Regan Gray all the way.

As you say, all the candidates are top notch. However, Regan's time in the legislature, where she not only demonstrated an unrivaled work ethic, but also helped get results with some great legislation, really sets her apart.

I have known her for years, having worked with her in the legislature in 2003, and trust her to help the caucus get some great bills out of that chamber.

I'm not from Portland (I'm in Eugene) and I don't know any of the people you listed, but I will offer this advice that comes from being involved in Democratic politics since 1960.

Depending on whether or not District 42 is a "safely Democratic" seat, I would look at which cnadidate(s) I thought would run the most effective campaign in the General Election. Who can appeal to non-affiliated "swing" voters. I don't mean who is the most "middle-of-the-road" but who presents the most convincing argument. (I'm a "far-leftie")

All other things being fairly equal, my next question would be (for each of the candidates) "What motivated you to run for public office?" (other than an "open" seat) I offer as an example, the history of former Governor Barbara Roberts. She first got involved in politics because the state of Oregon offered little or no opportunities for her child's education. She had an agenda and a passion to make the state a better place for other special needs kids. In my opinion, that is the kind of passion for change that is often sorely lacking in Salem.

And if that doesn't work find the nearest RPG store (where the D&D nerds hang out) and buy a four-sided dice. Good luck.

I have heard Jules speak on two occassions and he strikes me as more than a very solid candidate. He is a clear communicator, has a strong intellect and has the education and experience in exactly those areas we need in the next representative of district 42: economics, urban development, public policy, and the environment.

He a local guy, having grown up in the Sunnyside neighborhood, with a passion for the livability of our community. He helped keep Wal-Mart out of SE 82nd Ave. He has a vision to grow Oregon economically through sustainable and green industry and technology, so that we as a state can weather economic hard times, funding those aspects of our community that make SE Portland a great place to live. He wants to work for access to quality health care, a strong education and a clean environment.

We don't need an insider to do a "good job" representing district 42. We need visionaries like Jules Kopel-Bailey to stand up, take the lead and do an excellent job on those issues that define our times: economics, the environment, and the livability of our community.

I agree entirely with Mac. Jules Kopel-Bailey is the clear choice for District 42. I won't repeat all of Jules' strong credentials that Mac listed. Rather, I will say that Jules is one of the most hard working, earnest and kind individuals I've ever worked with. He's also remarkably savvy and strategic. We volunteered hundreds of hours together during the 2004 election cycle, and I never stopped being impressed with his dedication, his knowledge of the issues, and his ability to motivate and inspire others. I'm having a houseparty for Jules this Wed., April 9 at 7 p.m. at my home in the district. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail me at [email protected], and I will give you my address.

I am a constant reader of this blog, but I have never commented or posted until now. I do so because I absolutely believe Jules Kopel-Bailey is the best candidate.

As the economy slows down and the instability of the Oregon revenue structure begins to rear its ugly head again, we need a representative with a strong intellect and work ethic. Jules is that candidate.

In many respects, the consistently liberal character of the district provides an incredible opportunity for a truly innovative person to take leadership on the progressive priorities. I am convinced that Jules is the guy for the job. His grasp of the nexus between policy, economics, private industry and the public interest is staggering. The way he views the opportunity to pull partners from each of these arenas to solve our problems comprehensively is a unique asset. I have heard him talk to people about education and environmental policy in their own language and help them to understand how they can use their skills to advance a progressive future, and establish Portland's place as a sustainable and socially progressive leader. He recently spoke to a group of young professionals about tax policy and I started to worry that they would drown in the wonkiness, but he presented it so clearly, and yet with a level of intense understanding, that I recieved many positive comments afterwards.

I have heard amazing things about Regan, but I think there's no shortage of people in the legislature with Salem experience, nor is there a shortage of people who are connected in local political circles. I have decided to support Jules because I have seen first hand his ability to connect and communicate with such a wide diversity of interests to forward and bring new allies into our fold.

With Dingfelder moving to the Senate the Oregon House is going to be losing one of its most effective and supportive Representatives on environmental issues. Jules can fill this void. Although he will only be representing a select district, his comprehensive understanding on Oregon's most important environmental issues places him in my mind above all the other candidates. Plus he is endorsed by Bike. Walk. Vote!

I'm solidly with Regan. I like Jules and have great respect for him, but Regan knows the legislature better than anyone and will get things done.

I believe that Regan Gray is the best candidate.

It is not her Salem credentials that should get her elected, but rather the issues she has championed. She has both created and passed bills for women’s health. She spent six years fighting to ensure that birth control is covered by drug companies, a bill that finally passed this last session. She helped lead the Oregon Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance in the Legislature, championing issues for women, especially working mothers. She was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, NARAL, and BRO because she was key in passing legislation for all of the organizations, legislation that I support.

Regan is smart, young, energetic and is focused on the right issues. She has also been endorsed by SEIU and AFSCME, so she has broad support from unions and progressive organizations. I am Barack supporter, so I am not someone who believes you should vote for someone because they are a woman. But I think that we don’t have enough women in the Oregon Legislature and with such a qualified candidate, I want to make sure that Diane is replaced with another strong woman who will stand up for us.

Jules is a great combination -- a genuinely nice and sincere person who is intelligent, informed and passionate about the issues that matter to those of us here in the district. I also love the fact that he grew up in the area and understands what makes it work, as well as what still needs to be done to maintain its liveability and quality of life. His positions on the economy, the environment, education, and health care are impeccable and they are backed by the political and technical know-how necessary to make them a reality. Jules is a great candidate and his has my vote.

This IS an easy choice. Regan Gray all the way! Experience in Salem does matter a great deal. And Regan has that in spades... she is endorsed by Diane Rosenbaum, Mary Nolan, Tina Kotek and others who understand the importance of having someone with experience in Salem.

Also, while Jules may say he has experience with the environment when he says things like "I will go to Salem and enact a carbon tax" you have got to wonder where the practical reality of being a legislator and understanding the process(and understanding your fellow Democrats) would kick in.......there is not going to be a new broad base Carbon tax enacted anytime by the legislature. So let's work on reasonable goals, not spin our wheels on idealistic goals that have no chance of happening.

I think that our choice in District 42 could have major statewide significance--but only if we elect Jules Kopel-Bailey. There are a lot of nice, progressive Democrats in Salem, such as Diane Rosenbaum has been and I'm sure Regan Gray or Teddy Keizer would be if elected. But the legislature, and particularly the Oregon House, is desperately in need of environmental leadership. Jackie Dingfelder, by far the strongest conservationist during the last legislature, is moving up to the Senate, leaving a void. There was a lot of mutual backpatting after the 2007 legislature passed a number of environmental bills, but these were mostly easy half-measures. (If we only get to 25% renewable energy sources by 2025, there won't be a civilization left to note the fact--we need to be at 90% by then.) Much, much harder work remains to be done to address Peak Oil, climate change, marine reserves, crashing salmon runs, population pressures that threaten to overwhelm our land use planning system, etc. We--not just in District 42, but in Oregon--badly need people in office who will not simply vote right, but serve as leaders to push strong environmental legislation to the fore. It has been a terrible missed opportunity that a safe Democratic seat like 42 hasn't sent a strong environmental leader to Salem, who could take the lead and pull along more timid legislators. We can rectify that with Jules, who may be young but has a wide range of experience, makes the environment (along with health care and education) a key priority, and combines passion with amazing policy wonkery. I'm convinced that the day he takes the oath of office, he will become a key, if not THE key, environmental leader in the Oregon House. So, truly, if we elect Jules Kopel-Bailey we will be making a positive decision of statewide significance.

Who will be most likely to exercise judgment independently from the lobby?

Gordon Hillesland. He's the only candidate who has not not met with the lobby.

Thanks, Kristin, for the excellent post & the dialog it has generated.

With all due respect to Regan & Teddy, I am an enthusiastic supporter of Jules. Many others have beat me to the punch about the tremendous qualities Jules would bring to Salem. Not much I can add other than, "me too!"

What really cinches it for me is the need for true, committed, thoughtful leadership on environmental issues in the legislature. Anyone paying attention to the recent February session knows what a travesty it was that a very modest greenhouse gas reporting bill was killed by the polluter lobby...more to teach Jackie Dingfelder a "lesson" than on the merits of the bill.

Jackie is a true environmental leader & the Senate will benefit greatly from her changing ends of the building. But she leaves a tremendous vacuum on the House side. Jules can provide that leadership and - more than anything else - that's what I want in my representative and what District 42 deserves.

I've lived in the district for much of the last 30 years and I look forward to calling Jules my legislator!

Wow THE environmental leader as a freshman? Really? Has anyone told Ben Cannon

As usual, the most thoughtful comments come from the anonymous...

Dear A,

I can assure you that my respect & enthusiasm for Jules and his strong stand on environmental issues (as evidenced by OLCV's endorsement) was not meant as a slight to Ben Cannon, who as you would rightly point out, is an enviro champion!

Perhaps you can enlighten us as to the enviro credentials of your favored candidate.

Though I've read some rousing reviews of all of the candidates, I feel that there are some very important points that have been left out regarding the candidate who I am wholeheartedly supporting, and that's Teddy Keizer. Yes, he is young and energetic, but he also has ten years of life experience on Jules and Regan, who both have done great work, but have not strayed into the type of life experience that Teddy has. Regan seems to exclusively know the legislative aide position with Diane Rosenbaum, but nothing beyond that. Yes, Jules knows Mandarin. Yes, that's admirable. But I think that to truly make a difference here in Oregon, it's not Mandarin that's going to make the difference.

We need someone who can connect across party lines and across the lines of the urban and rural divide. I'm not entirely certain how Jules is going to do that with his Mandarin, or how Regan is going to do that in her heels (which she explained was the reason why she doesn't ride her bike to work). However, Teddy has grown up in Coos Bay and experienced firsthand the struggles of a blue collar town felled by the implosion of the logging industry. He has lived and worked all over the country in those blue collar jobs, on construction sites, backing crabs, and working alongside labor-ready workers. He did this because he didn't feel that he could represent a part of the population unless he knew what their concerns were and could relate to their daily lives. He understands the needs of rural Oregon, but simultaneously, he has the political experience and love of SE Portland and all its liberal ways to work across the aisle successfully.

As for those lobbies you were talking about? It's true, Teddy has accepted money from a lobby, the vetrinarian's lobby group who support him for the work that he did to create a bill to ban the cruel treatment that produces foie gras. As for the others, well, Jules' campaign has gotten 50% of its funding from beer and wine distributors to keep him from advancing the Bottle Bill. If that's supporting the environment by keeping more plastic bottles in our landfills, then that's not the type of environmentalist I want to support. Teddy worked on the creation and eventual passage of the newest form of the Bottle Bill, and so not only have those lobbyists supported Jules with tens of thousands of dollars, but they have also given Regan about $500 just to keep Teddy out of the running to advance their interests.

I also was at that debate recently at the Hip Drip Cafe, and I was impressed with Teddy's calm demeanor, while Jules came off as a policy wonk whose aggressive nature will not win him any support in the legislature. He inflated his role on the panel of Nobel Prize winners who studied climate change, making it sound like he too had won the prize, when in fact, it was merely his advisor who worked on the panel.

Teddy is the only candidate who has worked on this campaign full time since October, knocking on over 7,500 doors at this point. That's dedication. That's sacrifice. That's getting to know the people who are your constituents. He is also the only candidate in the race who has not only worked on school issues with Stand for Children, but he is also the only candidate who has worked as a teacher in the classroom.

All these facts lead to an obvious choice. Though all of the candidates are well-qualified, Teddy is by far the best choice for District 42.

Jules K-B is one of the few candidates I've seen with smart new ideas that surprised me.

At our neighborhood association a few weeks ago he had two really insightful, practical ideas to provide infrastructure funding for new development and to make Health Insurance more affordable for families of school aged kids.

I've been a resident of HD 42 for 8 years and I'm very happy to have the opportunity to vote for him as our next State Rep.

I also want to note that I have complete respect and appreciation for Diane Rosenbaum am very happy that I'll be able to keep voting for her as my Senator for many years to come.

Regan Gray has a proven track record, and in this case, that's a GOOD thing. She is one progressive candidate, she is persistent, knows what it takes to get tough legislation through, and if things get stuck - she keeps working on them. Regan listens to people, she believes with a passion in women's issues, education, and health care. Tax reform is a top priority. Her six years with Diane Rosenbaum give her a head start with the next legislative session. And hey, she's a woman and I've had enough of white guys for a while.

Jules stated at the Multnomah County Democratic debate that he does not support a beer or wine tax.

I don't often comment here, but as somebody who lives in HD42 and has followed the race, I feel like I need to rebut Emily's post and her remark about Jules and the beer-wine distributors.

To say that Jules has taken 50% of his money from the beer and wine distributors is terribly misleading, and in fact outright false. Looking at Jules' C&E reports at transactions over $1,000 I can't find a single one that seems related to beer and wine industry. Jules has raised about $31k so far this year...I have no idea how Emily comes up with her accusation.

I assume she is confusing Jules with somebody else, unless she can substantiate her claim.

Logan,

I think Emily is partially correct and partially wrong. I don't know if Jules has taken any moeny from beer/wine distributors, but of his $31,000, over $15,000 has been from Eric Lemelson (wine maker) and the Widmer Brothers (beer).

@ G. Peter--

Lemelson is a major supporter of candidates who are good on the environment. My read on his support is that he's looking for somebody in the lege who will be good on climate change. I could be wrong, it's happened before.

I did see his contribution, just did not connect it with beer/wine, so I guess my bad on that point.

Kristin,

I'm Regan Gray's husband. I'm watching the NCAA Championship game with some friends and reading the posts now and then. I was not at the debate. It's an exciting race and I've got friends volunteering for both Teddy and Jules. My guess is that I agree with the other candidate's spouses and that we all can't wait until May 20th when we get to see our husbands/wife again.

George

I'm not trying to be negative, I'm just trying to point out some facts that often get overlooked in campaigns such as campaign financing and how that could influence a candidate's decisions.

I am by no means saying that Lemelson or the Widmer Bros. are paying for votes, but they certainly would not support a beer and wine tax. As G. Peter pointed out, Jules is adamantly against a beer and wine tax, and that is in fact his main defining difference from the other candidates. It just seems like there are some dots to connect here.

I think the main gripe I have about these campaigns is their financing. Basically, candidates are forced to spend so much of their time raising money that they aren't able to devote their energy to getting to know their constituents.

Teddy is the last person who would run a negative campaign, and I wouldn't want to give that impression. I've been thoroughly impressed with the amazing showing of talent in this race, though I've definitely given my vote to Teddy Keizer already.

I agree with George all the way! I'm Teddy's wife, and when I saw Diane Rosenbaum several weeks ago, I told her that I think all the candidate spouses need to start a support group while our other halves wander the streets with clipboards in hand. Diane said her husband was going to start a 12 step program for spouses, and I would be the first to sign up.

I'm so proud of Teddy and the work that he's been doing, and I know that all the candidates are putting in far more energy than most of us would ever be able to. Just the number of posts on this site alone are encouraging to see that SE Portland is about as politically active as it gets.

Kari, I fully support your job sharing idea, can you imagine what a team these candidates would make?

Ann,

I love it. Tell me where to sign up and I'm there.

George

Kari, thanks for your post - Eric Lemelson is an environmental hero in this state and I'm proud to be supported by him. We have never discussed the beer and wine tax, and to my knowledge, he doesn't have an opinion on it.

Emily, I'd also like to take the opportunity to correct a few items you mention. If you look at my C&Es, I have raised well over $50,000 since I began my campaign. Even if you counted all of Eric Lemelson's money, that's still less than 30% and not 50%. But the reality is that Eric Lemelson wants to elect candidates who will confront climate change. You mention the defining difference in the race is the beer and wine tax. Clearly Eric Lemelson, and many others in posts above, believe that the defining difference is the experience and commitment I bring to confronting one of our greatest challenges. The truth is the vast majority of my contributions are small dollar contributions from average voters. On ACT Blue I have 137 contributions that average less than $100.

On the issue of the beer and wine tax, I have opposed the tax since long before I decided to run for office and ever accepted a single contribution because I believe it is regressive and a substitute for the real tax reform we desperately need in this state. There's a great discussion on it on Blue Oregon from over a year ago: http://www.blueoregon.com/2007/04/beer_and_taxes.html

Let's try to keep this a positive race and make sure our facts are correct.

If anyone would like to talk about this in more detail, I'd be happy to: 503-477-5632.

Best, Jules

I fully support the candidacy of Regan Gray. I think her credentials speak for themselves, and I am excited about the combination of great endorsements and her emphasis on paid family leave. I had an opportunity to help interview Regan for my union's endorsement and came away adding her to my personal endorsement list with Obama, Novick and Kroger.

My expectation in supporting Jules for district 42 is that we will help write only the first chapter in a long story of public service in elected office. I believe, like many others, that his intelligence, dedication, and vision will serve our community well and open many doors for him (and for us) in the future.

At the mult. dems' district 42 debate, Kopel-Bailey said that (beer and wine lobbyist) Paul Romaine was "the devil" and that if he ever gave him money, Jules would "tell him where to stick it."

The place he had in mind was apparently his campaign account, as he's taken money from a couple of Romaine clients, notably Container Recovery, Inc (a bottle collector and huge bottle bill opponent.)

I don't think he's a bad guy, and I think I'd probably agree with 95% of his votes in the legislature. The problem is, the other 5 percent would be issues where the beer and wine lobby has taken a position.

I mean, if one lobby has essentially enabled you to run for office, how would you vote?

Should our beer & wine tax be lowest in the nation?

Of course it should.

I work at the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and each election cycle we conduct dozens of endorsement interviews with candidates throughout the state. As a result, I am exposed to a wide array of personalities and hear a lot of promises to protect Oregon's environment. Most candidates are environmental supporters, some are dedicated environmental leaders and every so often a candidate comes along with the interest and drive to be a true environmental champion.

Jules Kopel-Bailey is the candidate who does not come along often enough. Not only is he a fast rising star, highly praised for his leadership skills, his ability to communicate and his extensive knowledge on a variety of issues; Jules has all the ingredients to be the next environmental champion in Salem.

Jules will lead the fight against global warming with the vision and courage necessary to tackle global issues on a local scale. He understands that we need to be proactive when it comes to protecting our local farms, forests and our beautiful coast and will work hard to keep our air and water healthy for future generations. Jules knows that to do this successfully we will need to make protecting Oregon's environmental legacy a priority.

You can learn more about Jules' environmental values at OLCV's blog.

I knew Jules at Lewis & Clark ten years ago, so take everything I say with a grain of salt.

He was tremendously intelligent, a very hard worker, and a dedicated environmentalist. If Lewis and Clark kept track of that sort of thing, I would guess that he finished in the top 5% of our graduating class.

However, he also struck me as some one who had been training to be a politician his entire life. Ten years ago I suspected he would be running for public office.

So: smart, canny, dedicated, but also a professional politician on the make.

I've seen both Jules and Regan in person. The difference was night and day. Jules had ideas, passion and a clear voice. Regan came across as having a sense of entitlement since she has been working for Diane. I don't think there is a whole lot of difference in their politics, but I do think that Jules will represent our district with distinction.

Unfortunately I have not met with Teddy, but I hope to have the chance before election day.

This is a year of choices for demo's that is truly exciting. I'm a former Legislative Aide and have worked alongside Regan, Teddy and Jules (in one of Bradbury's campaign's). HD 42 is graced with four great people, including Gordon, who have all proven their dedication in the past few months, if not earlier. My first point is the Legislature is not like anything else, it is a convoluted, complicated and exhausting experience to work a session (I have worked three regular sessions and seven special sessions). I do believe it is important to have 'working knowledge' of the process to be able to accomplish anything, and even then it is no guarantee. Regan doesn't just know the system, she has the rare ability to see a couple of steps into the future. This is an uncommon skill that puts her in an elite group. I understand saying 'She knows how to get things done' is simplistic, but this should not be discounted. It is an important factor in many ways. Secondly, there are issues state government is unable to effectively tackle just as there are issues the city or the county can't really touch. Issues the state can address include things like requiring employers within the state to provide birth control coverage (saving money for many Oregonians), using a tax (say beer and wine) to fund mental health or senior service programs. Regan understands these issues better than most people I know. Lastly, I am proud to live in the 'People's Republic of Portland,' I look forward to the day gay folk can marry, choice is no longer under attack, environmental laws are strongly enforced, we take care of our people with disabilities and seniors and all Oregonian children are above average. For me the choice is clear, Regan will hit the floor running and effectively champion a progressive agenda. Reagan Gray for HD 42!!

I'm a HD 42 resident who intends to vote for Regan. She has shown a very impressive record of dedication and passion in Salem. Her list of endorsements shows she has earned the respect of political leaders in Portland as well as Oregon as a whole.

That being said, the quantity and sincerity of pro-Jules posts here on this forum speak volumes. Also, I have yet to see one Regan lawn sign while Jules (and to a lesser extent, Teddy) signs have sprouted all over my Hosford-Abernathy neighborhood. On facebook.com and actblue.com, while hardly scientific, Jules has far more supporters than any of his three rivals.

I look forward to the fascinating weeks leading up to the election and learning more about all the candidates. Thanks for letting me throw in my two cents.

As a young person who also lives in HD 42, I am floored and excited by the average age of our candidates. I want to see more young people turned on to politics and truly believe that leaders are representing our views. Let's get a representative from HD 42 to join the "Under 35 Caucus!"

The decision in this race is a simple one for me. Jules Kopel-Bailey. Jules has the ability to excite and ignite young voters. He also speaks to the issue I feel most strongly about -- the climate crisis. The other candidates pay climate change lip service, but Jules has the proven experience and genuine interest in this topic to catalyze debate and action in our Oregon legislature.

Diane Rosenbaum has represented us well. However, I attended a town hall meeting with Diane and Kate and waited in line to ask Diane a question while she addressed all the older folks who were standing around me. No, Reagan is not the same person as Diane, but I want to make sure that whoever is represented will take what I have to say as a young and civically-engaged young person seriously. I've held conversations with Jules and been impressed by his breadth of knowledge, passion, approachability, and sincere interest in making change. He's also got a slew of great endorsements that verify his commitment to environmental issues and others that our district holds dear.

GO JULES!

I know there's going to a be a posting of their interview with WWeek soon on their website. I think at this point they've got their hands full. I volunteered for Teddy this weekend, and man, is that guy busy! I'd rather have him meeting people at the door than in a debate. He came to my door and really impressed me with his thoughtful approach to finding out what's important to voters in the district. I don't think anyone could work any harder than Keizer.

Cheers to an informative dialogue on the race. I hope you will give some serious consideration to Eddy Keiser who is clearly a top option. Two of the issues that most affect Oregonians, especially those who are most vulnerable, are health care and education. After talking with Keiser I was impressed at his depth of knowledge on health care and some really good ideas to reduce the unsustainable and record high amount we spend on our failing health care system. From medical malpractice to chronic disease management and the obscenely large number of uninsured children he was right on. On the education front he has worked extensively for the best interests of children at Stand For Children. One final point, Oregon seems to be divided. There is the liberal/alternative minded parts of Portland and the rural parts of the state which are very different. To make progress on the issues that most affect people's lives and move policy forward there needs to be a bridge between the two. I think Keiser has the communication skills and strong work ethic to be that bridge in an economic time when working families are really hurting. Listen to him and I think you'll be impressed. Thanks for reading.