Live from notDenver--stuff to keep the home fires burning

Carla Axtman

As I sit here and pout at the fact that I'm not in Denver toiling away with Alworth in what is apparently the worst seating chart in history, I thought I'd throw up an update of some of the goings-on here at home. I especially like keeping up with the local papers from around the state. I like to see what makes my fellow Oregonians tick.

So without further adieu, here's a quick rundown of some of our localness:

WWire is reporting that prominent GOP Portlander Julia Brim-Edwards has come over to the good side of the force.

Former Trailblazer Kevin Duckworth's death this week has sent a ripple through the state, with fans mourning the loss of the beloved big man--whose autopsy shows that he died from a pretty major bout with heart disease.

People who serve on the City Council in Harrisburg, Oregon get $15 per council meeting. That probably barely pays for the gas to get there and back...oy. Maybe they'd get a raise if Greg Walden and Gordon Smith had only come through on those county timber payments so that muncipalities didn't have to take up the slack...but I digress.

Oregon Senate Democrats want no part of a gas tax.

GOP Congressman Greg Walden asked a crowd of supporters in Baker City if "we really want to destroy our economy to save our planet?"

This Saturday at Washington Park is an event that's near and dear to my gastronomic loves: The Portland Pie-Off! Birthday pie so kicks birthday cake's ass!! T o keep this political, I even called the two candidates vying for the Portland City Council seat to check-in about their fav pie. Amanda Fritz? Pumpkin--homemade from the pumpkins in her garden, natch. And Charles Lewis? He digs apple and strawberry-rhubarb..hearkening back to his childhood days when the fam grew its fruit on the farm. Now you Portlanders can mark your ballots with an informed choice.

And finally, some tidbits from Merkleytown:

The editorial board of the East Oregonian newspaper says Merkley has a good shot at getting the votes of rural Oregonians--mostly because Merkley actually shows up and asks for their vote.

Jeff is getting good face-time on the local news stations.

Here's KATU last night:

and KOIN:

In related news, Gordon Smith's campaign has got to be burning through cash like crazy. They released 3 new ads this week--apparently in a fit over the 90 seconds Merkley gets on TV for his DNC speech. Jeez--no wonder the Capitol renovation in D.C. is over-budget and late. Smith doesn't give a rip about how he spends his own money, let alone ours.

By Carla Axtman Aug. 27, 2008