Oregon GOP attacks Merkley; completely whiffs it
Kari Chisholm
This is hilarious.
First, the attack from the Oregon GOP earlier today:
"Change. It’s Coming," but apparently not to Eastern Oregon any time soon. It has been over two months since candidate Jeff Merkley launched his campaign including an eight stop bus tour and he has yet to step one foot east of the Cascades. Merkley’s geographic ignorance has earned him sharp rebuke.
Uh oh. The Oregon GOP just isn't paying attention.
On September 14, Jeff Merkley was a featured speaker at the annual gala and awards banquet for the Truman Club of Central Oregon.
That's where he met Bruce Abernethy, the mayor of Bend, who endorsed him two weeks later. From that endorsement (which was also from Lincoln City Mayor Lori Hollingsworth.)
When you're the mayor of a city, every day is about serving regular people and solving real problems. Government isn't about theory and it isn't about slogans. Jeff Merkley understands that - and he's proved it in the Oregon Legislature.As Oregon's Speaker of the House, Jeff Merkley proved that he's a leader that delivers. He delivered on a 20% increase in funding for our schools and universities. He delivered on wiping out the 500% interest rates for payday loans that devastate Oregon families. He delivered on an historic expansion of Oregon's bottle bill to include 125 million water bottles a year. He delivered on 100 new state troopers and 15 new forensic scientists. He delivered on strong new rules for ethics for public officials. And much, much more.
Meanwhile, Senator Gordon Smith spends his time catering to special interests, raking in the big bucks, and ignoring the real needs of real Oregonians.
Last I checked, Bend was still east of the Cascades. So is Sunriver, where Merkley spoke just this past weekend. Heck, we've even got the video to prove it!
One more thing: I just checked in with the campaign, and confirmed what I'd heard from our pal Chuck Butcher -- that Jeff Merkley will be a featured guest at the Baker County Democrats annual party on November 10, as part of his Eastern Oregon kick-off.
The Oregon GOP is so scared of Jeff Merkley that they've resorted to making stuff up. Pathetic.
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5:41 p.m.
Oct 10, '07
[Full disclosure: My company built Jeff Merkley's campaign website but I speak here only for myself.]
5:58 p.m.
Oct 10, '07
I really hate the fact that this kind of insulting story-telling actually still works with some people. That odd 30% still scare me.
Oct 10, '07
Kari, could you include the source of that GOP attack? Was it a press release, or an email to supporters? Any links?
If it was a press release, or perhaps even if not, I hope the Merkley campaign seizes this opportunity to point out the apparent geographic ignorance of the Oregon GOP.
6:00 p.m.
Oct 10, '07
But in GOP world, Democrats east of the Cascades don't count as people, and Bend, since it has Democrats in it, are not east of the Cascades and is probably just filled with dirty-f*cking-hippies anyway.
6:54 p.m.
Oct 10, '07
Thanks Kari - I could of swore Jeff was at the Truman Club annual Gala and the Oregon Summit. I'm really glad you confirmed Jeff's appearances. A lot of my friends accuse me of being delusional but their all wrong!
Oct 10, '07
There is a reason why they are sometimes referred to as the Grand Oily Party, and they are getting the floor slick with their lies.
With the amount of BS coming from their side, I am reminded of a phrase an old man once said to me.
Take off your shirts, men, it's too late to save your pants....
Oct 10, '07
Personally I believe a mayor's endorsement is worth a lot more than a state legislator. How many does Gordon Smith have?
8:04 p.m.
Oct 10, '07
Kari, could you include the source of that GOP attack? Was it a press release, or an email to supporters? Any links?
It was in a press release - received via email. They haven't even bothered to post it on their website.
8:50 p.m.
Oct 10, '07
Jeez Kari, will the Merkley love fest at Blue O never end? :)
Seriously though, good job making short work out of this crud. Given their track record, I should make sure to go back and ensure Steve's never gotten any parking tickets.
Oct 10, '07
This is the kind of rapid response we need.
9:21 p.m.
Oct 10, '07
Y'know, I would have liked to think that OUTRIGHT LYING would be below campaigns in the information age, even the Republicans.
It's a little bit shocking, even if not surprising, that they are still capable of this kind of thing.
9:22 p.m.
Oct 10, '07
Gee, I wonder how many Town Hall and other public appearances Slick Gordy has made in the past decade? I live in Beaverton and the past four years or so I've seen Ron Wyden several times (and missed a few) but I never see Smith appear in public, unscripted, for everyone regardless of party, and not a fundraiser. (Not that I would attend a Smith fundraiser. Maybe for free if they had free booze and I could wear my washco Dems polo. Nah, still wouldn't go.) So a popular, brand-new Democratic candidate for Smith's seat has not sent engraved invitiations to some Republicans for campaign appearances a full year before the election, and they bitch about it? What a bunch of pathetic weenies. I look forward to the D vs R Seanate debates, regardless of who wins the D nomination. I'll be in the front row sticking my tongue out at Slick Gordy!
Oct 10, '07
Did Greg Walden put his seat in play with his SCHIP vote? Who can we find to run against him?
Oct 10, '07
Looks like Mr. Smith's been in Washington so long that he can't remember which towns are east of the Cascades.
Better send him home real quick.
Oct 10, '07
Let me know when they send around a follow-up correction email...
Oct 10, '07
Walden's seat is not in play...
Oct 10, '07
Dancing With the Blues
The event Kari referenced in Baker City is Nov 10th, 7P-12A. Confirmed attendence is in alphabetical order, Merkley, Novick, Walker.
Jimmy Lloyd Rea and the Switchmasters will provide hard driving blues, Baker Elks Club, brought to you by Baker County Democrats - DPO.
Pre-sale tickets are available $8 Adults / $5 18 & under Door $10 Adults / $7.50 18 & under A no host bar and snacks - ID required
I am the primary contact at this email: cbutcherATbakervalleyDOTnet Tickets & Info.
Kari jumped our advertising roll out so I'm going along. Tickets are availble by mail or pickup at door. We have no credit card capability and don't send cash - please.
'BlueOregon' scooped 'Chuck for' on this??? I've got to get my act together ;-)
Oct 10, '07
Oh man, I forgot my disclaimer, 'I built my website and I speak for myself' Just kidding Kari, Baker County Democrats are always entirely neutral in a contested Democratic Primary. Always.
12:27 a.m.
Oct 11, '07
Chuck:
You guys should look at using Act Blue for credit card capabilities. They provide the service to all county parties here in Oregon.
4:19 a.m.
Oct 11, '07
For a moment there, Chuck, I read that as offering a discount to those 5' and under and I was thinking, "But I'm sure Steve would rather pay the full admission."
%^>
7:51 a.m.
Oct 11, '07
As mentioned above, Gordon Smith has not appeared anywhere in Oregon other than fundraisers and official events for some time as far as I am aware of. It would be useful if one of the campaigns or someone else could start raising the issue of when Gordon will meet with the citizens of Oregon, instead of just people who pay to talk to him.
Oct 11, '07
kari, i love the dead elephant logo.
9:20 a.m.
Oct 11, '07
Y'know, I would have liked to think that OUTRIGHT LYING would be below campaigns in the information age, even the Republicans.
The other explanation is that they didn't do the research and didn't actually know. This is perhaps an even more damning possibility--if they are so hazy on basic, uncomplex facts like this, how hazy are they going to be on issues like health care? Either liars or boneheads--it's not a great choice.
Oct 11, '07
"kari, i love the dead elephant logo."
Me too. Oughta get a bunch of buttons made up.
Oct 11, '07
Somebody beat me to it: http://www.deadelephant.org/index2.htm
Oct 11, '07
You know, one of the reasons that I was happy to hear that Merkley got into the race was that he had been here.
In the fall of 2005, the Crook Co. Democrats hosted Rep. Merkley for a meeting to talk about Central/East side issues.
Also, in the fall of 2005, Merkley attended a day of the Democratic Party Rural Caucus Retreat that was held at Silver Falls Retreat Center.
Rep. Merkley has shown more interest in rural Oregon than any other Democratic not elected to a State wide office - way before he entered the race for the US Senate.
Let the Republicans attack on this all they want, it just ain't true.
Oct 11, '07
My husband and I met Jeff Merkley a few weeks ago at a Dem.luncheon in Roseburg. We liked everything he said. He was asked some touchy questions which he swiftly answered, absolutely no spin. Gordon Smith is only for the filthy rich and the heck with the middle class and the poor.
Oct 11, '07
I'm pretty sure most people who read BO and especially those who comment qualify as political junkies, so while some things that are obvious to most of us - like the im-moderate republicanism of Smith and his plutocratic agenda don't strike us as of any question to others, they actually are. The image of Smith that the Oregonian presents is pretty common currency in these parts and that is an uphill battle to fight. We've got a lot of hard work before the General and the Primaries are a big part of the lead up, a time ahead to set the narrative and frame the debate.
And a big thanks to all the campaigns that have commited to BC Dem's party.
Stephanie, we'll go ahead and let the candidates in free, they have show us a dance step or two and raise their own money.
This should be a lot of fun, and we're fixing the candidates up with a bunch of face to face time. Early November is typically some of the prettiest weather Baker has, but a jacket for after dark is 'de riguer'
Oct 17, '07
Republican or Democratic Parties, what is difference? Dem are talking about that they are "fighting" for working people and poor, for wages, for health insurance and ets. But in real action: Gov. Kulongoski (Dem Party) paised wages lazy, overpaid state agencies directors to $158,000 and more. For what? It is a real face of lairs leaders of Dem Party. They helped rich, but not poor. Cut salaries of high pay government employees to $50,000 and it will generate a huge amount of money for health insurance of children and adults. Smith, Merkley, Novick and etc, who are accepting "donations" - it is a political prostitution and there for sure will be a pay back to donor. Some mayors endorsed candidates: it is an insult of the People - why someone is thinking for them?
Pavel Goberman - Candidate (D, but honest) for US Senator www.getenergized.com/vote.html
Oct 17, '07
For all the flak the Oregonian gets, I heard this on the radio but found a link for it first on the Oregonian site.
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1192586143100810.xml&coll=7
<h2>Bush is finally talking about veterans health care. Where are our Senate candidates on this issue?</h2>