Merkley escapes injury in rollover accident
T.A. Barnhart
from the AP, via Corvallis Gazette-Times -
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley, who's running for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination, escaped injury Thursday when a car he was riding in rolled over on U.S. Highway 20 west of Sisters, a campaign spokesman said.Merkley, 51, and an aide were en route from Salem to Redmond for a campaign event when the accident occurred, spokesman Russ Kelley said.
"They were both pretty shaken up, as you could imagine, but there were no apparent injuries," Kelley said. "Both were wearing seat belts."
Kelley said the car driven by the campaign aide was roughly 15 miles west of Sisters when it hit some ice, skidded across the oncoming lanes, hit a snowbank on the highway's westbound shoulder and flipped over, landing on its roof.
"The State Police responded to the accident, and they didn't see a need to send either of them to the hospital," Kelley said.
Wow. What a relief; glad they're both ok. It's impossible not to remember Paul Wellstone and realize that all the miles candidates travel around the state do put them at risk everyday. When they come to your town, give them a place to rest and some good coffee for the road.
Take care, Jeff — and Steve.
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Jan 24, '08
Thanks for posting this, TA. Only people who have ever been involved with statewide campaigns know how possible something like this is for any campaign!
Jan 24, '08
[very ugly, hateful comment deleted -editor]
Jan 24, '08
jeezuz, after all the rancor, i thought everyone could join in a bit of good feeling that Jeff and his staffer were ok, help us all keep our eyes on what really matters: life, family, the opportunity to make the world better.
Pavel decided it was an opportunity to express the nasty part of his soul. i deleted his words, not Kari. shame on you, Pavel. shame.
Jan 24, '08
So glad they are okay!
10:04 p.m.
Jan 24, '08
Does anyone know who the aide is?
Jan 24, '08
Thanks TA for deleting the ugly Goberman comment. We should be grateful that Merkley et al are OK and frown on anyone making inappropriate remarks like that.
10:12 p.m.
Jan 24, '08
VERY grateful -- across oncoming traffic ... hope he's not too shaken up.
10:12 p.m.
Jan 24, '08
Just walked in the door from picking up some groceries so we'd be prepared if this weekend is bad, and this was the first thing I saw upon sitting down at the computer. I'm very glad to hear they were wearing seat belts and were able to walk away with just some bumps and bruises (I'm sure they're going to feel it tomorrow). Be safe Jeff, we need you down in Salem next month!
Jan 24, '08
I'm happy to report that both Jeff and our staff member, David Dickey-Griffith, are just fine. Despite being in the accident both Jeff and David felt good enough to soldier on to Jeff's campaign events in Central Oregon. They were picked up by advance staff that were already in Redmond and headed back out on the trail.
After working for Jeff for four years, I still find myself amazed at his energy and commitment to the cause. We were ready to cancel all of this evenings events, and he said "no way!"
11:02 p.m.
Jan 24, '08
Take care, Jeff — and Steve.
Ditto. I'm glad to hear that nobody was hurt.
12:07 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
"David Dickey-Griffith"
Ah, thank you. Don't know him personally; doesn't matter. What a great ad for seat belt safety! Those things save lives, but so do reinforced roofs and antilock brakes and airbags (did they deploy? Did they have them?)--and much of that comes as the result of government regulation. One thing that both Jeff and Steve pitch well is the importance and neccesity of good government, but how well it already performs in ways we take for granted. Like the way two people can be in a horrifying rollover and REFUSE TRANSPORT TO A MEDICAL FACILITY.
Best to everyone in the Merkley campaign: big breath, sigh of relief, get back on the phones. (or not. Maybe you should take the night off. Or the weekend. Maybe just relax until after the session. Can't be too careful).
;)
Jan 25, '08
Would it be too much to ask what make/model of car saved their lives?
I'm hoping it was a big old fashioned hunk of American iron. But I'm willing to eat some crow if it was a Prius.
Glad they weren't hurt: but I'm still voting for Novick.
12:31 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
"Glad they weren't hurt: but I'm still voting for Novick."
A little long for a bumper sticker...
Jan 25, '08
I sure am glad they're OK. I know what it's like spending hours on the road in crummy weather. My wife still hasn't forgiven the sanding (rocks) chips in the yellow SSR from the Primary.
Jan 25, '08
I certainly now David Dickey Griffith, better known as DDG, from my days growing up as he is the best friend of one of my better friends. For those of you that don't know, his father, Steve Griffith, is an attorney at Stoel Rives who is now running as the R's sacrificial lamb in Greg MacPherson's current district. DDG himself is a great young progressive. During college, he spent six weeks working with the Peace Corps in Liberia.
Glad to hear he's okay, stay safe out there!
1:35 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
Oh wow. Just saw this. Glad everyone is OK.
I was Ron Wyden's driver for a month or so during his first Senate campaign, and it's stressful, physically demanding work. You feel like you're constantly late, constantly lost, and as a young kid trying to make it in politics, you're constantly trying to make a good impression. Sometimes that means chatting amiably, sometimes that means keeping quiet for long stretches - all depending on the mood of your principal.
David's doing a great job so far - and I'm glad to hear that everyone is OK. Stay safe, stay buckled up, and stay under the speed limit everybody.
2:19 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
Very happy no one was hurt in this crash. This should remind all of us just how fast things can change in life.
Fred
3:39 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
Very glad they are both OK.
7:42 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
Who says Merkley is not exciting. Let's see Steve do a flip. Seriously, glad both Jeff and David are ok. David is a great guy and his parents are wonderful people.
8:32 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
If I might wander slightly off-topic here... That's a sterling point that progressives really ought to make much more frequently and visibly. Government regulation can go too far but it exists as a mechanism to keep things fair and equitable.
Everytime I hear or read a GOPer ranting about how "market forces" need to be allowed to determine things and how they're supposedly self-correcting, thus negating the need for government regulation, I think of feudalism.
Right now we have a perfect example of why their mantra is BS - the mortgage refinance boondoggle. Good government oversight could have prevented what has turned into a very serious global problem. "Market forces" left to their own devices got us into this mess and I wish that Dems like Pelosi and Reid who are able to get on TV at will would drive that point home!!
8:36 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
Goodness. I'm relieved that Jeff and David are okay. I was reading over the news and saw the story, and my heart just lurched.
I'd also invite everyone to take a look at New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine's PSA following his horrendous accident. We've probably all seen it before, but it's a sobering reminder.
8:36 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
Foremost, of course, we all can be thankful to hear that everyone's alright
The truth is, though, that if you haven't found the ice on Oregon's roads, you probably haven't driven here very much. Moreover, most of us down here in the Willamette Valley just don't get much practice driving in these conditions until we go off on some rare random long trip.
And as Kari noted, being a campaign driver is generally a challenging enough job even when it's nice outside.
Sit. Get lost. Wait. Rush. Repeat.
And while you're at it, try doing it malnurished: if you're lucky you've got time to buy a cheeseburger at the drive-up on the way, otherwise you grab a fist-full of bagels if you're lucky!
But back to the driving:
I love my Subaru for darting around in this weather, but sometimes even all-wheel-drive is not enough in these conditions.
There are important tips we all should know about driving in these conditions, so bone-up, folks.
February is typically Oregon's snowiest month!
http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html.
In closing, let me pass on the proverbial high-five and warm hug around from all of us here at the water cooler for Jeff and David.
The campaign trail is bumpy enough. Let the driving be smooth!
Jan 25, '08
There's so rarely on open thread, so here goes OT:
Will someone PLEASE make sure the Clark County GOP story does not get dropped.
I want the people responsible for putting the Obama smear on their website NAMED. And I want EACH MEMBER of the Clark County GOP leadership team contacted for public comment. The individuals responsible, directly or indirectly, must have accountability enforced upon them.
Jeff Mapes? Nigel? Hank? Kari? TJ? Anyone willing to do some work on this that would actually STOP this racist crap from happening again in the future? Drag these miscreants out from under their rocks and watch them squirm?
Jan 25, '08
Glad they are okay.
I know in the past Jeff refused to use studded tires, hope that wasn't the cause of loss of traction here.
Jan 25, '08
Very glad they're both safe. But, let's not make the mistake of thinking some great American, Japanese or German engineering saved them. It was that great engineering that could have killed them. Automobiles take lives they do not save lives.
Also remember that if you choose to drive a bigger car for safety you're only taking one side of the safety equation into account. You may be less likely to be killed if your driving a big car, but you are more likely to kill. Automobiles kill over 42,000 people per year in this country.
So, next time you grab those car keys ask yourself if you can walk, bike, take a bus or a train instead. And let's get a progressive like Steve Novick or Jeff Merkley in the senate to advocate for policies that help reduce automobile miles traveled.
Jan 25, '08
If I might wander slightly off-topic here...
No Kevin, you may not. I see you are going off about national issues. Don't you realize this is an Oregon-centric blog?
wink wink Have a nice day
Jan 25, '08
I think the story behind the story is what did Pavel Goberman write in the comments? Pavel's always good for a laugh.
Pavel's website and genius can be seen Here
10:35 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
Messieur Tee asked, I'm hoping it was a big old fashioned hunk of American iron. But I'm willing to eat some crow if it was a Prius.
Actually, it's lunch time, T. The car that was totaled was, in fact, a Prius.
10:40 a.m.
Jan 25, '08
Not to sound redundant from most of the sentiments expressed by others above, but I too am thankful that nobody was hurt.
Jan 25, '08
Everybody knows that liberals are terrible drivers. I'm just glad many of them drive tiny, lightweight vehicles and use public transportation.
Jan 25, '08
I wish all the people who badmouth politicians realize how dangerous campaigning can be with the nonstop travel and deadlines. Small private planes and sketchy charter companies make flying far more dangerous than on commercial flights. In his fascinating book, "Falling Up: How a Redneck Helped Invent Political Consulting," media consultant Raymond Strother talks of sometimes falling asleep at the controls of his private plane as he flew from client to client throughout the country. Senator Wellstone's pilots were inexperienced and the main pilot had lied about his experience, having been in prison when he claimed to have flown for an airline.
Of course, driving is one of the most dangerous activities we engage in, especially in bad weather. I lost control on the Santiam Pass once and hit a snow bank and it scared the ---- out of me.
Like my parents always tell me, put on your snow tires and drive carefully. So glad that Jeff and David are safe- and may that continue throughout the campaign.
12:33 p.m.
Jan 25, '08
Yup, your likelihood of dying in a plane crash goes up dramatically when you run for statewide office.
Senator Paul Wellstone Governor Mel Carnahan Senator John Heinz
Not to mention the crash that nearly killed Senators Ted Kennedy and Birch Bayh in 1964.
And don't forget your Oregon history. In 1947, Governor Earl Snell, Sec. of State Robert Farrell, and Senate President Marshall Cornett were all killed in the same plane crash. The fourth-in-line of succession was Speaker John Hall, who became governor for a year - losing in the GOP primaries to Douglas McKay.
I'm sure there are others. Those are just off the top of my head.
Jan 25, '08
OK Kari, who died to make Denny Smith's Dad Gov. for awhile?
12:48 p.m.
Jan 25, '08
When it comes to ice driving in Central Oregon, ecrement occurs as they say. You can be the best driver in the world and be driving the best vehicle in the world, but sometimes luck is against you.
I'm just tickled that they're both ok.
Pat Ryan--Ski bus driver for Black Butte Ranch 1976-77.
12:49 p.m.
Jan 25, '08
When it comes to ice driving in Central Oregon, excrement occurs as they say. You can be the best driver in the world and be driving the best vehicle in the world, but sometimes luck is against you.
I'm just tickled that they're both ok.
Pat Ryan--Ski bus driver for Black Butte Ranch 1976-77.
1:29 p.m.
Jan 25, '08
you're right, Pat: sometimes you just get lucky.
one of the first times i drove outside of town, back in Billings, MT, where i grew up, i drove my dad's Fiat up to the mountain to go skiing with him. 2-lane road in good condition, good weather, cold, nothing falling. suddenly i began to fishtail (going about 50). of course i over-corrected, so the fishtail went the other way, til we were going backwards -- and then 360 around, and finally another 180. i still have no idea how i did all that. meanwhile, we kept going straight down the road -- and there was no on-coming traffic.
gimme luck over skill any day. at least when the road decides to throw some ice at you.
1:36 p.m.
Jan 25, '08
"Senate President Marshall Cornett"
Kin to Jesse?
4:43 p.m.
Jan 25, '08
Beat me to it. Was going to ask the same thing.
9:51 a.m.
Jan 26, '08
Adding my voice to the chorus of truly glad they walked away from it unharmed. A close friend of mine drove from Eugene to LaGrande yesterday, and these kinds of accidents happen far too often in those passes. Drive safe, everyone (or better yet, strap on a helmet and ride a bike).
Jan 26, '08
Till today I thought that BlueOregon is a good, without censorship, informational media. What happened with Merkley (can't name this not convicted yet criminal Mr.) - it is NOT my action. It is from my life experience - who hurt me soon or later will be punished much harder. Merkley gave an Oath of Office, gave Pledge Allegiance, saying "Help me God". It looks like the God started "help" him. But, deleting my comments is a censorship. It reminds me communist newspaper "Pravda" (Truth), without truth. Shame on BlueOregon.
Pavel Goberman - Candidate for US Senator www.getenergized.com/vote.html
11:43 p.m.
Jan 26, '08
No, Pavel, it's not censorship. Only the government can engage in censorship. This is a privately-funded website, and we can choose who we allow to participate.
We reserve the right to remove hateful or otherwise offensive speech. I didn't see your comment - but those who did described it as hate speech and it was removed.
You have your own website. You're welcome to post whatever you want there.
12:42 a.m.
Jan 27, '08
plus, Pavel, you dumped your load in my post. i deleted your steamin' pile, not Kari. and i do hold my socialist beliefs, so i guess you can call me comrade and not expect my vote.
Jan 27, '08
Pavel Goberman :Till today I thought that BlueOregon is a good, without censorship, informational media.
It's hard to fathom someone so ignorant running for the US Senate. What other state of mind could reach such a conclusion?
Plus what would draw a Libertarian to Blue Oregon if not to pick a fight? So he shames Blue Oregon? This is a joke, right? Someone put this guy up to this to spice things up around here, right?
Jan 27, '08
Forgot to add, pleased to read Jeff's okay, aide too. Jeff's a great guy, but he's too tall, and he lacks a hard left hook.
1:50 p.m.
Jan 29, '08
Robert G. Gourley: Plus what would draw a Libertarian to Blue Oregon if not to pick a fight?
Pavel is much more than a Libertarian, Robert. He's been a Democrat, a Green, a Republican, a Libertarian, and is now a Democrat again - each time running (and losing) in the party primary for nomination to some federal office. When invited onto the stage in a nomination cattle call, he usually spends much of his allotted time advertising his business of home exercise tapes (starring himself), which he will tell you can affect all sorts of medical miracles, such as curing cancer.
His views are curious to say the least. Everyone who holds, or runs for, any sort of office is corrupt - other than him.
There is one message, however, that meeting him is useful for: being reminded how poorly this state handles mental health issues.
Jan 29, '08
Pavel is much more than a Libertarian, Robert. He's been a Democrat, a Green, a Republican, a Libertarian, and is now a Democrat again - each time running (and losing) in the party primary for nomination to some federal office.
Ah, the poor fella's still finding himself - cannot make up his alleged mind yet. Good analysis of our mental health system.
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