Kevin Mannix: Running for Congress? For Attorney General?
The Associated Press reports that Kevin Mannix, four-time statewide loser, is weighing running for Congress in the open 5th Congressional District - or perhaps for Attorney General.
Less than two years ago, a downcast Mannix said he had no plans to seek public office again after Republican voters rejected his bid for the GOP gubernatorial nomination and chose rival Ron Saxton for the 2006 governor's race. But now he's back in a big way and basking in the spotlight, weighing a possible run for Oregon attorney general or for a congressional seat...Mannix makes it clear he is intrigued by the possibility of running for Hooley's congressional seat in a district where Republicans have a slight voter registration edge over Democrats, supporting President Bush over John Kerry in 2004 by a narrow margin.
"It's a short-fuse situation," he said, referring to the state's March 11 candidate filing deadline, "but there is certainly still time to do what needs to be done" to get a campaign up and running.
Blogging at NW Republican, Ted "Coyote" Piccolo claims to have inside info:
As of last Friday Kevin Mannix was pretty much resigned to run for the AG seat in Oregon. ...However as of today it sounds like he may actually be leaning toward the 5th Congressional seat. Apparently some folks have shown him information that shows that he would do pretty well in that race. It sounds like his numbers in the 5th Congressional district, from his previous statewide runs, actually look pretty good. ...
Personally I think Mannix would better serve the people of Oregon and the Republican party if he were to try to tackle the AG race. It will be a presidential election year and there will not be as much attention paid to some of the minor races and the AG is a place that a hyper-partisan such as Macpherson can really do some damage to the civil rights of Oregonians.
Last week, Kari Chisholm speculated here at BlueOregon about other possible Republican candidates in the 5th district.
Donate to the 5th District nominee fund now.
Discuss.
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Feb. 12, 2008
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Feb 12, '08
Kevin Mannix is a jerk, IMHO.
7:54 a.m.
Feb 12, '08
Never met the guy, so I don't know -- he may be perfectly pleasant in person -- but he certainly does associate himself with persons and ideas that are anathema to me. And if he does run for AG, in my mind that's one more reason to support John Kroger in the Democratic primary -- because John's background and experience as a prosecutor will make him a stronger candidate than Macpherson, and the AG race will provide an educational platform to educate the voters about why Mannix's mandatory minimums for property crimes measure would be such a disaster.
Feb 12, '08
I would be surprised if Mannix runs for CD5 over AG, his interests seem to be much closer to the job of Attorney General. He would also potentially have money problems in a Congressional run. Mannix has really benefited from Oregon not having a cap on contributions, but in a run for federal office, that would not be the case. He has name recognition, so money is less of an issue, and he could probably get through the primary without a lot of cash. However, in a contested general election, the Democrat will likely have enough money to really hit hard, so Mannix will need a broader fundraising base.
Feb 12, '08
AG is a place that a hyper-partisan such as Macpherson can really do some damage to the civil rights of Oregonians.
What!? Why would Macpherson all of a sudden change his stance on the civil rights of Oregonians if he were elected AG? His record speaks for itself. Even if you don't have a horse on the Democratic side of this race, you cannot agree with this assessment of Greg.
Feb 12, '08
I am backing Kroger, but I agree with Ben, that is just a weird attack on Macpherson. I wonder if Kroger will get a new line, or if that is "Your attack on Democrats for AG, 2008."
Feb 12, '08
I have a hard time believing that Mannix stands a fair chance at the statewide AG race as he's already lost statewide FOUR times. But if he does, that's fine, he'd probably lose again handily.
Granted, his loss to Kulongoski was very close, but he has to realize that in a district that does not include (much of) Portland, he would have a far better shot.
And, for the reasons stated above, this would be much better for the Dems, as he wouldn't have his sugardaddy Loren Parks to bankroll him, so he would probably win the primary based on name recognition alone over two reasonable Republican opponents (Erickson could self-fund, and Boquist is a House Representative) before he goes on to lose to a DCCC-backed Dem in the general, thereby opening up another State House seat to the Dems and making the NRCC blow even more of its scarce resources in this race.
Run, Mannix, run (for CD05)!
Feb 12, '08
I wonder how much of the AG vs. CD5 question is a national vs. state party fight. I can see why the RCCC would want Mannix to run for CD5, he has strong name recognition and did well in the district when he ran statewide. However, I would assume the state party would really want him to run for AG. Right now, the Oregon GOP cannot find anybody for the statewide offices. Unless someone like Jack Roberts runs for AG, Mannix may feel an obligation to hold the ballot line.
1:06 p.m.
Feb 12, '08
What!? Why would Macpherson all of a sudden change his stance on the civil rights of Oregonians if he were elected AG? His record speaks for itself. Even if you don't have a horse on the Democratic side of this race, you cannot agree with this assessment of Greg.
Keep in mind that's part of the Coyote quote. I think it's pretty tough to argue that MacPherson is not part of the Democratic establishment in Oregon which, from a Republican perspective, could be considered hyper-partisan. What is being quoted is a critique from a (potential) Mannix supporter, not a Kroger supporter.
1:52 p.m.
Feb 12, '08
I can see why the RCCC would want Mannix to run for CD5
That's NRCC, not RCCC.
Feb 12, '08
Nate,
I am aware of where the quote came from, and I appreciate that A.Rab and I agree on this fact. Which is quite rare.
I was just trying to point out how ridiculous the people over at NW Republican are. I never insinuated it came from a Kroger supporter. Sometimes I can step back from my support of Macpherson and call a statement for what it is, BS. It was chosen to run on this site and I want to make sure people know this accusation is false.
Feb 12, '08
Rest assured, Stephanie--it has been many years since Kevin was pleasant in person (speaking as someone who knew him decades ago).
And there are people who say they are undecided for AG BUT if Mannix runs they will vote for Kroger because "people would buy tickets". In other words, the "tough on crime" idea against a former federal prosecutor would be hard for even Kevin to carry off. Kevin was once a guy with considerable knowledge, but in recent years he's just been another "all good people agree with me" bullying politician.
3:38 p.m.
Feb 12, '08
I am aware of where the quote came from, and I appreciate that A.Rab and I agree on this fact. Which is quite rare.
I dunno, I guess I just don't see it as being that ridiculous, once one takes into account where the statement came from. Frankly, I would think that Greg (and his supporters) might even take that as a badge of honor (at least in the primary).
Feb 12, '08
Nate, I agree. The statement comes from crazyville. I was more laughing at the statement more than anything else. I guess it is true that sarcasm does not come across well when typed.
To shift gears. Can we talk more about which of the two, Kroger and Macpherson, can beat Mannix and why?
Feb 12, '08
(Sort of) Update: Mannix has decided to show off his respect for the legislative process by ending negotiations on mandatory minimums for property crimes. The idea of mandatory minimums for property crimes was a bad idea, but it is ridiculous that Mannix has decided to ignore the political process, particularly when the legislature decided to meet him halfway on a bad idea.
6:15 p.m.
Feb 12, '08
I don't think it was the partisanship accusation by Ted P. that's surprising, but the threat to civil rights part. Possibly this is an oblique reference to M37 & M49? Or maybe gun control? (I have no idea where Greg M. stands on the latter).
Feb 12, '08
Chris, that is also what confused me. I wonder if that is his special attack on Macpherson, or if it is just the generic attack on the Democrat running for AG.
Feb 13, '08
Hilarious article over on politickeror.com, asking "Could Mannix bring down the Oregon GOP?"
http://politickeror.com/could-mannix-bring-down-oregon-gop-664
What, you mean further? Hasn't he done enough damage already?
My guess is that this man's ego knows no limit, and he'll run for either AG or CD05, I'm hoping the latter for reasons I explained upthread. I also suspect the idea that GOP stalwarts are pleading with him not to run is just smoke, no one can control this man.
Run, Mannix, run! We're not done kicking you around yet!
Feb 13, '08
Mannix is as sharp as a sock full of soup.
Feb 14, '08
Dear Kevin,
Don't run for S. of S, AG or Congress. I need a break from you. I don't want to revive "Anyone But Mannix" and spend several hundred hours more exposing why you shouldn't hold any public office.
<h2>P.S. Being one of 435 and in the minority won't give you the power over others you crave.</h2>