Clem drops out of Guv race; endorses Kitzhaber
Carla Axtman
This morning in NW Portland, State Representative Brian Clem announced that he is dropping out of the Oregon Governor's race. Clem endorsed former Oregon Governor and current Gubernatorial candidate John Kitzhaber.
Clem noted that Kitzhaber had been one of his biggest supporters throughout his political career. He said that he plans to join Kitzhaber's campaign in an honorary statewide director role, an unpaid position.
As far as his $500k campaign war chest goes, Clem said that he would be using that cash for a number of purposes: going around the state to talk up Kitzhaber and filing and running again for his House seat. Clem said that he would pay for all of his trips around the state from his own campaign coffers.
Clem also stated that he plans to work with Defend Oregon against likely ballot measures that would repeal Oregon's new progressive tax structure.
Clem seemed genuinely fired-up and passionate about supporting Kitzhaber, saying, "He's going to come back and swing for history".
 |
More Recent Posts | |
Albert Kaufman |
|
Guest Column |
|
Kari Chisholm |
|
Kari Chisholm |
Final pre-census estimate: Oregon's getting a sixth congressional seat |
Albert Kaufman |
Polluted by Money - How corporate cash corrupted one of the greenest states in America |
Guest Column |
|
Albert Kaufman |
Our Democrat Representatives in Action - What's on your wish list? |
Kari Chisholm |
|
Guest Column |
|
Kari Chisholm |
|
connect with blueoregon
11:12 a.m.
Sep 3, '09
We would do well to keep our eyes on Brian Clem. He's got more to contribute to Oregon's future. He told us early on he would not run if Kitz threw his hat in the governor's race. Clem is a man of his word.
Bradbury in on his way to Jackson County again. Looks like the Democrats will have an interesting Primary.
Sep 3, '09
"Clem also stated that he plans to work with Defend Oregon against likely ballot measures that would repeal Oregon's new progressive tax structure."
OK, we will know in 3 weeks if the signatures are there.
If they are, every Oregonian should be asking their legislator to come out in public on the measure--which side are they on?
And if in support of the ballot measures, how would they fill the revenue hole---in line item detail.
Regardless of what one thinks of the ballot measures, my guess is many ordinary folks relate to what I have been saying for a long time. I knew members of both parties who served on W & M subcommittees, where the long hard slog work of basic budgeting happens.
The "Back to Basics" gimmick had no members of W & M as authors. Dismiss that as a gimmick, a "weak budget" at best.
Anyone who supports those measures (if they qualify), where would they cut?
11:41 a.m.
Sep 3, '09
I admire Brian for this. The memory of the Merkley/Novick race is too fresh in my memory to think that these things don't get ugly. I agree with Paulie that we should keep our eye on him.
(And I have to say I'm amazed at his fundraising success. Wow.)
11:46 a.m.
Sep 3, '09
Quite understandable. But we may miss Clem being in the race, contributing fresh, youthful energy and ideas. Not that Bradbury and Kitzhaber can't, but will they? I continue to think our politics are changing more slowly than the real world, and that's not good. And both Bradbury and Kitzhaber have been around awhile, maybe living with past assumptions.
Sep 3, '09
In his role as statewide director for the campaign, Representative Clem will provide an important perspective on higher education in Oregon. Brian's knowledge and experience with postsecondary education policy should strengthen the campaign debate and inspire confidence among those concerned with education in Oregon.
Sep 3, '09
Sure, here is what I'd suggest:
Sep 3, '09
That really bums me out, he has a future though.
Sep 3, '09
A $500K loan from his mother in law? Yeah, very very amazing...wow indeed.
4:21 p.m.
Sep 3, '09
I admire Brian for this. The memory of the Merkley/Novick race is too fresh in my memory to think that these things don't get ugly. I agree with Paulie that we should keep our eye on him.
I completely disagree about primaries. The Senate primary last year was at it's ugliest in this site's comment threads, but in the real world it wasn't that bad. It wasn't even as ugly as the Presidential primaries. Afterward Novick gave a strong endorsement of Merkley and Novick supporters voted for him in the fall. In fact, I think that the 08 primary was a good thing: it toughened Merkley's campaign, gave him experience in a statewide election, and the media coverage of the primary probably increased his name id by a fair margin. It's better to make mistakes against other Democrats early in a race than in the general election. Contested primaries also force elected officials to stay true to their supporters, just look at Arlen Specter. If you were a Pennsylvania Democrat and Joe Sestak wasn't running, the only choice you would really have would be between bad (Specter) and worse (Toomey).
Sep 3, '09
Kurt, thanks for all the specifics.
But here is a wider question: with budgets so stretched, shouldn't every management administrator have to defend a salary above that of the Gov. of Oregon? I mean every level that gets state money, from university presidents to school supt. and other central office administrators. And why should anyone in public management in the state of Oregon get a car allowance given they already get a good salary? Go into private management if you want perks like that!
Sep 3, '09
I agree with Nick. The Senate primary was largely a gentleman's contest. Merkley went on to win the general election, and Novick behaved like a good silver medalist and had Merkley's back during the main event. I would hope the statewide party helps Novick to find his own niche in statewide politics in return.
Clem ought to get his turn at bigger things, too. Maybe some more legislative leadership experience or a shot at one of the supporting statewide offices before going for the Governor's mansion would be good...
Sep 3, '09
So when can we expect to hear from Steve Novick? If I remember right, he said he would jump in only if Kitzhaber and Bradbury refused to do so.
Sep 3, '09
Kurt Chapman wrote:
"Sure, here is what I'd suggest:
But why? I like that these people are doing so well. I want more people doing so well, not dragged down into your misery.
Sep 3, '09
"Oregon's new progressive tax structure"
What's that?
A nonsustainable tax system which continualy demands more at a rate faster than the taxpayers can produce it? Marvelous.
Sep 3, '09
Clem is a joke. I wish he would stay in the race and waste his wife's trust fund.
Sep 4, '09
If we could only bring back Vera and Barbara too we could repeat that wonderful era of Oregon's past.
Sep 4, '09
LT, I have already agreed on that one. 6-7 months ago I suggested doing away with half the state motor pool and eliminating car allowances. I'd also take a close look at ALL cell phone usage and limit it to those who really need it while establishing at most 2 state preferred carriers. Then I'd stop forcing DHs employees travel from throughout the state for training in salem. Instead I'c send trainers to regional offices already in existence.
Jim - why? Because the state of Oregon is BROKE and can not afford it.
Sep 4, '09
Thanks, Kurt, but I was not only talking about state employees. Look at state funding for schools and don't they fund DA offices to some degree?
At least one DA reportedly gets a car allowance. There are at least 4 top central office administrators in our school district who get car allowances. Why? Because they have been getting car allowances for over 15 years.
I submit that such "we've always done it that way" is apolitical in the sense that people without strong partisan leanings can fall into that lazy attitude.
Sep 6, '09
In other news, the Rev. Al Sharpton again announced that he dropped out of the 2008 Presidential Campaign and endorse Obama. Clem is a leader for dropping out, just as much as Palin is for quitting the Gov.