I heard Mike Bohan speak at a house party recently, and was very impressed. He clearly knows his stuff. I'm sure Tobias Read is a bright guy. But I'm concerned by his association w/ Nike. Any attempt to fix the Oregon tax system will have to address the scandolously low corporate tax rate. Read would have a definite conflict of interest (would he be willing to bite the corporate hand that signs his pay checks?).

I don't live in HD 27, but if I did my vote would be with MIKE BOLAN. He has been supporting Dems for a number of years....he has worked tirelessly on behalf of many candidates in Wash.County. He has been the one behind the "lawn sign" working to get others elected....It is now time to say Thank You to Mike Bolan. Not only is he a strong campaigner and dedicated Dem, he knows public policy, knows what people want, he listens, he knows the process and system, and he cares deeply about his community. I strongly support his candidacy....and wish I could vote for him. Guess I will just have to vote for Mitch.....

Hey Mike,

Reed is a Portland Democrat, of course he's going to help his party pass corporate tax reform. But even if he is just a shill for Nike...guess what...Nike wants corporate tax reform.

If you want to smear people's positions make sure you know what the hell you are talking about first!

"You know what you two look like? Like a couple of guys who just blew off somebody's head."

Changing the political environment in Salem and retaking the House will happen when we elect promising policy makers like Tobias Read. As with Jesse Cornett, I believe we have two very qualified, knowledgeable, and aspiring progressive advocates that will well serve Oregonians for many years to come.

I've known Tobias for many years and wish him the best of luck in his primary and future within the democratic party of Oregon.

DONATE VOLUNTEER

As a resident of HD 27, I am proud to support Tobias Read. I have no doubt that either could do a good job in Salem but Tobias would do a great job. He is smart, articulate and good at working with diverse coalitions. Additionally, I think he could relatively easily beat back Dominic Biggi (a.k.a. the Horseraddish King) in the general.

I support people like Tobias because they represent the future of the Democratic party and will help us pave a way to majorities for decades to follow.

Campaign rhetoric is often hard to sort out when voting. I have had the privilege to speak at length with both Tobias Read and Mike Bohan. Both are smart and caring men. Both regard education and health care as top priorities. Tobias is new to HD 27. His roots to this district have germinated from his employment by Nike. When I pressed him to specifically consider Nike's power play for 35 yrs of annexation freedom, he hedged. Maybe it was too long...

If desired outcomes are the same, Mike Bohan asks our corporations to step up to the plate. Washington County has the heaviest hitters: Intel and Nike. The candidates' two websites show clear differences regarding this issue.

So if the desired outcomes are the same, who is going to pay for the Tobias wish list? I fear the already overburdened average taxpayer!

But here's my real litmus test:

I am awaiting his reply to my request that he sign initiative petition 102. (http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/irr/2006/102text.pdf) This initiative would establish corporate accountability and is the first step toward corporate tax reform. The OCPP has done a great job debunking any argument against the initiative, in particular concerns that this reporting will hurt Oregon's business climate or reveal trade secrets or proprietary information.
http://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=FAQcorpdisclose

Mike Bohan and his wife Linda, a nurse on the teaching faculty at OHSU, have already signed the petition. They have an 8th grade son who will benefit from progressive change.

I don't feel reassured that the kind of change Tobias envisions is one that would be progressive.

But good scientists repeat their tests. My litmus test is awaiting another reading.

As such, I agree with the Willamette Week endorsement: Mike Bohan for HD 27. http://www.wweek.com/editorial/3226/7513

Gee Winston, what the hell did I say that was a smear of Tobias? I don't know the guy. I'm sure he's just swell. If he gets the nomination, I'll have no problem voting for him.

All I did was suggest that he (or ANYONE in his position), might have a conflict of interest in this situation. If there's a bill in Salem that would, say, allow Beaverton to annex the Nike campus (I know- not gonna happen), or something else that Nike wouldn't like, why is it unreasonable to wonder if Tobias would be looking over his shoulder when he votes. Given Nike's dominant role in this state, and their scorched earth policy to opposition, is that concern crazy? Ask Rob Drake and his office staff.

Like I said, if Tobias is the nominee, I'll happily vote for him. But given that Bohan is a good progressive alternative, I'll vote for him.

Let me start with a disclosure. I don't know Mr. Bohan. I do know Tobias Read, so my comments are only about him. I also know that it is important that a democrat retain this seat.

Tobias worked for me as a volunteer in my first term as a state representative and as paid staff in my second term. He was, and is, exceptionally bright, honest, diligent and very, very convinced that smart government can improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Tobias readily gained the respect and cooperation of staffers on both sides of the aisle and could move ideas through the process. He understands how coalitions get built and how to move good ideas forward or slow bad ones. Most politicians talk about being able to work well with all people, regardless of affiliation or viewpoint, but they don't really do it. I have seen Tobias accomplish it. He respects people, it shows, and it allows him to accomplish more.

I left the legislature to take over as interim president at Willamette University. I was very pleased when Tobias agreed to come and work at Willamette. We were well served by his talents. When he went to DC to work in the Clinton adminsitration and then University of Washington to get his MBA, I feared Oregon would not get him back.

But he did return, and now he is attempting to follow his heart into public service. I hope the voters accept his offer. His combination of intelligence, practical experience and passion for people will serve Oregon well.

Gee Mike. Your generalized concerns regarding, potentially, all NIKE employees that pay deference to "The Company" are as non-sensical as the Protestant/Repulican fears that JFK would defer all decisions to the Pope. While Phil Knight may be full of Papal Bull, these concerns of Tobias as NIKE shill are unfounded. Willamette Week's bogus recommendation for this race that deflects to levity in place of politics follows the same pattern of suspicion and gross implication that NIKE will pull political strings.

Tobias has the real legislative experience and political know-how that makes fears of not re-examing Oregon's corporate tax burden, or re-examining the kicker, or even moot participation in county talks of annexation not hold up.

OK. this is the last thing I'll say on this, as I think we've drifted off topic a bit. Drew, I never said or even implied that Reed would be a Nike shill, or that he would be a puppet whose strings are pulled by Phil Knight. That's a straw man argument. Please read my post. Also, to say that my "non-sensical" concerns are equivalent to the anti-Catholic bias that JFK faced seems like a bit of a stretch.

After all, I hardly think that Nike and it's employees are an oppressed minority.

With that, I'll shut up. And in November, I will vote for whichever Democrat gets the nomination.

I've always been told not to settle! Here is what I see as the difference between the two candidates:

Mike Bohan VS Tobias Read

Mike Bohan is the clear Leader in Education. He has a PhD in Physics, BS in Math, and a BS in Physics. The Beaverton Valley Times stated that Tobias Read has a Bachelors in Politics and Economics from Willamette University which he earned in 1997.

Mike Bohan is the clear Leader in Experience. He was the Chair of County's Democratic Party, Representative for the Democratic National Committee, and has been involved in local Politics since the 1980's.

Mike Bohan is also the clear Leader in Life Experiences. He is Married, and has a Family. His opponent on the other hand is a Single Man. Mike appears to have the family values that I look for in a candidate. I also believe that he would probably hold a deeper understanding of the needs of our schools, as he has a teenage son that actually attended the Beaverton School District schools.

I think the Willamette Week had it right when they said that Read seems a little green. I also think that the Beaverton Valley Times had it right when they perferred Bohan because of his deep business and community experiences. There is a clear winner in this race for Distrist 27 and I am not settling for anything less than what Mike Bohan has to offer this District!

I have known Tobias since we worked for the same environmental non-profit in DC 7 yrs ago. Since February I have spent about 80 hours knocking on HD 27 doors to tell people about Tobias because he would be a great leader for Beaverton and Oregon.

Not one person I spoke with asked about annexation or told me they were concerned about the fact that Tobias is a product developer for Nike. Here are the issues folks in HD 27 care about: more school funding, health care costs, getting rid of the kicker. They also really like Mark Hass (the incumbent), who has endorsed Tobias.

These are also the things Tobias care passionately about, and he has been working relentlessly to get his message out. The Nike argument is a distraction from the real issues - evidence by endorsements from SEIU, Firefighters, The Oregonian, NARAL, Deborah Kafoury and many others.

Larry - FYI, Tobias has a MBA degree from a Business school ranked in the top 20 in the country - University of Washington.

And what exactly do you mean by family values? Usually this is Republican code for being against gay marriage or abortion. Does Bohan have family values just because he has a family?

As far as being a little "green" - I know Tobias is green from my work with him at the National Environmental Trust. And if the worst thing you can say about Tobias is that he is too young (30?) - then you should probably re-think who you are voting for.

I live in this house district.

I heard Mike Bohan talking about the reasons why state educational spending is in trouble.

Mike said that the biggest problem is that over the last many years corporations have had numerous loopholes passed so that now they pay relatively little taxes. For example, last year they made the amount of state tax totaly dependent on the amount of sales in Oregon. Companies like Nike or Intel with relatively little sales in Oregon pay little tax.

Yet, Mike said that he wouldn't want to repeal all loopholes, just review them and eliminate those that made sense.

I like that Mike has the experience to know what needs to be done, yet he's not a hothead.

I'll vote for Mike.

Gee Chris - The education information was taken directly out of the Beaverton Valley Times paper. It was Tobias's response to the question tell us about your education, degrees and life experiences. I guess he forgot to mention his MBA (from U of W you say! It didn't mention living in Seattle. How long did he live there?).

As for the family values comment. I didn't know that the only definition was that of the republican. Let me help you understand my meaning. I did mean family! Being married for 20 years is an example of commitment and dedication. Having had a home in this District for over 22 years is a sign of stability. It gives you a better understanding of the area's history, economics, and members of the community. Raising a family takes patience, determination, dedication and at time great leadership skills. I am sorry if you can not see why not having these kind of life experiences would put Tobais at a disadvantage in my eyes.

Mike has help build this community. He has been involved in the local democratic party since the 1980's (that would give him over 20 years of experience and history to draw upon). He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He was involved in my child's School Savings Program for over five years. He help teach my children the importance of saving their money. He worked with me on building the Rock Climbing wall at his son's Middle School, and is currently scheduled to help his son's High School Band Program. He has a long term commitment to our District, and our schools.

The green comment was meant in the same way the Willamette Week used it. To refer to Tobias's youth, and lack of life experiences. I know Mike will make the right decisions for our district, because he is invested in this community.

The good news is we have two very good Democratic candidates in HD 27. The real question in my mind is who can beat Biggi who will be very well funded as the Republicans are already salivating over this open seat.

Biggi will make an issue of Tobias moving into the district this year. Biggi's family has been here for years. Bohan has lived here for 20+ years, experienced the issues, worked in high tech, sent his kids to school here. If Bohan is our candidate, Biggi will have to defend the Republican agenda in a Democratic district, he will not be able to make his family history the issue. For no other reason, I urge you to make Mike our candidate.

I have known Mike for almost 20 years. He is an experienced businessman, politician, neighbor, and friend. I love to see young bright individuals like Tobias enter the political fray. Unfort. for this race,we need experience and our best chance to win.

I think that is Bohan. I urge you to agree.

Larry - We seem to fundamentally disagree about what constitutes a "life experience." Working for as an LA for an Oregon State Representative is a life experience. Having daily meetings with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury is a life experience. So is volunteering for SMART and as a youth basketball coach, and going to undergrad at Willamette U.

Tobias is the only candidate with actual experience in the Oregon Legislature. (See the voter pamphlet). I'm sure Mike is a nice guy and an excellent Boy Scout leader. I just think Tobias would be a much more effective legislator.

The fact that Tobias is not married yet or does not have kids yet does not mean he cannot provide leadership for our community. His endorsements from people like Susan Castillo, Oregon State Superintendent of Public Instruction, show that he has the ideas, brains, and "life experiences" to lead on school funding, health care, and the environment.

PS - The voter pamphlet, Tobias's literature and website highlight his MBA from UW.

Chris - With the departure of Mark Hass, both candidates would have the opportunity to inject new energy and fresh approaches. The Willamette Week stated that they wouldn't have a problem with either candidate winning, but Bohan had a few advantages over opponent Tobias Read. At the top of their list was life experience. The Beaverton Valley Times said they perfer Bohan for his deep business and community experience, while the Oregonian stated Tobias Reed, the kids' footware developer at Nike offers enthusiam and a centriset appeal.

As a voter, you look for what candidate you think has the edge. Living in the area for over 22 years, as I have stated before is one of the areas I feel Mike has an edge on his opponent. Maybe, if someone could tell me how long Tobias has lived in the Murrayhill area it would be helpful, and I mean the District not his time at Willamette University.

Also, Mike worked as a engineer at a couple local computer-chip manufacturers(again over 20 years). It has been reported in the Beaverton Valley Times that Tobias worked with a failed airline statup (amount of time?), and Nike as a kids' shoe developer for two years. I'm looking for a little more than enthusiasm. I just perfer experience in a candidate. I don't see this as bigoted. Also, for the record I am Pro-Choice, and a supporter of gay rights!

1. An observation by one who has had some: There is a teensy bit of difference between having 'life experience' vs. having 'a' life experience.

Terms like 'depth of' or 'wealth of' might help clarify...

1. Having met both Mike Bohan and Tobias Read, I know that HD 27 would be well represented by a solid Democrat either way.

Tobias Read is progressive, bright and well-spoken. He brings the good experience of working in government and business.

Mike Bohan is also progressive, bright and well-spoken. But he brings the depth and wealth of 20+ years experience living, working, raising a family, owning a home, voting, and actively participating in the same community he hopes to represent.

Becoming a good legislator has a learning curve, regardless of your prior experience. It doesn't hurt to have worked in government or law, but it's not a requirement.

Becoming a truly effective legislator requires more: practice, commitment, the ability to communicate, the willingness to listen and learn, and a genuine desire to serve the people.

All of that... plus knowledge of your district.

And while it's true that a portion of HD 27 is in Multnomah County, the great balance of the constituency resides in Washington County - where we are truly blessed to have a crop of House Representatives who started as freshmen legislators together and did all of the above. They are not only making a name for themselves as legislators, they are helping to permanently establish our county as a distinct and powerful force in Salem.

Both Mike and Tobias are smart, progressive Dems. Both would make really good Democratic legislators in Salem.

Mike Bohan would make a great Washington County legislator in Salem.

Tobias Read is a smart and committed progressive who make a great representative for the District. I worked closely with Tobias on the Clinton-Gore campaign in 1992 and in the Clinton Administration. He is the most thoughtful and hard-working young Democrat I know. The party needs new, progressive leaders like Tobias if we are going to regain power and govern effectively. Tobias is also a dedicated envorinmentalist who will lead efforts to protect Oregon's natural treasures. Tobias Read will be a constituent-driven and effective legislator.

I don't understand how one can consider being a boy scout leader political experience? Also, serving as a delegate is not expereince. It is an honor, but all that Bohan did was vote for the person that the people told him to vote for.

Tobias Read has REAL experience in government. Whether it was the four years he spent as an LA in the Oregon Legislature, or working daily with the US Secretary of the Treasury, Tobias Read has real government experience.

Kari, I just noticed your question.

Last weekend, Friends of Tobias Read sent out a mailer with a skeptical looking woman asking "Who's (sic) side is he on, anyway?" The copy on the other side suggested that Mike Bohan "doesn't support requiring Insurance Commissioner approval of health insurance rate hikes," quoting Mike as saying "I'm not sure that I like the idea of government getting involved." The flyer goes on to say he is "out-of-step with the Democratic Plan to require approval of all insurance rate hikes." Further, "What we don't need is Mike Bohan's reluctance to finally hold the big insurance companies accountable for rate hikes."

As I have understood Mike regarding this out-of-context quote, he believes that the market place, with inpatient and outpatient costs for procedures/patient visits/labs, etc. easily accessible (presumably outcomes as well), will be the first strategy toward cost containment. Just as the marketplace allows us to choose our sneakers...

But to be very explicit, last week's Beaverton Valley Times read, "On health care, both Read and Bohan favor creating an insurance review board to hold down costs."

Read's mailer was dirty politics. This doesn't bode well for either party-line support or bipartisan compromise. I agree with Senator Deckert's endorsement that Mike Bohan's experience, commitment and positive campaign make him the best candidate for House District 27.

Here and Kari and I agree--at least to a point.

Going after a candidate's family is ALWAYS dirty pool.

Unspecified charges also fit that category. Best example 1980's Al Ullman voted against the elderly" (but no one in the campaign knew what the vote was about) or Swifty ads in 2004, or what was done to Max Cleland in 2002.

Misquotes or out of context are at very least on the boundary line.

Sometimes an intelligent candidate says "It is not that simple" and then goes on to explain the complexities. If I ever caught an opponent twisting the complex explanation, I would have it out with them if it was someone I knew, or question the wisdom of a candidate who wanted to be overly simplistic.

When looking at the comparison piece, it was pretty simple. Bohan said he would not support a plan to recquire insurance companies to get authoriztion to raise healthcare costs. This is a position that Bohan has been open about. All the Read brochure did was point that fact out.

Completely legitimate, and necessary to highlight a key policy difference.

Hi I am a high school sophmore who has had the great honor of meeting Tobias Read. I believe that in terms of education Tobias is very strong but most importantly is passoniate. Since when has the debate gone from who cares the most to who has lived in the area the longest or who has been active in the party the longest. With the partisan ship we see in salem, sending a young fresh face like Tobias sounds better then sending an older party guy. With the economic, budget, and tax cuts that our state is facing have Tobias with his experiance working with the Tesurary Secatarty every day is very relaxing.

Rafael Baptista

Raphael, Good to see a high school student on this blog!

Hang in there!

I've had friends who were candidates or campaign managers who first got involved in high school--in Youth Legislature or in Young Democrats, or because an adult they knew was political.

Hope you have the chance to visit the legislature next year when it is in session.

Hey LT thanks for the nice words. I know this is off topic but I just started a young activist club at my high school and was wondering if anyone had tips on how to get people involed in the club.

Thanks

Its Westview High School in the Beaverton School District

Rafael,

I am a student at Beaverton High School. I am a volunteer for the Read campaign. Depending on the results of the election tomorrow night, we would love to have you come and volunteer for Tobias. Go ahead, and e-mail me. Just click on my name. Also, we can talk about your activist club.

Edward,

Yea that sounds really cool. I have been volunteering for Brad Avakian's campaign so I have got to meet Tobais and really like him. When I click on your name it doesnt give me your email

Rafael,

I just talked to Kate with Brad's campaign. She said she reccomended us to you. My email is [email protected]. It all just depends on what happens tonight! cross your fingers