I may usually be old and cynical, but Brent is one of the first politicians I've been truly excited about in a long time. I will be out to help Brent and everyone that reads this needs to believe that Brent is the future of our state and come help me.

Brent Barton will win this race, plain and simple. He is bright, hardworking, and knows and represents the people of his district. Brent will make a fantastic addition to the legislature and this is a great chance for us to take out an incumbent who can't and won't face the environmental, health care, educational and budget challenges that are so pressing in Oregon.

Saturday's forecast portends a lovely cocktail of snow/rain/sleet/misery, but I'll be walking with Brent.

In his capacity as a volunteer and member of the Bus Project’s board, Brent has been a tireless and unflaggingly loyal organizational champion.

He’s really smart. He cares about good things. He volunteers his spare time. He works his ass off all day and night and still manages to show up to meetings with a smile on his face. And damn if he ain’t one good-lookin’ sonuvagun.

11am Saturday at Clackamas High.

This is great news for district 51. My time living in PDX was spent in the district and I can tell you that the only reason she won her last election was because she had the financing to buy a bunch of billboards and was able to put together a nice (albeit deceiving) resume in the voters pamphlet with column after column of endorsements. Rep. Flores is a lock-step hack that Karen Minnis and Wayne Scott could always rely on for a vote. And I am sure she was happy to give it provided that during election time they made sure she was given some $$$. I was actually quite suprised when I moved to that area and found out she was my rep as the area is much more progressive then what is on the surface. It has just been a matter of finding a good progressive candidate with enough visibility, finacing and support to take her out! Go Brent!

"the area is much more progressive then what is on the surface"

YES! This is the message some of us have been trying to spread for years! Those of us who live in downstate districts know more about the actual voters and attitude of the district than those staffers who make cracks about a "lousy R to D ratio".

I noticed in the post it said

The district has only a three percent Republican voter registration edge: 39% Republican, 36% Democrat, and 21.5% non-affiliated.

Thanks Jake for including that!

I live in a district where in 2006 an under funded candidate who had never run for office before managed to put a scare into a Republican incumbent not only during the campaign but in the results--the margin was something like half the NAV number, the smallest margin that person had ever won by. Those who talk in wonkish terms like R to D ratio are really saying not only that 20% or more of the voters in a district don't count, they are saying numbers are more important than people.

I spent six hours last Saturday knocking doors with Brent in the pouring rain and cold. Not only was it tons of fun but I promise you Linda Flores didn't talk to the same number of voters. Brent will win this by outworking the opposition.

Brent Barton's House District is inside Rick Metsger's Senate District.

Metsger is a Democrat the was openly pro civil unions and pro measure 37 reform yet he won that half of his district overwhelmingly. Clearly these folks don't have a problem voting for Democrats.

This bodes well for Brent's Run.

Also Rick Metsger, for the first time, has endorsed a house candidate running in his Senate district. It means that Metsger clearly thinks that Brent has what it takes to win this district.

This too bodes well.

Brent is running in a fast changing district that is being represented by an ultra conservative that does not fit the district. Brent is a hard working, smart, and hungry candidate that has clearly impressed local leaders.

I see a recipe for success where we can elected a really great new legislator and in the process get rid of one more member of the House Republican leadership.

I'll be out with him walking this weekend at 11am at Clackamas high.

I hope to see lots more people out there with us.

Linda Flores - proud member of the odious Oregonians for Immigration Reform (http://www.oregonir.org/).

If I weren't busy with my own campaign, I'd be out working for Brent. I've known him for several years and we are colleagues at the same law firm. He is smart, high energy, witty, a quick study, and passionate about this campaign. He'll do the work to win -- and he can do it with our help.

Here here!

We need more Dems like Brent who are willing to challenge the conventional wisdom that says Democratic support falls off in direct proportion to population density.

Those of us at the suburban/rural fringe NEED and WANT more progressive representation, on issues close to where we live, like land use, water quality, environmental protection, transportation, etc., but also on the bigger issues like growth, taxation, corporate giveaways and what kind of Oregon we want to live in 50 years from now.

Now, who wants to take on Scott Brunn??? ;-)

Heckuva candidate. In a district that needs strong advocacy for middle class folks and an eye to the future, given all the changes in the district.

There's been talk of the importance of districts like Wayne Scott's former district. For Democrats looking to pick up a seat, this race looks every bit as important. Indeed, I would say moreso. I recognize that my view might be colored by my high opinion of Brent. But irrespective of that (tempted here to write "irregardless," just 'cause it's one of my favorite miswords...second only to "a whole 'nother"), the data offers a lot of counsel in Brent's favor.

I wouldn't overemphasize the money, although it is indicative of some of what he offers (persuasiveness, an ability to inspire confidence, hard work, gregariousness, etc.) I would say that for all the talk of numbers/targets/etc., my hunch is that he will benefit a lot from being harder working, sharper, and more willing to engage than your average bear (or even your average candidate). And that's all irregardless of a whole 'nother thing...he'd be a good legislator.

As a voter in this district, I will be thrilled to have a Representative who actually has more than a vapid look in their eyes and a thought process more than "let me check with the Caucus". Keep up the good work!

Plus, he is super dreamy

Prediction: Brent will take this district and it will be because of his ideas and his hard work. He is exactly the kind of Oregonian we need in the Oregon House and running for office throughout the state. Great post Jake!

I dono about dreamy, but one other neat thing about Brent is that he and his dad do a terrific comedy routine. And seriously, I've had the chance to observe him in relevant (to the legislature) action for going on two years, and he will be a tremendous asset in Salem.

Can't wait to see Brent in Salem!

I've had the privilege of knowing and working with Brent for several years now and can testify that not only is he incredibly dedicated, smart and hard-working--he's downright inspiring.

Brent's genuineness and passion will make him a wonderful representative and a skilled legislator.

He's the real candidate of change. All those other change candidates are just imitating.

Challenge: I gave Brent a check -- won't you?

Young, new, grassroots -- send the man some money.

<h2>And then work for Voter Owned Elections so that young, new folks have a reasonable chance of unseating an incumbent!</h2>