Not that I think endorsements are the most effective way in politics to win friends and influence people (especially the ones that count --voters), but if I were Jeff Merkley I'd gladly trade in my two biggest backers --Ted Kulongoski and ex-gov Barbara Roberts-- for the one Steve Novick just nailed, ex-gov John Kitzhaber.
At the very least, the Kitzhaber endorsement got the attention of the Merkley campaign. Before the Kitzhaber announcement, Merkley was content to ignore Novick. Now Merkley campaign operatives are accusing him of being anti-Democratic.
Their evidence? Novick supported Ralph Nader in 1996. Plus, despite his recent endorsement of Obama, Novick is not sufficiently enthusiastic about either of the two remaining Dem Presidential candidates.
Neither am I. That's one reason Novick has my vote in the May primary.
Hello, Terry. Like you, I'm more impressed with Novick than Merkley. But I also have a "back to the future" feeling about the upcoming senatorial campaign. Just like six years ago, I wish that Kitzhaber was getting the endorsements instead of
issuing his own endorsement. With Kitzhaber on the sidelines again, Smith must be feeling quite confident.
Best wishes, David (Yachats)
Posted by: Ingrid Olson | March 06, 2008 at 06:48 AM