My take on this cartoon is that Wu will neither engage nor acknowledge the Republican challenger, Derrick Kitts.

Downtown Portland? You do know that isn't in his district, right?

I thought it was. Map (pdf0

Wu's playing it right. He isn't giving the challenger any target or any air time. He is networking with constituents.

Well call me surprised, Ross. I knew the First CD went into the West Portland hills, but not all the way down to the river.

It seems sometimes you and David Wu both.

To me, that's bike-man country.

That garage under Pioneer Court House wouldn't be getting built if Blumenauer represented downtown.

The fact that Wu doesn't have a race is in part a result from his active, consistent engagement in his home district. Also, why should he waste a bunch of money on TV ads that's better used picking up seats in Ohio, Florida, and every other truly competitive district around the country?

Wu has worked hard to be all over the district during the last two years. He has no need to spend a lot of money just to see himself on TV. If you don't like Wu, say so, but you can't knock him for not wanting to spend a lot of time on Kitts!

I for one am very proud to say that David Wu is my congressman. And I have to say he is very visible. Every year I see him talking to people at high school football games and I know people who have siad that over the years hes knocked on thier doors. Also when I went to DC last year with my school he was the only member of the Oregon delagation (house and senate) who actually spent real time with us. He gave a bunch of time in which we could ask him questions and he gave very strong and thoughtful answers. I think some liberals dont like him because hes to the middle for their taste but hes all in all a very good man to represent a district that contains part of the Coast, Washington county and some of Multhomah county,

I've got a Wu sign (recycled from 2004) currently planted in my yard, which is not in downtown Portland.

I've voted for David Wu every time he's run. His votes in Congress actually represent me pretty well. But I'd hate to see him (and the Democrats) lose that seat to a challenger who is aggressive and well-funded. Obviously Derrick "Mr. Good Times in Maui" Kitts is not that challenger. But, because of Wu's low profile, he (and the seat) would be vulneable to a less-pathetic Republican challenge.

I'm not the only person who thinks so.

from "Experts say Wu's top rival outmatched" The Oregonian, Kathleen Gorman, Saturday, Oct. 21.

"Despite the (Democratic voter registration edge in District 1), Wu is perhaps the weakest incumbent in the (Oregon) congressional delegation and could be vulnerable, said Jim Moore, a political science instructor at Pacific University in Forest Grove. He faults Wu for keeping a low profile and not communicating well what he's done for voters."

"Oregon State University political science professor Bill Lunch says Wu is potentially vulnerable, though, 'Derrick Kitts is not that challenger.'"

Where's Wu? When is someone from the democratic party going to run against this very ineffective congressman that we continue to send back to Washington to represent us.... Wu is terrible, but there is no srong democrat that is willing to take him on in the primary election.... Maybe its time we start some early recruitment....There has got to be someone out there willing to run against this incompetent congressman.... As a life-long democrat I continue to be amazed at what we will tolerate in our elected officials.... Come on Dems......Start Recruiting to BEAT WU....

I remember two years ago I called Wu's office for help with a Federal agency. After waiting a month for a call back, I called Ron Wyden's office and they helped me the next day. Another month went by and I finally got a called from Wu's office, asking "Did you contact the congressman? I have a note here but it doesn't say why you wrote..."

Wyden represents many more people than Wu. Combined with his "I hurt someone I loved" sexual assault confession, I can't vote for David Wu.

Holy crap! Carla and I agree on something! We'll need Spock to help explain this strange phenomenon. ;)

But seriously, what the hell kind of choice is David Wu or Derrick Kitts? I believe this is whats known at the turd sandwich conundrum. Of course Wu will coast to an easy victory, so my old standby write-in candidate got the nod. "Ozzy"

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