Greg Walden: bailing out of Congress?
Over at NW Republican, they're speculating that Congressman Greg Walden may vacate his congressional seat in 2008 - in order to dedicate two full years running for governor in 2010.
I think Congressman Walden will make this his last term in Congress. I think he steps down to allow someone (Sen. Jason Atkinson? Ted Ferrioli?) else to run for his seat. He works to help a Republican win the 2008 Sec. State seat. He then spends two years campaigning.If this is the case then one would have to consider Congressman Walden as one of, if not THE, frontrunner for 2010. His entrance would definately raise the bar and there is certainly nothing wrong with a solid field of candidates.
Read the rest. Discuss.
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Nov. 13, 2006
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3:30 p.m.
Nov 13, '06
Great minds think alike!
(unintentional blogswarm!)
Nov 13, '06
Well, I hope he does run for Gov. -- because, we are sitting on reams of his voting history where he says one thing, and does another. While the press of the Second CD gave him an easy walk to re-election by completely ignoring his voting record, once we get to the press in a Statewide race, we will finally be able to get all this information out on him.
I did a prior piece on his voting record here at Blue Oregon. You can see from his voting record that conservative elements that might be considered his allies for a race for Gov. will likely be offended that he has cast so many votes against their interests - example, veterans.
3:55 p.m.
Nov 13, '06
I don't see it. Walden may well run for the Governor (which I have been thinking likely since late 04) but the step-down action is not realistic. Why would he?
His district is safe enough that he can run while holding the seat for at least another term, particularly since he is in the minority party now. I think he will position himself for a run, but I don't see stepping down after the 110th congress as a prerequisite towards that objective.
Not to again derail the topic, but the real question is, who are the Democrats going to run at Smith in 08...?
That certainly holds far more relevance in the near term than a Walden bid in 2010 for the mansion in Salem.
4:34 p.m.
Nov 13, '06
Once more today, please stay on topic. This is a post about Greg Walden, not Gordon Smith. We're planning all kinds of fun conversation about Gordon, so let's stick to Greg here.
5:01 p.m.
Nov 13, '06
If we want a chance at winning in the 2nd CD we need to identify a candidate early and build support. Does anyone know an engaging rancher in central or eastern Oregon with some political experience (mayor, town council, county commission, etc.), a populist bent, and a flattop haircut?
Nov 13, '06
John,
I'm not sure about your candidate, I know someone like that but it's not a certainty that he'll caucus with the "good guys."
My candidate is an engaging small business owner (contractor) from Eastern Oregon with a true populist bent and bears a strong resemblance to Grizzly Adams.
In fact, he can be found here: chuckfor.blogspot.com
7:45 p.m.
Nov 13, '06
Rumors swirling that Walden will run for Governor! Candidate Carol Voison heard those rumors throughout her campaign to unseat Walden. Walden should think twice when an unknown like Voison almost hit 40% against him.
I hope he runs just for the pleasure of defeating him!
8:21 p.m.
Nov 13, '06
Paulie,
I don't know what returns you are looking at but the Secretary of State says Carol only got 30%. I liked her and I think she might do well in a different district, but an academic in the 2nd is not likely to be able to win, especially against a popular encumbent.
And Verasoie, Chuck couldn't get through a Democratic primary that was desperate for someone who could win, let alone a general election. Where is the guy with the flattop?
8:21 p.m.
Nov 13, '06
Paulie,
I don't know what returns you are looking at but the Secretary of State says Carol only got 30%. I liked her and I think she might do well in a different district, but an academic in the 2nd is not likely to be able to win, especially against a popular encumbent.
And Verasoie, Chuck couldn't get through a Democratic primary that was desperate for someone who could win, let alone a general election. Where is the guy with the flattop?
9:03 p.m.
Nov 13, '06
Mike Dugan, DA of Deschutes County, always struck me as a strong candidate. He made a run at Walden in 1996, but it's been 10 years...
Nov 13, '06
I don't like Greg Walden, at all, but I'm sure not going to chase him into a Governor's race. He'd be a great candidate for Gov, all he'd have to run against is his record and having his head up George II's hiney.
John, I'm not real sure what part of desperate is reflected in a 38% Dem turn out in a Primary. I like Carol and I worked to help her and I don't mind, much, losing to her, but let's keep our statements accurate. At 40% she actually got the vote of about 18% of registered Dems in 02CD, so any statement based on that kind of number is a little suspect. Now, my 11% of 38% really sucks, since that's 4% of reg. Dem. and I don't think it's suspect to say it sucked.
I had my say about what it would take to win 02CD and I've seen nothing to change my mind. If you want to check my statements to see if they look accurate now, help yourself, they're archived. As for not getting through a Primary, the voters picked who they picked to run against Waldenbush, I didn't run against him. You're mistaking a run against a Democrat from Ashland with a run against a Republican from Hood River, I submit for your consideration that they're two completely different things. I don't have any empirical data that I'd have done better than Carol, but there also isn't any that says I wouldn't have. This was the third time around doing pretty much the same thing and getting pretty much the same results.
Nov 14, '06
Greg Walden is a polished politician. He's got folksy charm, a radio voice and more money than God. If he runs for governor he'll be tough to beat.
Nov 14, '06
As I recall, quite a few Dems either quit or even switched parties (Ben Campbell) after the Republicans took over in '94. It just wasn't fun to play anymore when the other side got to make all the rules. Congressional Dems now are still talking about playing nice with the Republicans, but we'll see. I expect to see a lot of Republican retirements at both the state and federal level once the '08 season comes along. Look especially for those who've gotten addicted to lobbyists' gifts and "ear-marking" to bail early once they realize the gravy train ain't running any more.
Nov 14, '06
A lot of GW's success is his ability to toe the Party line without ever getting up and saying anything. He hasn't had to defend his seat, all he says is, "HI, I'm me and a Republican. That evaporates in a real contest and his shallowness would be on display for all.