Smith '08: Jeff Merkley recruited to run
Fresh off a successful session, Speaker Jeff Merkley has been invited to consider a run for the U.S. Senate. The Associated Press confirmed a rumor - originally published last month by the Portland Mercury - that the DSCC has asked Merkley to think about taking on Gordon Smith:
Merkley said the meeting in New York came at the request of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is in charge of recruiting possible challengers to take on Smith next year.Merkley said he told Schumer and others with the committee he would give the matter serious thought after the 2007 Legislature adjourned for the year.
"They contacted me; I was honored; and I said after the session we could have a further discussion," the Portland Democrat said in an interview.
With the Legislature having adjourned Thursday, Merkley said he's now going spend time talking with family members and others about whether to mount a challenge against the well-funded Smith.
Merkley made it clear that he's perfectly happy as Oregon's Speaker of the House:
If Merkley did decide to mount a U.S. Senate bid, he would have to give up his speakership and his seat in the House, something he said would be "extremely difficult.""This is a wonderful place to be, making a real difference in people's lives," he said of the House speaker's post that he assumed after Democrats regained control of the chamber from the Republicans in the November 2006 election.
Read the rest. Discuss.
|
June 29, 2007
Posted in in the news 2007. |
More Recent Posts | |
Albert Kaufman |
|
Guest Column |
|
Kari Chisholm |
|
Kari Chisholm |
Final pre-census estimate: Oregon's getting a sixth congressional seat |
Albert Kaufman |
Polluted by Money - How corporate cash corrupted one of the greenest states in America |
Guest Column |
|
Albert Kaufman |
Our Democrat Representatives in Action - What's on your wish list? |
Kari Chisholm |
|
Guest Column |
|
Kari Chisholm |
|
connect with blueoregon
Jun 29, '07
Outside of those people who follow Oregon politics regularly, Jeff Merkely doesn't have any better name recognition than Steve Novick.
Go out on the street and ask the first ten people you see who Jeff Merkely is.
Jun 29, '07
I still think Novick is the guy to take on Smith. Merkely sounds credible, but there is more likely to be a couple of votes he has made in the House that the Smith camp will go to town with.
Novick, on the other hand, has a record of achievement without taking politically difficult votes. And he's one of the smartest men I've ever encountered.
8:20 a.m.
Jun 29, '07
{{should i "disclose" that i volunteer for the Novick campaign? if so, consider it disclosed. However, i certainly don't speak for the Novick campaign.}}
I'm guessing that Representative Merkely still has at least another session's worth of work that he'd like to see done as Speaker. It's not a position to give up lightly, and to give it up for the position of Oregon's Junior Senator (given that he won the election) may not be incredibly appealing.
I say, if he's going to run for the Senate, he's not going to do it this cycle. Just because he went to meet with Senator Schumer, doesn't mean he's running. If he was invited, it would be dumb not to go, especially if he wants the DSCC's support in the future. I'm sure he'd make a fine Senator, but my money is on Novick.
8:32 a.m.
Jun 29, '07
I'd welcome Jeff to the race. Steve needs a strong challenge from someone inside the system. If he can raise his game (which I think he can), it will show his viability in the general. If he can't, then we've been saved the heartbreak and Merkley is at least a strong 2nd-tier candidate, probably one of the strongest.
9:12 a.m.
Jun 29, '07
Whether Steve or someone else emerges as the candidate, it's good to have a crowd--it will strengthen whomever emerges and highlight the abundance of choice. I'd personally love to see Kate Brown jump in the mix.
Most Oregonians don't know Merkley, but in 2008, I don't think that matters. With Smith's disapproval rising, voters are starting to look around for someone else. This is one of those years when dissatisfaction creates an opportunity with a low political Q score. And Merkley's no bozo. From his bio:
This is the kind of biography that will appeal to people looking for an excuse to vote against an incumbent. If someone, in the manner of the DeFazio effort, creates a "draft Jeff" website, I'm in for a ten spot.
Jun 29, '07
I can only believe that this would be good for the Democrats, for someone with solid electoral experience to make a run at the nomination, whether he wins the primary or not.
But one question, if he doesn't win the primary, he could still run to defend his seat, right?
10:11 a.m.
Jun 29, '07
When you go door-to-door for a candidate, most regular voters ask two questions up front:
What party does he belong to?
Is he qualified?
Of course, the first question is an easy one. The second, however, is a fascinating one - that most of us political junkies don't usually think about.
Most voters approach voting as something akin to job-hiring. "Is he qualified?" Voters look at the resume. Especially for US Senators. They expect Senators to be serious and accomplished.
Merkley fits that bill. That's much more important than pure name-ID at this point.
(Full disclosure: Jeff's a client and a friend, though I haven't talked to him about this at all. I was definitely surprised by this news story. As always, I speak only for myself.)
Jun 29, '07
Looks qualified to me. Smith couldn't credibly challenge him on it, given that he (Smith) had a comparable position (President of the Oregon Senate) before he ran, and I'd say that Merkley has more complementary professional experience than Smith ever did.
There is, of course, the whole Portland liberal thing that people contend is a non-winner elsewhere in the state, but somehow that didn't seem to hurt Wyden, and I can only believe that having other people in the primary like Jeff Golden from other parts of the state will help drive up interest elsewhere that could be carried over by the eventual winner (assuming the primary is cordial and focused on Smith).
Jun 29, '07
The 2008 OR Democratic Primary will be competitive. unless if Kitzhaber or DeFazio/Bluemenaur or Bradbury/Edwards run. Most candidates who are in the race or planning to enter will drop out.
The potential field looks interesting.
Novick- A Government Lawyer Brady- A Businesswomen Brown,Bates,Merkley- Three State Legislators Golden- A radio Talk Show Host.
Jun 29, '07
Merkley made it clear that he's perfectly happy as Oregon's Speaker of the House:
And Schumer is making it perfectly clear he wants to control the candidate running against Smith and he is paying more attention to Novick's negatives than what Novick has going for him. And if Novick does get elected to the senate, Schumer will claim as much credit for his election as he can just as he got on James Webb's bandwagon after Allen's macaca moment.
Jun 29, '07
Bill - it is important to note that the DSCC is responsible for seeking out candidates they think will win. If their candidate were defeated in the primary, that doesn't mean they wouldn't throw their support to somebody else in the general election. If it looks like the candidate will win in the general, they will support them and deserve some of the credit if that candidate wins.
On another note, I've said it before and I will say it again, Kari is exactly right on this one. Here in my district (33 in Wash Co), we have a lot of conservatives and a huge independent swing vote. We only win if we can convince the NA's to vote for Democrats.
My neighbors care about the candidates qualifications above all else. Although progressive successes matter in Multnomah County, they aren't your golden ticket outside of the city. We literally live in a place where people will keep you at the door while they phone their neighbor to find out who they should support. Endorsements and resumees matter above all else here.
12:46 p.m.
Jun 29, '07
I like Merkely alot. He is the best in the legislature in my humble opinion, and I think he would be a great do a lot of good for Oregon and the nation where he to be a U.S. Senator, but I don't see him leaving the leg for the near future. With all the announcements of people not seeking to re-up on the GOP side, that is a lot of open seats in play for Dem gains. In essence he is looking at a potential 3/5ths majority in the House in the next legislature, and he can get so much more done in that environment.
Again, I think Merkely would be a great Senator (as I think Novick would as well) and would back whatever office he sought. But I think he is really and sincerely looking at doing more in the Leg. for another term.
12:51 p.m.
Jun 29, '07
Steve Novick thinks that the Speaker is great and just had a hell of a session. If he comes into the race, I'd love to schedule joint appearances with him around the state all summer. Wouldn't call them "debates" because we certainly wouldn't disagree on many things.
2:29 p.m.
Jun 29, '07
BREAKING: Novick challenges Merkley to debates. Accuses Merkley of mimicking ideas.
Ross Day to send out mailer claiming Novick would love to be seen in public joints with other men.
:^)
4:18 p.m.
Jun 29, '07
BREAKING NEWS: Sal Peralta seeks Speaker's position in Oregon House
Jun 29, '07
Mr. Steve Novick, if you believe what you just wrote about Speaker Merkley: "we certainly wouldn't disagree on many things."..you will stand aside and support a more qualified, experienced elected official in the race to defeat Sen. Smith. Unless, of course, it is more important to you that you be elected rather than another experienced, qualified Democrat who (apparently) is right on the issues you care about. That is the definition of a vanity campaign and that is what the Novick campaign is IMHO. Sadie and Kari are right: Qualifications count. Merkley's experience exceeds those currently in the field and pretty much anyone who has been discussed.
If Merkley runs, I suspect he will make zero appearances with Steve Novick so as not to add any legitimacy to that fringe campaign. But it was nice of Mr. Novick to offer, if only for his own benefit.
4:32 p.m.
Jun 29, '07
This is utterly ridiculous. Steve said up front he'd likely drop his campaign if DeFazio or Blumenauer ran. Accusing him of running for vanity is so distortive I don't know what to say.
There's more to running for office than resume'. Are they engaging? Do they have a coherent vision that goes beyond individual bills and laws? How do they handle adversity? Are they an ideologue or a pragmatist? How do they deal with political opponents? Etc.
Merkley certainly has more experience in public office. Whether that makes him more qualified is an open question. If resume' and positions of elected service were all that mattered, we'd stop the Presidential elections and just inaugurate Richardson from NM right now.
I made no secret that I support Steve over Jeff or anyone else in the state Leg. But I welcome Jeff's entry into the race if he so chooses, believe him to be a worthy candidate for Senate, and would back him 100% in the general election. The fact that D-Tourist can't bring him/herself to offer Novick the same courtesy is unfortunate and shortsighted, IMO.
Jun 29, '07
The potential field looks interesting.
Novick- A Government Lawyer Brady- A Businesswomen Brown,Bates,Merkley- Three State Legislators Golden- A radio Talk Show Host.
I would add to the mix...
Evans-Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran
In Marion and Polk counties, we had the opportunity to get to know Paul Evans, who ran a high profile campaign for the state senate in a Republican district here.
The DSCC also invited Paul to DC which is no surprise: he's a young leader and inspirational speaker with a great resume including two terms as a city councilor starting at age 18, four years in the Air Force, then two terms as Mayor before being involuntarily mobilized after 9-11 to keep America's skies free of hijacked planes as an air battle manager across the country with Oregon's National Guard.
Plus he offers something unique: he's been deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Who better to challenge Smith on his flip-flops on the war?
A former educator, volunteer firefighter, and Sunday school teacher, he now works for the Governor on homeland security, military and veterans issues. It would be nice to have a great "outsider" candidate from outside of Portland in the mix to challenge the ultimate insider, Gordon Smith.
Jun 29, '07
The potential field looks interesting.
Novick- A Government Lawyer Brady- A Businesswomen Brown,Bates,Merkley- Three State Legislators Golden- A radio Talk Show Host.
I would add to the mix...
Evans-Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran
In Marion and Polk counties, we had the opportunity to get to know Paul Evans, who ran a high profile campaign for the state senate in a Republican district here.
The DSCC also invited Paul to DC which is no surprise: he's a young leader and inspirational speaker with a great resume including two terms as a city councilor starting at age 18, four years in the Air Force, then two terms as Mayor before being involuntarily mobilized after 9-11 to keep America's skies free of hijacked planes as an air battle manager across the country with Oregon's National Guard.
Plus he offers something unique: he's been deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Who better to challenge Smith on his flip-flops on the war?
A former educator, volunteer firefighter, and Sunday school teacher, he now works for the Governor on homeland security, military and veterans issues. It would be nice to have a great "outsider" candidate from outside of Portland in the mix to challenge the ultimate insider, Gordon Smith.
Jun 29, '07
In Marion and Polk counties, we had the opportunity to get to know Paul Evans, who ran a high profile campaign for the state senate in a Republican district here.
Yeah, Paul Evans is a good guy and he's got some chops, but Oregon isn't Virginia, and he's not our Jim Webb. I like Paul a lot, but if you think he can knock off Smith like Webb knocked off Allen -- based purely on the incumbent's stupidity and the challenger's military background-- you've got the wrong state and the wrong guy.
A "high-profile" race for state senate? Please. No race for state senate is "high-profile," especially not when you're running for the 19th/20th majority seat in a 30 member chamber.
Furthermore, I fail to see how a guy -- again, who I like -- who couldn't win a state senate seat in Salem knocks off a well-financed incumbent like Gordon Smith. Evans just doesn't have it, I'm afraid.
And if Novick does get elected to the senate, Schumer will claim as much credit for his election as he can just as he got on James Webb's bandwagon after Allen's macaca moment.
And while we're at it, let's put to rest this revisionist history that keeps popping up on Blue Oregon about Jim Webb. Webb was the DSCC's chosen candidate, which put them at odds with the Virginia state party establishment, who wanted Harris Miller because of his long history with the party (and seemingly for no other reason).
In fact, this is one case where the DSCC and activists/bloggers lined up together, pursuing a candidate who was electable based on his past record of public service.
Jun 29, '07
This weekend, Gordon Smith is flying folks in to Bandon Dunes for a high priced fundraiser. He's on the Senate Finance Committee with Ron Wyden where all the tax bills go so he will be able to raise a lot of money this weekend and during the next year. He's also sitting on a 3 million war chest. Add to that the fact the man is worth a ton of money, and could self-finance if needed.
A crowded primary puts us at a disadvantage against Smith. Golden says he wants to wait until September to make a decision and earlier it referenced debates into the summer.
We should coalesce around one candidate early, and put all our efforts into that person.
7:53 p.m.
Jun 29, '07
Some folks upthread are taking my comments further than I would. I am not arguing that Steve Novick should drop out.
As I've written before, a contested primary is a good thing. What does not kill us makes us stronger. The winner of a contested primary will be a better candidate to take on Gordon Smith.
8:27 p.m.
Jun 29, '07
Kari:
I definitely don't see you arguing for Novick to drop out. A contested primary does help, since more people pay attention, and therefore you get more name recognition and such for the candidate who comes out of the primary.
However, D-Tourist definitely seems to be arguing that Novick should drop out.
8:35 p.m.
Jun 29, '07
I don't think Steve should drop out in any case. I know he said he would if DeFazio or Blumenauer or others ran, but I think he's in now, and he shoud stay in. Who knows who the strongest candidate will be--that's why we have elections. If Merkley runs, more power to BOTH of them. As a voter, I feel they'll enhance each other's campaiagn and highlight the obvious faults of Smith.
Diversity is good for politics--good for the process, but for voters, in particular.
Jun 30, '07
Looking at the Democratic Field in the 2008 Oregon US Senate Race.
Candidate who currently or formerly occupy a statewide elected office John Kitzhaber,Ted Kulongoski,Jim Hill,Randall Edwards,Bill Bradbury,etc- have announced they are not running for the US Senate Members of the Oregon US House Delegation- Jeff Golden- Talk Radio Host. Jeff Merkley- Speaker of Oregon House DeFazio,Bluemenaur,Hooley and Wu are not running.
We are left with Steve Novick- Political Activist/Government Lawyer Ty Pettit- A Wealthy Businessman
Potential Candidates are Kate Brown- State Senate Majority Leader Ben Westlund- State Senator- Former Republican Alan Bates- State Senate Majority Whip- Doctor Vietnam Veteran Eileen Brady- Businesswomen
Novick,Brady,Golden,and Pettit lack political experience. They have not won any elected office.
Brown,Westlund,Bates,and Merkley are members of the Oregon State Legislature.
Brown,Bates,and Merkley hold leadership position
Based of the strongest Democratic Nominee to challenge smith I would say Alan Bates
He is the Majority Whip of The Oregon State Senate. A Vietnam Veteran and a Doctor. His State Senate District is in Jackson County- A Red County. He is a combination of Tester and Webb.
Kate Brown- is the outgoing Majority Leader of the Oregon State Legislature- Her district in the Portland Suburbs- Clackamas County- a Purple County.
Kate Brown has a lot of advantages in both the primary and general election.
Kate Brown has political experience- She served in the Oregon State House and Senate- she was elected State Senate Majority leader 2004. (Bates,Merkley,and Westlund) are members of the State Legislature). Brown,Bates,and Westlund represent a Red/Purple leaning District.
Kate Brown is from the Portland Metro Area- This is an advantage to win in the primary.
Kate Brown is a very attractive women. She can win in the primary based on the fact that she is a hot and attractive. She is fairly liberal. She has experience. She is the top Democratic in the Oregon State Senate. She is competing against multiple male candidates.
She can win in the General Election based on the fact that she is hot and attractive. and she has experience. Voters outside of Portland wont see her as a ditzy airhead.
Jun 30, '07
I have to weigh in on this one. Being involved in the 1996 race against Gordon Smith and Wellstones races in Minnesota, I must say Les Aucoin is right on. Smith is going to be beat by a progressive Wellstonesk, one of us vs one of them kind of campaigns. There are many folks who have been mentioned that can pull that off. Including someone who likely will not be running, Paul Evans. While Paul did lose a state Senate seat in a strong Republican district against an opponent who democrats, independents and republicans loved... he ran a picture perfect campaign, raised a ton of money on his own and has an amazing story and message that resonates with voters. No one thought he could win, we all underestimated how close he would come. Paul is a rising star, someone in our party to watch. The DSCC saw his potential and thought enough of his chances to talk to him about a run. While they can be a pain in the butt, they also know potential. He is a progressive with a great background, strong work ethic and an amazing attitude and ability to connect with voters. I, for one, am looking forward to supporting him in whatever public office he decides to run for next.
Good luck to Novick, Merkley and others who may chose to take this on.
2:15 p.m.
Jun 30, '07
Right with Beth. An earnest Democrat who is nonetheless part of the system can make a good case, but I'm not sure they can excite people into ousting Smith because of it. The popular dynamic has not shifted from Republicans to Democrats so far; while it's clearly shifted away from the GOP those voters are not buying the Democratic message wholesale, and seem to get wary to hear it. What they DO share is largely Democratic values or at least shared principles, and it's those things they want to hear about. And they want to hear them unfiltered by couched language and safe positioning.
Those are Wellstonian qualities, no doubt. Leadership means bringing the people along with you sometimes.
Jun 30, '07
Thank you, Beth. I hope we are all politically savvy enough to recognize that a failed race in a heavily Republican state senate district does not mean a candidate won't be able to take all of our blue state. That's a bit short-sighted. Paul did run a fine campaign and has significant potential. Ask anyone familiar with him. He isn't typical (I'm not implying that anyone else under consideration is) and he has the substance to back up his impressive bio.
What we need is a candidate who can carry the true Democratic message to voters. We get blinders on sometimes and think that the average Oregonian cares a bit about an extensive political resume. They want someone qualified and inspirational--someone with real ideas.
Let the DSCC consider who they will. It is ultimately up to Oregonians to nominate the best candidate. Such fear of that process doesn't serve any of us well.
Jun 30, '07
I'm hoping the DSCC decision doesn't dissuade Paul from running, but either way he's got my support in whatever race he runs. He's a true progressive and a real Oregonian.
Jeff Merkley's a fine guy too, but he doesn't have any greater pull outside the Democratic party than Evans does. Yes, he's won races, but they're Portland races. Of course, he still hasn't made up his mind, so I guess we just have to wait and see. It seems like a DSCC endorsement so early is going to take away what competition was left in the race now that so many people have opted out and this will force out any that were left.
4:52 p.m.
Jun 30, '07
Merkley may win Portland races, but they're eastern Portland, which is a whole different ballgame than inner Portland.
Jun 30, '07
Paul is a rising star, someone in our party to watch. The DSCC saw his potential and thought enough of his chances to talk to him about a run.
Let's be real. Paul's wife saw an opening and used her DC-insider clout to land him a meeting with the DSCC mucky-mucks. No more, no less.
Face it, Evans, like Bates, is not ready for prime time.
6:05 p.m.
Jun 30, '07
I have no idea whether that allegation is even remotely true or not...but dang, you learn something new and interesting every day. Joan Mooney EVANS--got it.
Jun 30, '07
@ DTourist, I would just like to state for the record that I would not like to see Steve drop out of the race. I enjoy contested primaries, they give us more time to focus on the Democratic message.
It's also important to note that the winner of our primary will be well supported by the Democrats of this state.
Jun 30, '07
Concerning Evans' wife: Don't jump to conclusions. People familiar with Paul Evan's are well aware of the respect he holds with many established people on a state and national level. Paul is not the type of person to pull favors for ego trips, especially concerning this race.
Concerning Merkley & Portland races: There is a difference, yes, but my only point is that his ability to win races doesn't hold particular strength when running against Smith. Bradbury had won statewide elections and he lost terribly to Smith. Obviously there were other factors to that race, I'm just pointing out that one.
Personally I'm with those who would like to see a well contested race. That's why I don't understand the Novick-bandwagon approach or the DSCC primary endorsement approach. (Which is not to say that those respective candidates shouldn't get their fair share of consideration.)
11:10 p.m.
Jun 30, '07
I'm not fully versant on clout as currency, but seeing as how Hooley is House not Senate and it's Schumer's people we're talking about, does Mooney really have all this weight to throw around getting her husband an interview? And what's that get Evans in the end--$5 mil for the meeting? I doubt it.
These conspiracy theories--do Republican operatives just sit around and try to promulgate this imbecility?
Jun 30, '07
As someone who has known Joan a lot longer than Paul (and who first heard about Paul several years ago from a friend who'd seen him win a ballot measure debate with Don McIntire), the above sounds like conspiracy theory to me.
Paul is a genuine hero in every sense of the word. It says good things about DSCC that they were at least aware of him and willing to talk with him.
A few days ago I was in the capitol and ran into someone who worked on Paul's campaign last year. I said to him "next time you see Paul, please give him this message (paraphrasing the Obama book title) that he had the audacity to give people hope".
Polk County is considered a Republican county, but Paul came within about 20 votes of carrying it last year. No one who is politically connected (that I know of) saw that coming. It was someone (not a political activist) I know who grew up with Paul who made the prediction a few days before the election that "Polk is supposed to be a Republican county but I think Paul will do well". After the election, I called this person my favorite pundit.
A warning to those who "know" that we shouldn't have a contested primary and the DSCC should pick our nominee for us: People who are supposed to know politics didn't think Paul had any chance against Jackie Winters because "Jackie's an icon, why would anyone else run?". Yet there were young campaign volunteers who asked "what do you know about this woman Paul is running against?".
The times they are a changin', folks, and insider knowledge doesn't always predict elections. Some people vote based on who impresses them, regardless of party.
Jun 30, '07
Concerning the comment by "Jmoon"--clever I may add.
I understand how you may assume that Mrs. Joan Mooney-Evans used her job to land Paul Evans a Political career. SO lets re-run some facts here so I may jog your memory. - Paul Evans was elected City Councilor at the age of 18, based on high intellect and a intuitive mind on the job. He was always one step ahead. Then, Paul went to Iraq to fight for his country. As soon as he returned, he served as a very loyal leader to his hometown Monmouth, as mayor. Not only did he stregthen and bring together his town, but he helped out the city's children. Following a few years down the road, 2006, Paul gave Jackie the closest, 'edge-of-your-seat' race ever. His Goals for oregon are phenomunal.
Back to Mrs. Mooney-Evans... Obviously Paul Evans had the connections on lock with his intelligence and optimism for a better oregon. He earned that reputation himself! So a few things 'Jmoon'; Mrs. Joan Mooney-Evans couldn't use her job to get Paul a Political seat. Two reasons, she'd most likely lose her job, And two... Paul doesn't need someone to GIVE him the seat, he works hard enough to earn it himself. The most rude thing you can do is bring his family into this as an excuse for him not being "capable" to run... come on, check the facts, don't make up false accusations and lies. If thats the only thing you can come up with, then you're basically eliminating our entire country's government officials.
example, George Bush, "used father for presidency"? clearly, if you aren't capable of looking at facts, then you have no right to judge something soley based on an accusation.
Jun 30, '07
Thanks, Robert. Perhaps there are people here who can't understand that Paul was a hero in his own right for years before he ran for state senate. Heroes like Paul (who has friends in both parties, by the way) don't come around very often. Anyone who was at that end-of-campaign rally (capacity crowd in a community hall) or the welcome home party after his tour of duty in Afghanistan knows what strong local support he has.
11:38 p.m.
Jun 30, '07
Perhaps there are people here who can't understand that Paul was a hero in his own right for years before he ran for state senate.
...and years before he met and married Joan.
Jul 1, '07
I did some volunteer work for Bates in his first race for senate thought the bus project. I remember they said that he had some poltical problems because of a nasty divorce or something like that. Could that impact his race for US senate if he decides to run, I forgot the details of the divorce issue.
Jul 2, '07
Dear Anti-Revisionist,
You may say "A "high-profile" race for state senate? Please. No race for state senate is "high-profile," especially not when you're running for the 19th/20th majority seat in a 30 member chamber. " but do you live in Marion or Polk County?
The Senate race was the most contested we have had in a long time--pitting generations, people who said "Jackie's an icon, why would anyone else run?" against those who admired the local guy and were tired of "professionals" telling us what races were important.
It has been a long time since a Democratic candidate has drawn such crowds, not once but for many events. Paul was financially competitive, had more volunteers than anyone predicted, and darned near carried the Polk County where the Democratic turnout was a lot larger than the Republican turnout.
<h2>Dismissive rhetoric has never won any election that I know of.</h2>