pointed out, you can't expect any elected official to always agree with you. So while you can question the values reflected in Avakian's vote and feel comfortable that Sam Chase would have voted differently. By itself that is unremarkable.

2) But then there is his letter to the PUC trying to get them to not fully enforce the bill he voted against

3) And then he receives the largest contribution of any candidate, Democrat or Republican, from PGE.

The apparent conflict of interest is the kind of thing that has made voters cynical - the same cynicism you express - and that makes it immensely more difficult to get needed government services paid for.

A politician who says we need higher taxes to support our schools and then votes to let PGE bolster its profits by keeping taxes it collected from its customers, while getting a big campaign contribution, is exactly what makes people suspect that any additional taxes they pay will just go to line someone elses pocket. And the fact that the people who say schools are their top priority will vote for him anyway just adds to that cynicism.

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