Kitzhaber does Medford!

Paulie Brading

Yesterday John Kitzhaber raced around Medford in a Toyota Corolla. First he attended a meeting sponsored by the Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development organization. Business people had an opportunity to ask the Governor questions about job creation and the economic forecast. Following that meeting he toured a highly successful local business that had relocated from California.

Then he was off to Kid's Unlimited, the very spot where candidate Obama packed the place to the rafters on a campaign swing through Medford. The non-profit serves hundreds and hundreds of kids providing classes, team sports, a place to hang out, and my favorite, homework assistance.

His team worked wonders with a few local Democrats, State senator Alan Bates and State Rep. Peter Buckley to throw a fundraising party that was attended by well over 150 supporters. The Governor literally stood in the same spot for two hours surrounded by well wishers. He didn't move but the crowd around him kept changing until nearly everyone who wanted to talk with him had their chance. Large baskets placed throughout the large charming home were filled to the brim with donations to the campaign.

Let's hope the Kitzhaber campaign will receive the same reception or more all along the campaign trail. We are looking forward to having him back.

Oregon remains in an economic crisis. I want the steady hands of of an experienced driver who doesn't crack under pressure at the wheel of our state. Kitzhaber is the man for the our time.

By Paulie Brading May 27, 2010