tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296660372024-03-07T20:07:49.048-08:00Mike Caudle for State RepresentativeJonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1161469315541009492006-10-21T15:15:00.000-07:002006-10-21T15:21:55.553-07:00More Oregonian Letters on Wayne ScottThey write more letters to <i>The Oregonian</i>:<br /><br /><blockquote><b><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/letters/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1161384988114420.xml&coll=7&thispage=5">Vote Caudle in, Scott out</a></b><br /><br />Your endorsement of Rep. Wayne Scott, R-Canby, over Mike Caudle (Oct. 16) was the sorriest apology I've ever heard. Scott is the prime example of the type of person we do not want in our government. He has shown us his brash, uncompromising side. You dismiss Caudle as inexperienced, but beside Scott, Caudle is a whiz kid. As two-time student body president of Clackamas Community College (where he now teaches), and student body president of Oregon State University, he caps that off with a degree in political science. As you say, he is eager and enthusiastic. Then add intelligent and honest, with the education for a job in government. He is not in the grip of lobbyists. I'd vote for him for that reason alone.<br /><br />How you can endorse an unethical person over Caudle is beyond me.<br /><br />JUNE CLAPP Oregon City</blockquote>Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1161285264364816562006-10-19T12:07:00.000-07:002006-10-19T12:14:24.380-07:00200 Donations in 36 HoursOver the last day and a half, 200 people have decided to open their wallets to help out Mike Caudle in his campaign to send Oregon's Tom DeLay-wannabe, Republican House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, packing for good. Two hundred donations in amounts of $30 or less, 200 donations averaging $4.21 apiece. This is what real grassroots action is all about. With this support -- with <i>your</i> support -- Mike will be able to reach out to countless more voters and spread his message of change. <br /><br />Do you want to add your name to the ever-growing list of people supporting Mike this fall? Time is fast running out. So <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=200in36">click here</a> soon to make your contribution today!Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1161278221929289922006-10-19T10:10:00.000-07:002006-10-19T10:17:01.963-07:00The O Runs Letters on Wayne Scott's Ethics Problems<a href="http://mikecaudle.blogspot.com/2006/10/oregonian-says-canby-doesnt-care-about.html">Last week</a> <i>The Oregonian</i> ran a story on the front page of the Metro section under the headline, "Scott's nonreporting of trip a nonissue in his hometown." Turns out that's not really the case after all. <br /><br />Over the last two days, <i>The O</i> has run three letters from House District 39 voters who find the ethics problems of Republican House Majority Leader Wayne Scott to be a significant issue. Today's letters even garner a large headline on the opinion section: "Constituents question Scott."<br /><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/letters/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1161131136284800.xml&coll=7&thispage=2">Wednesday, October 18, 2006</a><br /><br />I read with much interest the article regarding the "fact" that people who reside in Canby are either not interested or don't care about Rep. Wayne Scott's receiving significant funds from the beer and wine lobby, accepting a free trip to Hawaii from this lobby and not reporting it as required by law ("Scott's nonreporting of trip a nonissue in his hometown," Oct. 13).<br /><br />Scott is well known and personally liked by many in Canby, but this familiarity should not be confused with acceptance of Scott's disregard of the law and his arrogant disregard of his constituents' expectation of high ethical standards of their elected representatives.<br /><br />This is Canby, where people work, pay their bills, attend children's athletic events and are involved in civic activities. We play by the rules and expect our elected officials to do the same.<br /><br />Every day we read in The Oregonian of national political disgraces and influence peddling, but we don't expect to discover such shenanigans going on in our home town. This time, however, it strikes home with Scott betraying the public trust. It's an embarrassment.<br /><br />NANCY SEBASTIAN, Canby<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/letters/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1161217504259160.xml&coll=7">Thursday, October 19, 2006</a><br /><br />Steve Mayes' story, "Scott's nonreporting of trip a nonissue in his hometown" (Oct. 13), fails to accurately communicate the strong concern that many of us have about House Majority Leader Wayne Scott's moral compass. His failure to report his expenses on trips to Hawaii is just one more indicator that he is frequently and blatantly on the edge of ethics in behalf of big money.<br /><br />He defends predatory lenders and supports the interests of big drug companies. It would be one thing for him to openly oppose reforms in these areas, even though neither would cost the taxpayers anything. But he has gone well beyond that and used his tremendous power as the majority leader of the House to keep bills addressing them from even coming to the floor of the House for a vote, thus effectively killing them, out of public view.<br /><br />To many of us here in House District 39, a junket at the expense of his big-money friends is small potatoes compared with Scott's ethically questionable use of his power to advance the cause of special interests.<br /><br />REX HAGANS, Oregon City<br /><br />Rep. Wayne Scott's illegal nonreporting of favors from lobbyists is an issue to many of his constituents. I don't know how your reporter chose his contacts in Canby to interview, but their opinions are certainly not representative of me and many of my Oregon City neighbors, who probably will never be able to take a luxury trip to Hawaii!<br /><br />We have been watching Scott's work in the Legislature. He is consistently not concerned with the working people of this district, their children, education and economic well-being. We are glad to have Mike Caudle step up to challenge Scott and bring some fresh air into the Oregon House of Representatives by opening those closed doors that have hidden such corruption for too long.<br /><br />MARK PRITCHARD, Oregon City</blockquote>If you want to share your opinion with <i>The Oregonian</i>, perhaps over their <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/editorials/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1160785512141230.xml&coll=7">lackluster endorsement of Scott</a> in which they write that he "has not consistently put his formidable personal and political skills to constructive use in Salem" but that they <i>hope</i> he will "return to Salem with a new appreciation of legislative ethics and bipartisan leadership" (because we all know you can teach an old dog new tricks...), <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf?/opinion/oregonian/howtosend.frame">click here</a> and follow the directions on how to send a letter to the editor.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1161213565534837822006-10-18T16:17:00.000-07:002006-10-18T16:19:58.533-07:00Ron Saxton on Wayne Scott, Legislative TripsDuring last night's gubernatorial debate between Democratic Governor Ted Kulongoski and his Republican challenger Ron Saxton, Saxton had this to say about legislators like Wayne Scott who accepted trips to Maui:<br /><br /><blockquote>What happened in the legislature was shameful. It was wrong.</blockquote>I couldn't agree more...Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1161190767720810072006-10-18T09:52:00.000-07:002006-10-18T09:59:27.783-07:00Willamette Week Endorsement: Mike Caudle for HD 39<i>Willamette Week</i> released their endorsements in today's issue and had some glowing things to say about Mike in the course of <a href="http://wweek.com/media/8117.htm">giving him their support</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>Incumbent Republican Wayne Scott's been in Salem for only two terms, but he sure knows how the place works. He's the go-to guy for Philip Morris and the beer distributors, and he has been the recipient of more than $50,000 from payday and title lenders in the past two years.<br /><br />Scott screamed in outrage during a special legislative session this spring that placed new limits on payday lenders, and his most recent contribution reports show him raking in more than $30,000 from the utilities, who are looking to roll back tax reforms.<br /><br />Voters are lucky in this district that Scott's opponent would be a solid replacement: Caudle, an academic adviser at Clackamas Community College (he also was two-time student body president there before going on to be student body president at Oregon State). A pugnacious former high-school wrestler who coaches the sport at Gladstone High School, the 30-year-old Caudle also has a lengthy record of community volunteerism and has spent much of the past two years exploring the vagaries of the healthcare system with a daughter who was born prematurely.<br /><br />There's little doubt he's more in touch with the district than Scott, who acts as if he thinks his real constituency is the business lobby.</blockquote>If you want to add your name to Mike's <A href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/endorsements.asp">growing list of endorsements</a> just <A href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/endorse.asp">click here</a> to fill out an easy form. If you're interested in helping out in other ways, please consider <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=blog">making a financial contribution</a> to help Mike make it through the home stretch of the campaign and <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/volunteer.asp">sign up to volunteer</a>.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1160773144786416682006-10-13T13:52:00.000-07:002006-10-13T14:37:11.286-07:00The Oregonian Says Canby Doesn't Care About Scott's Ethics ProblemsThe headline on the front page of today's Metro section in <i>The Oregonian</i>, courtesy of reporter Steve Mayes:<br /><br /><blockquote>"<a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/metrosouth/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/metro_south_news/1160706310241750.xml&coll=7">Scott's nonreporting of trip a nonissue in his hometown</a>"</blockquote>Mayes quotes four people as evidence that residents of Canby do not care about the ethical problems facing their representative, House Majority Leader Wayne Scott. One is the mayor of Canby. The other three are Republicans -- <i>one of whom doesn't even live in Canby</i>. Interestingly, one of the three Canby residents interviewed actually says that the ethics issues <b>do</b> matter to her.<br /><br />So I pose these questions to everyone: Do you care about the fact that one of the most powerful politicians in Salem did not follow state ethics laws after he accepted a free trip to a top Hawaiian luxury resort? Do you care that that politician, Wayne Scott, cavalierly blames his lobbyist supporters for his own improper actions? Do you think we deserve more from our legislators?<br /><br />If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, will you follow the directions at <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf?/opinion/oregonian/howtosend.frame">this link</a> to send a letter to <i>The Oregonian</i> to let them know that you don't think that Wayne Scott's ethics problems are "a nonissue" and that you do not think they should treat it as such, either. (If you also want to talk about Mike Caudle's strong commitment to upholding high ethical standards, visit <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/">the campaign homepage</a> to get information on his pledge to voters.)<br /><br />(<b>[UPDATE]:</b> Edited to make more sense)Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1160676655457880282006-10-12T11:04:00.000-07:002006-10-12T11:10:55.476-07:00A Surprise Appearance on Thom HartmannThis morning, Don McIntire was on the Thom Hartmann Show on 620 KPOJ offering his usual spin on Measures 41 and 48. Mike got so frustrated with the dissembling that he called up the show to offer his positive vision for Oregon as a rebuttal to McIntire's pessimistic views. Did you get a chance to hear Mike? If so, let us know what you thought down in the comments section.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1160595969455993432006-10-11T12:43:00.000-07:002006-10-11T12:46:09.483-07:00Join Mike this Saturday AfternoonWant to make a big difference for our community and state? Have a little spare time on Saturday? <br /><br />We are looking for volunteers to walk Oregon City this weekend and help get the message out about Mike Caudle. We are only asking for an hour or two of your time to canvass, or knock on doors and pass out information, if you are interested. Your support could help put Mike over the top this year and help bring real change to Oregon come November 7. <br /><br />If you want to participate, meet at the Mike Caudle campaign headquarters at 718 Main Street in Oregon City at 1:00 PM this Saturday, October 14. Please let us know via email (mike@mikecaudle.com) if you think you can make it out (but you can of course stop by on Saturday even if you don't RSVP). <br /><br /><b>Interested in volunteering but can't make it out this weekend?</b> No worries. There are plenty of other volunteer opportunities between now and election day, including phonebanking, hosting a house party and, of course, more canvassing. <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/volunteer.asp">Just sign up at our volunteer page and tell us what you'd be interested in doing</a>. You can also <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/lawnsign.asp">sign up for a lawnsign</a> and find more ways to make a difference at <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com">Mike's campaign website</a>.<br /><br /><b>Want to help out but can't make it out to Oregon City?</b> No problem. You can always show your support for Mike by <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/endorsements.asp">adding your name to his list of endorsements</a> or <A href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=email">making a financial contribution to help pay for campaign expenses like sending information to voters</a>. <br /><br />Thank you so much for your interest and support. With your help, we can chnge Oregon!Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1160414539462765912006-10-09T10:15:00.000-07:002006-10-09T10:22:19.780-07:00Mike Earns the Support of the TeamstersOver the weekend we learned that the Joint Council of Teamsters Number 37, which represents nearly 3,000 members in the metropolitan area, endorsed Mike Caudle for State Representative in district 39. <br /><br />The Teamsters join the long list of individuals, organizations and unions who have <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/endorsements.asp">announced their support for Mike's candidacy</a>. This list includes Stand for Children, Oregon Education Association, Oregon School Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Heat and Frost Insulators, Longshore and Warehouse Union, and countless other individuals and organizations.<br /><br />If you, too, want to show your support for Mike through an endorsement, please fill out <A href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/endorse.asp">this form</a>. You can also help out by <A href="http://actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=website">making a contribution</a>, <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/lawnsign.asp">putting up a lawnsign</a> and <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/volunteer.asp">signing up to volunteer</a>.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1160171821782377052006-10-06T14:50:00.000-07:002006-10-06T14:57:01.796-07:00Want a Lawn Sign?Interested in showing your support for Mike in an easy way?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/lawnsign.asp"><img src="http://www.mikecaudle.com/images/lawnsign.jpg" width=300></a><br /><br />Click the image above to request your lawn sign.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1159905919787436222006-10-03T12:58:00.000-07:002006-10-04T16:51:43.810-07:00AP: Caudle Running an "Unexpectedly Feisty Campaign"From the <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-16/115965087598510.xml&storylist=orlocal">Associated Press</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>There are also a few dark-horse contests to keep an eye out for: House Majority Leader Wayne Scott is a fixture in Canby, but an <b>unexpectedly feisty campaign</b> by a young challenger has led some Oregon heavyweights to lend support to the race, including Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who recently campaigned for Scott's challenger, Mike Caudle. [emphasis added]</blockquote><br /><br />If you want to help keep Mike's "unexpectedly feisty campaign" running, please consider making a <a href="http://actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=blog">safe, secure and easy online contribution:<br /><br /><blockquote><img src="http://www.actblue.com/images/badges/contribute-button-150px.gif" border="000000"></a></blockquote>We can also use as many volunteers as possible, so if you want to help out that way <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/volunteer.asp">sign up to get involved</a>.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1159905394717166612006-10-03T12:50:00.000-07:002006-10-03T12:56:34.736-07:00Video of the Caudle/Kulongoski RallyIn case you weren't able to make it to the rally...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2ziTqVpBu5s"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2ziTqVpBu5s" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1159556347050837642006-09-29T11:41:00.000-07:002006-09-29T11:59:07.080-07:00Gov. Kulongoski and Mike Caudle in Oregon City: Will You Be There?<b>Show your support for Governor Ted Kulongoski, Mike Caudle and other Clackamas County Democrats TOMORROW</b><br /><br /><A href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/events.asp"><img src="http://www.mikecaudle.com/images/Kulo3.jpg" align="right" border="0"></a>Tomorrow, Saturday, September 30 at 12:30 PM, you are invited to a Democratic rally at the Black Point Inn at 7th and Washington in Oregon City. Speakers to include Governor Ted Kulongoski; State Senator Kurt Schrader (Canby); State Representatives Dave Hunt (Gladstone) and Greg MacPherson (Lake Oswego); State Representative candidate Mike Caudle (Oregon City); Clackamas County Commission candidate Lynn Peterson; and many more. <br /><br />Admission is free and open to the public. So come one, come all -- and bring your friends, too! This is going to be a fun event and a great opportunity to meet some outstanding candidates. <br /><br /><A href="http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&saddr=&daddr=602+7th+St,+Oregon+City,+OR+97045,+USA&ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=45.359745,-122.605019&spn=0.024124,0.084887&om=1&iwloc=A">Click here for directions if you are unfamiliar with the area</a>.<br /><br />For more information, visit <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com">MikeCaudle.com</a> or call Jonathan at 503-557-1616. This event is sponsored by the Committee to Elect Mike Caudle.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1159553803803231242006-09-29T11:10:00.000-07:002006-09-29T11:16:44.366-07:00Mike Caudle Hits the Radio AirwavesOver the last two days, Mike Caudle has laid out his <a href="http://mikecaudle.blogspot.com/2006/09/real-ethics-and-lobbying-reform.html">ethics and lobbying reform legislation</a> that could really help clean up Salem. A number of top news radio stations have picked up the story and run with it.<br /><br />OPB, Portland's NPR station, ran the following story during its news updates last night during rush hour. I heard it around 6:00 PM, but it likely played a number of times.<br /><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/opb/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=974299">Dems Use Junket Case To Push For Ethics Reform</a><br /><br />By Kristian Foden-Vencil<br />PORTLAND, OR 2006-09-28 While three Republican legislators struggle with questions about not reporting a lobbying trip to Hawaii, Democrats are using the issue to push new ethics legislation. <br /><br />Mike Caudle, who's running against House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, says he'll be outside a fundraising dinner for Scott and other House Republicans in Portland tonight, to launch his new legislation.<br /><br />Mike Caudle: "Lobbyists are powerful in Salem. They're there everyday and they have the time, effort, energy and money to be influencing decisions. And I think anything they do above and beyond just sharing their message has an influence on somebody."<br /><br />Caudle wants to ban legislators from going on any trips paid for by lobbyists; to cap the value of lobbyist gifts at $300 total a biennium; and restrict retired legislators from lobbying their colleagues within two years of leaving office. <br /><br />Representative Scott did not respond to OPB's requests for an interview.</blockquote>Mike was also on the Thom Hartmann show on KPOJ, Portland's progressive talk station, this morning at 7:50, right during the heat of drive time. He also laid out his ethics plan there, as well as plugging our <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/events.asp">rally with the Governor tomorrow afternoon</a>.<br /><br />Radio wasn't the only medium that covered Mike's reform proposal. The blogs ate the story up, with <A href="http://www.blueoregon.com/2006/09/living_in_wayne.html">Blue Oregon</a> and <a href="http://loadedorygun.blogspot.com/2006/09/caudle-calls-out-corruption-while.html">Loaded Orygun</a> at the lead.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1159377187029740282006-09-27T10:06:00.000-07:002006-09-27T10:24:19.536-07:00Wayne Scott's Ethics Deception<A href="http://www.oregonlive.com/elections/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1159327515189530.xml&coll=7"><i>The Oregonian</i> front page, above the fold</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>Beer and wine distributors paid for three Oregon legislators to attend their conference at a Hawaiian luxury resort in 2004, but none of the lawmakers reported the trip as required by state law.<br /><br />Members of the Oregon Beer and Wine Distributors Association paid for three legislators -- House Majority Leader Wayne Scott of Canby, Rep. Derrick Kitts of Hillsboro and Sen. David Nelson of Pendleton -- to join the group at its meeting at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui.</blockquote><a href="http://www.blueoregon.com/2006/09/busted_the_secr.html">Blue Oregon</a> and <A href="http://loadedorygun.blogspot.com/2006/09/or-republicans-and-democrats-in-stark.html">Loaded Orygun</a> have more on the story. And in case you were wondering what the Grand Wailea Resort looks like...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.grandwailea.com/"><img src="http://www.mikecaudle.com/images/hawaii.jpg" width=400><br /><br /><img src="http://www.mikecaudle.com/images/hawaii2.jpg" width=400></a>Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1158967599601954372006-09-22T16:20:00.000-07:002006-09-22T16:27:06.683-07:00Join Mike Caudle and Ted Kulongoski<a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/events.asp"><img src="http://www.mikecaudle.com/images/unity.jpg" width=400></a>Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1158356253704524962006-09-15T14:31:00.000-07:002006-09-15T22:16:02.386-07:00Response to Wayne Scott's Support for Unneeded OSP StudyIn response to Rep. Scott's <a href="http://nwrepublican.blogspot.com/2006/09/surprise-governor-kulongoski-doesnt.html">continued support</a> for a study examining the feasibility of farming the resources of state troopers to local sheriff departments, Mike Caudle released the following statement on Thursday:<br /><br /><blockquote>"There are already 364 fewer Oregon State Police officer positions than there were when Majority Leader Scott took office in 2003. Last year, a committee Rep. Scott chairs passed legislation eliminating 20 state trooper positions. Now Rep. Scott is fighting for a study examining how to cut more funding for the OSP. Does Wayne Scott plan on continuing this effort until the state police is abolished?"</blockquote>Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1158013320112034452006-09-11T15:16:00.000-07:002006-09-11T20:37:53.513-07:00Caudle-Scott Race Ranked Among Oregon's Top-10 This YearEsteemed Northwest political journalist Randy Stapilus of the Ridenbaugh Press takes a look at the 75 contests that will decide the fate of the 2007 Oregon Legislature (15 in the Senate, 60 in the House) and picks out the 10 "top legislative races in the state, weighing closeness, intensity and significance." <a href="http://www.ridenbaugh.com/index.php/2006/09/08/top-10-or-xgr-the-premier-races">Among them</a> is Mike Caudle's campaign against House Majority Leader Wayne Scott in House District 39, which encompasses Oregon City, Canby and surrounding Clackamas County.<br /><br /><blockquote><b>House District 39</b>, incumbent <A href="http://www.waynescott.org/">Wayne Scott</a>, R-Canby; <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com">Mike Caudle</a>, D-Oregon City. This is the most debatable of the 10, possibly a reach … and yet there’s something in some of the poll numbers and other analysis that suggests the possibility of an upset. Scott, the House majority leader, has not had problems holding this seat until now, and he may well romp to another win in November. But there’s something about the sheer intensity of the Caudle campaign that gives us pause.</blockquote>If you are interested in helping us keep up the "sheer intensity" Stapilus talks about, please <a href="http://actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=website">make a contribution</a>, <a href="http://mikecaudle.com/volunteer.asp">sign up to volunteer</a>, or <a href="http://mikecaudle.com/events.asp">plan an event</a> today. As you can see, we are continuing to build momentum in this race.<br /><br /><blockquote>Mike Caudle, the Democratic challenger to House Majority Leader Wayne Scott (R-Canby), raised more than $20,000 – including more than $10,000 in cash contributions – during the campaign finance filing period ending on September 1 according to records filed today with the Secretary of State’s elections division.<br /><br />Caudle, an educator at Clackamas Community College, received contributions from more than 100 supporters over the three-month fundraising window. The median donation during this period was $25 and nearly a third of his cash contributions were made online.<br /><br />“I have been amazed by the grassroots support I have seen in the last few months,” commented Caudle. “Every time someone gives $5, $10 or $50 to my campaign I want to redouble my efforts to bring change to Oregon this year.”<br /><br />Polling released by the Caudle campaign last month showed him in a statistical dead-heat with Rep. Scott after positive and negative statements were read about both candidates.</blockquote>So please help us capitalize on this great opportunity to knock off Salem's chief obstructionist, Rep. Scott, and show your support today by <a href="http://actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=website">making a contribution</a>, <a href="http://mikecaudle.com/volunteer.asp">signing up to volunteer</a>, or <a href="http://mikecaudle.com/events.asp">planing an event</a>.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1157736665629883922006-09-08T10:25:00.000-07:002006-09-08T12:14:36.866-07:00Mike Caudle Joins Governor in Call to Keep, Not Cut State TroopersToday Mike Caudle applauded <a href="http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/p2006/press_090706b.shtml">the decision by Governor Ted Kulongoski</a> to nix an expensive study examining the feasibility of cutting more state troopers.<br /><br />“We need to get serious about combating meth and identity theft crimes by providing sufficient funds for the Oregon State Police – not by looking for ways to cut corners,” said Caudle, who is running in House District 39, which encompasses Oregon City, Canby and surrounding areas of Clackamas County.<br /><br />The Ways and Means Committee, which is co-chaired by Caudle’s opponent Wayne Scott, mandated the government investigate farming out the responsibilities of the state troopers to county sheriffs.<br /><br />In a statement announcing the termination of that study on the grounds that it was an unnecessary expense, the Governor said: “Spending tax dollars on a study to reduce the presence of state troopers on our highways is not a rational priority. This study makes no sense.”<br /><br />This was the only move Rep. Scott took during the 2005 legislative session to weaken the state police. The House budget committee, which he also chairs, eliminated 20 sworn trooper positions by failing to provide funds to replace retiring officers. What’s more, the legislature funded 38 fewer positions in the state police 2005-2007 than there were in the 2003-2005 budget – and 364 fewer than in the previous biennium. <br /><br />“I believe we must not only restore the positions eliminated under Rep. Scott’s watch but also hire more troopers and detectives to keep our highways safe and our communities free of meth and meth-related crimes,” explained Caudle.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1157140689469105172006-09-01T12:52:00.000-07:002006-09-01T12:58:20.746-07:00Majority Leader Wayne Scott Skirts Truth in Candidate Forum<i>Rep. Scott’s claims about Oregon State Police funding misleading, inaccurate</i><br /><br />In a candidate forum sponsored by the North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, House Majority Leader Wayne Scott offered a number of inaccurate and misleading statements about staffing cuts to the Oregon State Police (OSP).<br /><br />In the joint appearance with his Democratic rival Mike Caudle of Oregon City, Rep. Scott asserted that the OSP “didn’t have any layoffs, contrary to what the paper says. They didn’t have one layoff.”<br /><br />While technically true, Scott’s claim overlooks the fact that the budget approved by the House Special Committee on Budget, which he chairs, eliminated 20 sworn trooper positions by failing to provide funds to replace retiring officers. (<i>Source</i>: <a href="http://www.leg.state.or.us/comm/sms/fis05/bhb5167ahbud06-30-2005.pdf">Budget Report and Measure Summary – 73rd Legislative Assembly</a>, page 9.)<br /><br />Rep. Scott also stated that the legislature “actually increased State Police total involvement, I think, by 21 people.” The annual report published by the Legislative Fiscal Office, however, indicates that there were 38 fewer positions in the OSP budget for 2005-2007 than there were in the 2003-2005 budget – and 364 fewer than in the previous biennium. (<i>Source</i>: <a href="http://www.leg.state.or.us/comm/lfo/05_07agb/05_07_lab_Public_Safety.pdf">2005-07 LAB – Public Safety</a>, page 170.)<br /><br />“While Representative Scott wants to cover up his record of cuts to the Oregon State Police, I believe we must not only restore the positions eliminated by his committee but also hire more troopers and detectives to keep our highways safe and our communities free of methamphetamines,” explained Caudle in a subsequently released statement. <br /><br />For those interested, the audio file of Scott's remarks are available in .mp3 form <a href="http://www.mikecaudle.com/audio/Scott-Troopers.mp3">here</a> with the first comment beginning near the 2:12 mark and the second coming near the 3:34 mark.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1156983927001972212006-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:002006-08-30T17:25:27.273-07:00Mike Caudle v. Wayne Scott: The Debate TomorrowTomorrow Mike Caudle and Wayne Scott will participate in a debate organized by the North Clackamas County Chamber Government Affairs Committee at the OIT Conference Center. The debate begins at 7:30 AM, so get up bright and early if you're interested in coming. <br /><br />The address of OIT is 7740 SE Harmony Rd. in Milwaukie (<a href="http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=7740+SE+Harmony+Rd.&csz=milwaukie%2C+oregon&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=">Yahoo! Map</a>). For more information, check out <a href="http://www.yourchamber.com/docs/Houseflyer.pdf">the flier</a> (.pdf) from the Chamber.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1156963380419205562006-08-30T11:37:00.000-07:002006-08-30T11:59:53.706-07:00Poll: Oregon City, Rural District 39 Very Open to Caudle's CandidacyFollowing up on <a href="http://mikecaudle.blogspot.com/2006/08/poll-finds-majority-leader-scott.html">polling from earlier this month</a> that showed Mike Caudle with a real opportunity to unseat House Majority Leader Wayne Scott in House District 39, the Caudle campaign today publicly released geographic data from the survey showing voters in both Oregon City and the rural areas of House District 39 particularly amenable to Caudle's candidacy.<br /><br />Two-term incumbent Wayne Scott has fairly solid support in his base of Canby but is surprisingly weak in both Oregon City and the surrounding rural communities that make up the remainder of the district. While Scott's favorables and approval rating are relatively high in Canby (63 percent and 50 percent, respectively), they are significantly lower in the rest of the district, which makes up roughly two-thirds of the electorate. In Oregon City, Scott's favorables are just 38 percent and his approval rating is just 33 percent. Just 20 percent of rural voters view Scott favorably and only one-quarter give him a positive job approval rating.<br /><br />In an uniformed head-to-head matchup, Scott has a majority of support in Canby but receives a plurality of under 40 percent in both Oregon City and the surrounding rural communities. However, after positive and negative statements are read about both candidates, Caudle gains majority support from the rural areas of the district and a plurality of support from Oregon City voters. Scott still holds a majority of support in Canby on this so-called "informed ballot test."<br /><br />“The data indicate that Mike Caudle is in an excellent position to score the upset come November,” says Joel Wright, who conducted the poll. “The key is for Caudle to be able to take his case to the voters because they certainly appear receptive to it.”<br /><br />The survey of 300 likely, 2006 general election voters in Oregon House District 39 was conducted August 7-10, 2006 by Wright Consulting Services of Arizona. The margin of error for the poll is 5.8 percentage points at the 95% level of confidence. The margin of error for subgroups varies and is higher than that of the sample as a whole.<br /><br />Joel Wright is an independent professional researcher who has worked on public policy issues and political campaigns for the past 24 years. He has worked on a wide variety of political campaigns throughout the West, amassing a winning percentage of 84%, and including campaigns for U.S President, US Congress, gubernatorial, state legislative and local county and city elections. He also has worked on ballot initiatives and referenda over the years, particularly in Arizona, in addition to conducting surveys for progressive organizations such as MyDD.com and the Courage Campaign.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1156961456980375412006-08-30T11:05:00.000-07:002006-08-30T11:11:00.886-07:00Campaign UpdateQuite a bit has been going on in the campaign over the past few days:<br /><br /><ul><li>We are continuing our <a href="http://actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=website">end of the filing deadline fundraiser</a>. You have until the end of the day on Friday, September 1, to make your money really count. So please <a href="http://actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=website">make a contribution today</a>!<br /><li>Yesterday afternoon, Mike filed his statement for the voter's pamphlet down in Salem. We should have it up on the website by next week at the latest.<br /><li>We have more polling data to release that details the geographical breakdown of the numbers. We will be releasing these data shortly.</ul>Thanks for all of your help and support.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1156789030077787412006-08-28T11:11:00.000-07:002006-08-28T18:16:11.326-07:00Loaded Orygun: "Mike Caudle, King of the Oregon Netroots"This past weekend Torrid Joe over at Loaded Orygun crowned Mike the "King of the Oregon Netroots" citing Mike's unique successes in raising money using ActBlue. <a href="http://loadedorygun.blogspot.com/2006/08/mike-caudle-king-of-oregon-netroots.html">TJ writes</a>,<br /><br /><blockquote><blockquote>In the month since ActBlue, a federal PAC and website that enables anyone to fundraise for the Democratic candidates of their choice, opened its virtual doors to candidates for state office in Oregon, Caudle has raised more money through the service than any other Democrat in the state. In fact, Caudle’s neary $500 in online contributions from 17 unique donors ranks him among the most prolific online fundraisers of any state House candidate in the country [through the service].</blockquote>I noticed this a while ago. If you go to the ActBlue page for Oregon state house candidates, you'll see that not only is Caudle outpacing everyone else's returns from the process, he's being nice: he's crushing everyone else combined, and sadly I have yet to find anyone who has ANY money raised this way. Look up the candidates deemed hot picks these days: Arnie Roblan--nothing. Jean Cowan--nope. Chris Edwards--bupkus. Dan Thackaberry, Brian Clem, Sal Peralta, Tobias Read, Larry Galizio, Tina Kotek, Rob Brading. Rob Brading? The Great White Hope of Oregon progressives has zero dollars contributed electronically through one of absolute key tools of the netroots fundraising revolution? And the guy the party keeps kind of half-heartedly supporting for lack of confidence and competitive vision, he's got $500 from 17 people. That's not going to beat Wayne Scott by itself, but $0 sure as hell isn't either. <br /><br />The strategy of engaging and empowering people looking for a confident shift in direction based on common sense, and using small viral technologies like moneyraising at the retail level, is taking candidates large and small into office around the country. The blogosphere as instigator and conduit for connecting local politicians with voters can work at a very small level, with low financial inputs and low-level engagement. It's word of mouth on the cheap, but as Mike proves it more than pays for itself. </blockquote>If you want to help push that number up and support Mike's campaign in this key moment in the election, <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/9953?refcode=website">please make a contribution today</a>!Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666037.post-1156352089786075832006-08-23T09:49:00.000-07:002006-08-23T09:54:49.786-07:00Loaded Orygun Interview with Mike, Continued<a href="http://loadedorygun.blogspot.com/2006/08/mike-caudle-interview-part-one.html">Last week</a> Loaded Orygun, one of the best progressive blogs in the Beaver State, released the first half of an extended interview with Mike conducted a few weeks back. Today blogger Torrid Joe follows up with the <a href="http://loadedorygun.blogspot.com/2006/08/mike-caudle-interview-part-two.html">second half</a> of the interview, which covers more of the political side and Mike's connection to the community.Jonathan Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17590654308030762877noreply@blogger.com0