Mike Caudle for State Representative

More Oregonian Letters on Wayne Scott

2006-10-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

They write more letters to The Oregonian:

Vote Caudle in, Scott out

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.

How you can endorse an unethical person over Caudle is beyond me.

JUNE CLAPP Oregon City

200 Donations in 36 Hours

2006-10-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Over 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 your support -- Mike will be able to reach out to countless more voters and spread his message of change.

Do you want to add your name to the ever-growing list of people supporting Mike this fall? Time is fast running out. So click here soon to make your contribution today!

The O Runs Letters on Wayne Scott's Ethics Problems

2006-10-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Last week The Oregonian 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.

Over the last two days, The O 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."

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

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).

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.

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.

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.

NANCY SEBASTIAN, Canby

Thursday, October 19, 2006

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.

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.

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.

REX HAGANS, Oregon City

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!

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.

MARK PRITCHARD, Oregon City

If you want to share your opinion with The Oregonian, perhaps over their lackluster endorsement of Scott in which they write that he "has not consistently put his formidable personal and political skills to constructive use in Salem" but that they hope 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...), click here and follow the directions on how to send a letter to the editor.

Ron Saxton on Wayne Scott, Legislative Trips

2006-10-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

During 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:

What happened in the legislature was shameful. It was wrong.

I couldn't agree more...

$37 Million in Lobbying Fees... What Does it Get Us?

2006-10-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have been talking for a while now about how much influence (too much) lobbyists have in Salem. Lobbyists, their money and their influence have for far too long impeded the progress Oregon so desperately needs to be making. Think for a minute about the things that are important to you as a citizen of this great state. Is it education, prescription drugs, state police, a real living wage? Maybe its payday loan reform, taking steps forward for the mentally ill. What ever is important to you as a living breathing citizen of this state, chances are, lobbyist are having a major impact on our ability to improve it.

Lobbyists spend 37 million dollars per biennium in this state buying influence. That is over $41,000 per legislator! 37 millon dollars would put more than 150 state troopers on the roads. It would provide health insurance coverage for lots of uninsured kids. It would be an excellent start up fund to get Oregon moving forward as a leader in alternative fuels. It would do a lot of good. But instead it keeps all these things from getting done.

We have a unique opportunity to send Rep. Wayne Scott back to running his business in 20 days, and doing so would send a great message to the lobbyists he really works for about where they stand in Salem!

Willamette Week Endorsement: Mike Caudle for HD 39

2006-10-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Willamette Week released their endorsements in today's issue and had some glowing things to say about Mike in the course of giving him their support:

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you want to add your name to Mike's growing list of endorsements just click here to fill out an easy form. If you're interested in helping out in other ways, please consider making a financial contribution to help Mike make it through the home stretch of the campaign and sign up to volunteer.

The Oregonian Says Canby Doesn't Care About Scott's Ethics Problems

2006-10-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

The headline on the front page of today's Metro section in The Oregonian, courtesy of reporter Steve Mayes:

"Scott's nonreporting of trip a nonissue in his hometown"

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 -- one of whom doesn't even live in Canby. Interestingly, one of the three Canby residents interviewed actually says that the ethics issues do matter to her.

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?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, will you follow the directions at this link to send a letter to The Oregonian 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 the campaign homepage to get information on his pledge to voters.)

([UPDATE]: Edited to make more sense)

A Surprise Appearance on Thom Hartmann

2006-10-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

This 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.

Join Mike this Saturday Afternoon

2006-10-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

Want to make a big difference for our community and state? Have a little spare time on Saturday?

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.

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).

Interested in volunteering but can't make it out this weekend? 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. Just sign up at our volunteer page and tell us what you'd be interested in doing. You can also sign up for a lawnsign and find more ways to make a difference at Mike's campaign website.

Want to help out but can't make it out to Oregon City? No problem. You can always show your support for Mike by adding your name to his list of endorsements or making a financial contribution to help pay for campaign expenses like sending information to voters.

Thank you so much for your interest and support. With your help, we can chnge Oregon!

Mike Earns the Support of the Teamsters

2006-10-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Over 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.

The Teamsters join the long list of individuals, organizations and unions who have announced their support for Mike's candidacy. 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.

If you, too, want to show your support for Mike through an endorsement, please fill out this form. You can also help out by making a contribution, putting up a lawnsign and signing up to volunteer.

Want a Lawn Sign?

2006-10-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Interested in showing your support for Mike in an easy way?

Click the image above to request your lawn sign.

AP: Caudle Running an "Unexpectedly Feisty Campaign"

2006-10-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

From the Associated Press:

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 unexpectedly feisty campaign 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]

If you want to help keep Mike's "unexpectedly feisty campaign" running, please consider making a safe, secure and easy online contribution:

We can also use as many volunteers as possible, so if you want to help out that way sign up to get involved.

Video of the Caudle/Kulongoski Rally

2006-10-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

In case you weren't able to make it to the rally...

Gov. Kulongoski and Mike Caudle in Oregon City: Will You Be There?

2006-09-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Show your support for Governor Ted Kulongoski, Mike Caudle and other Clackamas County Democrats TOMORROW

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.

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.

Click here for directions if you are unfamiliar with the area.

For more information, visit MikeCaudle.com or call Jonathan at 503-557-1616. This event is sponsored by the Committee to Elect Mike Caudle.

Mike Caudle Hits the Radio Airwaves

2006-09-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Over the last two days, Mike Caudle has laid out his ethics and lobbying reform legislation that could really help clean up Salem. A number of top news radio stations have picked up the story and run with it.

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.

Dems Use Junket Case To Push For Ethics Reform

By Kristian Foden-Vencil
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.

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.

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."

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.

Representative Scott did not respond to OPB's requests for an interview.

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 rally with the Governor tomorrow afternoon.

Radio wasn't the only medium that covered Mike's reform proposal. The blogs ate the story up, with Blue Oregon and Loaded Orygun at the lead.

Real Ethics and Lobbying Reform

2006-09-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

We all know that things in Salem aren't working as they should be. We know that too many legislators put the agenda of the powerful lobbies ahead of the interests of the citizens. Now we know that some legislators, including my opponent Wayne Scott, failed to disclose a lobbyist-funded trip to one of the finest hotels in Hawaii.

We need to have our elected officials lead by example. And if they're not willing or able to comply with ethics laws then they shouldn't be in the legislature.

But we also need to pass real ethics and lobbying reform. That's why when I get to Salem, I will introduce legislation that will:

Ban lobbyist-funded trips or vacations;
Cap the value of lobbyist gifts at $100 per individual item or meal, and $300 total per biennium;
Restrict retired legislators from lobbying their colleagues within two years of leaving office;
Require monthly public disclosure of all meetings with registered lobbyists;
Create a searchable online database of all such meetings;
Institute harsher penalties for legislators who break these ethics laws; and,
Mandate expulsion for legislators who are repeat offenders.

We need to send a clear message to all Oregonians that the legislature is working for them – not the powerful lobbyists and special interests. That's why if elected to the state legislature, I pledge to meet these high standards even should they not be enacted by my fellow legislators.

Rep. Scott, will you do the same?

Wayne Scott's Ethics Deception

2006-09-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Oregonian front page, above the fold:

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.

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.

Blue Oregon and Loaded Orygun have more on the story. And in case you were wondering what the Grand Wailea Resort looks like...

Bringing Fairness to Oregon's Tax Code

2006-09-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

On the front page of The Sunday Oregonian this week there is an article examining whether or not Oregon needs to reform its tax system. According to the story, my opponent Wayne Scott is squarely in the camp that believes we should maintain the status quo.

House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, R-Canby, the state's chief budget writer in 2005, agrees [that tax reform isn't needed]. Rising revenues will make it easy to balance future budgets -- and possible to sock away savings at the same time, he says. "We have a tendency to spend every dime, and we need to stop doing that."

But Scott and other lawmakers did just that earlier this year, spending all available money on services and schools. Scott says they created a $75 million general-use state savings account, but in fact, no money was put in it, state fiscal officials say.

Some experts who have studied Oregon's money picture are skeptical the state can stick with its current tax system and avoid another budget train wreck.

Oregon faces a number of problems today and sitting around hoping that things will just work themselves out on their own is not the solution. Unlike Rep. Scott, I will not write off the possibility that this state needs meaningful tax reform. Instead, I will approach this issue with an open mind and a willingness to think creatively about ways we can keep our state moving forward.

First, we need to bring some fairness to Oregon's tax system. Everyone -- including the powerful out-of-state corporations -- needs to pay their fair share in taxes. To this end, the antiquated $10 corporate miminum tax should be increased so big companies aren't allowed to pay next to nothing to support the services that we all use. Similarly, we should also eliminate the corporate kicker.

With these sensible moves, we can ensure that our most necessary services can be adequately provided for. Our children deserve a full year in school and class sizes that aren't busting at the seems. Our communities deserve to be safe, which requires undoing Rep. Scott's cuts to the Oregon State Police, and the state troopers in particular. Our families deserve access to affordable healthcare, which can be achieved with an insurance commission with teeth. Finally, our state deserves a state legislature that puts people ahead of politics and special interests.

Join Mike Caudle and Ted Kulongoski

2006-09-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Energy Independence Can Start in Oregon

2006-09-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

The cost of a gallon of gasoline is dropping around the country these days, but we're not feeling much relief here in Oregon, according to this article in today's Oregonian. While the average retail price for gasoline has fallen to $2.50 a gallon, Oregonians are still paying $2.85 a gallon on average.

We can and must do more at the statewide level to invest in alternative energies so we can help achieve energy independence and provide relief at the pump. We must not allow ourselves to be held captive by the price of oil in Saudi Arabia, Venezuela or Russia.

There was a time, not so long ago, when Oregon was at the forefront of the national debate. Leaders like Tom McCall and Mark Hatfield offered innovative and future-minded ideas -- progressive ideas -- that the rest of the country envied and copied.

Now, Salem is full of career politicians devoid of the vision to move Oregon forward. Many in the legislature want to turn back the clock rather than embrace the policies needed for a more prosperous future. For example, my opponent, House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, is stuck in the politics of the past. He has taken close to $20,000 in campaign contributions from oil and energy corporations like Chevron Texaco, Conoco-Phillips and Tesoro. With leaders like him, it's no wonder Oregon's gas prices are so high and Oregon is not enacting legislation that would help decrease our dependence on foreign oil.

But I know that we can achieve energy independence and that Oregon can be a leader in developing renewable and alternative energy source. I believe in the ingenuity of my fellow Oregonians. With tax credits, we can provide incentives to increase the production of ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen and hybrid power for our cars and wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and wave power for our homes. Wind power, in particular, is a great alternative for Oregon given the abundance of wind in areas like the Columbia Gorge.

Leadership must also come from within the state government. As State Representative, I will investigate the energy usage by various agencies and find new efficiencies, where possible. A great start would be to require more gas-efficient vehicles -- perhaps even hybrids -- when an agency must replace a car, truck or van. Minor changes in the heating and cooling of state-owned buildings could also make a surprising difference.

These are far from the only steps that we can take. But they are steps in the right direction. A 2003 study (.pdf) by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy found that relatively small tweaks could produce electricity savings in Oregon of 2.7% in one year and 5.2% over 5 years; and produce natural gas savings in the state of 2.3% in one year and 5.1% over 5 years. Another study (.pdf) written by Amory B. Lovins for the September 2005 issue of Scientific American found that we could, as a nation, create an annual savings of $70 billion by 2025 "from improving the efficiency of oil use and finding substitutes for oil."

Oregon can reclaim a leadership role in the national debate as it did in the era of Hatfield and McCall. We just need to elect a new generation with that same capacity to embrace ambitious and progressive policies rather than be confined and limited by today's political strictures.

My Meeting with the Oregonian Editorial Board

2006-09-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I had the opportunity to speak with a member of The Oregonian's editorial board to make my case for why they should throw their support behind me in this campaign.

Over the course of 45 minutes or so, I laid out the clear differences between my priorities and those of my opponent, House Majority Leader Wayne Scott -- and the clear differences between his rhetoric and his record.

We covered all of the major issues of the campaign and the State of Oregon. I don't want to get into the details because the endorsement process is still open (I was the first candidate interviewed in the race), but suffice it to say that I felt comfortable detailing my stances and explaining how I arrived at them.

As for The Oregonian's endorsement process, I do not believe we will know the outcome for another few weeks. In the meantime, if you are interested in endorsing my campaign, please go ahead and do so, and if you want to help out in other ways, please sign up to volunteer and make a safe and secure contribution to my campaign.

Response to Wayne Scott's Support for Unneeded OSP Study

2006-09-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

In response to Rep. Scott's continued support 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:

"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?"

Stopping Oregon's Brain Drain

2006-09-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago the Associated Press reported on a shocking statistic: the number of Oregon high school graduates staying in Oregon for college or university has dropped to a 10-year low.

Fewer Oregon high school graduates are attending Oregon's public universities, and women are leaving men behind in the quest for a college degree, according to a survey by the Oregon University System.

The survey shows that the portion of state high school grads enrolling in state public universities is the lowest since 1997. The trend comes amid budget cuts that boosted undergraduate tuition by almost 72 percent in the same period.

The number of graduates attending out-of-state schools rose slightly for the first time since 1999.

I believe that we should push our students to achieve all they can achieve. If this means attending a Harvard, Princeton or another elite institution, we should encourage them and provide them with the educational background to make it to the school of their choice.

At the same time, we need to continue to make Oregon's community colleges and universities a viable choice for Oregon's graduating high school seniors. With tuition skyrocketing in recent years, the incentive to stay in state is noticeably decreasing. The consequences of this could be disastrous: a brain drain that leaves Oregon without the workers companies are looking for in the 21st century.

Instead of continually cutting funding for higher education, whether it is in real or nominal terms, we need to look for ways to stabilize funding for our education system -- K-12, community colleges and universities. With sufficient funding, we can ensure that our brightest young minds are encouraged to stay in Oregon, not only for college but for decades to come, and keep our state thriving both now and in the future.

Caudle-Scott Race Ranked Among Oregon's Top-10 This Year

2006-09-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

Esteemed 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." Among them is Mike Caudle's campaign against House Majority Leader Wayne Scott in House District 39, which encompasses Oregon City, Canby and surrounding Clackamas County.

House District 39, incumbent Wayne Scott, R-Canby; Mike Caudle, 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.

If you are interested in helping us keep up the "sheer intensity" Stapilus talks about, please make a contribution, sign up to volunteer, or plan an event today. As you can see, we are continuing to build momentum in this race.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

So please help us capitalize on this great opportunity to knock off Salem's chief obstructionist, Rep. Scott, and show your support today by making a contribution, signing up to volunteer, or planing an event.

Mike Caudle Joins Governor in Call to Keep, Not Cut State Troopers

2006-09-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today Mike Caudle applauded the decision by Governor Ted Kulongoski to nix an expensive study examining the feasibility of cutting more state troopers.

“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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.

It's Time to Reverse Oregon's Falling Incomes

2006-09-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

I was reading the blogs this weekend when I came across the following graphic showing the net change in median income in each state over the past six years (from the Detroit Free Press via The Washington Monthly):

(click image to enlarge)

As you can see, Oregon has seen the fourth largest decrease in median incomes in the entire country over the last six years. This is a disappointing statistic because it indicates that even though there has been positive job growth in the state in recent months, many are still underemployed or employed in positions that pay less than they were just a few years ago. What's more, Intel today announced it would be cutting 1,700 jobs in Oregon alone.

Now my opponent, House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, claims to have "Passed legislation to encourage job creation and investment in Oregon." This is certainly a noble goal, and I applaud him for it. But Rep. Scott's record speaks louder than his words. As the graph above shows, Oregonian families are getting paid less than they were six years ago despite actions Rep. Scott has claimed to have taken during his two terms in the legislature -- most of which as one of the most powerful leaders in the state.

If we want to foster a business environment that can provide not only new jobs but well-paying new jobs, we need a new direction in the state legislature. I believe we must increase short-term training and technical career education opportunities so that workers today can be fully prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Instead of continually cutting education, providing ample funding to our education system in general -- K-12, community colleges and our universities -- will also help bring new companies and industries to our state (particularly within the technology sector). As state Representative, I will also fight for tax incentives to help put Oregon on the cutting edge of the renewable energy industry, proving jobs through the development of ethanol and biodiesel, as well as wind and wave power. But I will also work to ensure that the unions in this state are not undermined by unfair legislation because people in trades like electrical work and metalworking should not be constantly undercut. Finally, I will strive to provide funding to the Oregon State Police instead of cutting much-needed positions, as Rep. Scott has done in the past.

We can help create not only more jobs but more well-paying jobs in Oregon. But it will take new leadership that is willing to go above the normal political games in Salem and actually work for the people of Oregon. So I need your help today so we can send that message of change to Salem and all of Oregon.

Majority Leader Wayne Scott Skirts Truth in Candidate Forum

2006-09-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Rep. Scott’s claims about Oregon State Police funding misleading, inaccurate

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).

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.”

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. (Source: Budget Report and Measure Summary – 73rd Legislative Assembly, page 9.)

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. (Source: 2005-07 LAB – Public Safety, page 170.)

“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.

For those interested, the audio file of Scott's remarks are available in .mp3 form here with the first comment beginning near the 2:12 mark and the second coming near the 3:34 mark.

Mike Caudle v. Wayne Scott: The Debate Tomorrow

2006-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow 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.

The address of OIT is 7740 SE Harmony Rd. in Milwaukie (Yahoo! Map). For more information, check out the flier (.pdf) from the Chamber.

Poll: Oregon City, Rural District 39 Very Open to Caudle's Candidacy

2006-08-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Following up on polling from earlier this month 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.

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.

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."

“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.”

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.

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.

Campaign Update

2006-08-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Quite a bit has been going on in the campaign over the past few days:

We are continuing our end of the filing deadline fundraiser. You have until the end of the day on Friday, September 1, to make your money really count. So please make a contribution today!
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.
We have more polling data to release that details the geographical breakdown of the numbers. We will be releasing these data shortly.

Thanks for all of your help and support.

Loaded Orygun: "Mike Caudle, King of the Oregon Netroots"

2006-08-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

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. TJ writes,

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].
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.

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.

If you want to help push that number up and support Mike's campaign in this key moment in the election, please make a contribution today!

Keeping Criminals Off the Street

2006-08-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today The Oregonian's Editorial Board writes a very interesting piece on Oregon's early prisoner release program. In short, the board finds that the program, which was passed unanimously by the state legislature in 2003 (which included Wayne Scott), is open to abuse, citing the case of career criminal Timothy Joseph Boyd, who was arrested not long after being released from prison before his term was up, among others.

Supporters of the early release program claim that it reduces recidivism rate by 35 percent, which is certainly a good thing. But the anecdotal evidence offered by The Oregonian's ed. board seems to indicate that this is further proof of Oregon's criminals not being held fully accountable for their actions. Last month, we learned that as a result of budget cuts, Multnomah County has let 200 "junkies, vandals and other 'low level' misdemeanor criminals" off of probation. As I wrote then,

There are real consequences to shortchanging our budgets, both on the state level and in our communities. Yes, there is waste in our budgets, and when I get to Salem in January I will work extremely hard to cut the fat by giving our state agencies monetary incentives to find savings in their budgets. But when criminals are let off the hook because there isn't enough money to administer their probation, we all pay the price.

I do not believe that the answer to this question is raising taxes on hard-working Oregonians or instituting a sales tax. But minor tweaks can and should be made to our tax code so that we can pay for all of our necessary services -- including probation for criminals.

I believe we need to increase the “$10 Corporate Minimum Tax” so that huge corporations pay their fair share. I also believe that we need to get rid of the corporate kicker. Taken together, these two steps will relieve some of the stress on our state budget so that we can recuce class sizes, ensure that all children have access to insurance and quality healthcare, and make sure that that criminals fulfill their sentences.

We can prioritize to ensure that are children receive the best education possible, our working families have access to quality healthcare and all of our citizens are kept safe and secure. We just need real leadership in Salem that cares more about improving the lives of all Oregonians instead of playing political games and fighting on behalf of the big special interests.

Loaded Orygun Interview with Mike, Continued

2006-08-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Last week 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 second half of the interview, which covers more of the political side and Mike's connection to the community.

Former Congressman Mike Kopetski Endorses Mike Caudle for State House

2006-08-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Mike Kopetski, a Democrat who represented Oregon City, Canby and the rest of the 5th Congressional District from 1991 to 1995, today became the second retired Congressman to endorse the candidacy of Mike Caudle. Caudle, who is challenging Oregon House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, has previously received the support of retired nine-term Congressman Les AuCoin.

In a statement released Monday, Congressman Kopetski said:

“In these challenging times, the citizens of District 39 deserve a Representative who reflects their personal values and understands their public policy concerns. Mike Caudle will be an effective voice for them in the legislature.

“In Mike, I see the aspiration to help people through policy-making that led me to become involved in politics. Like me, Mike caught the political bug while attending community college. Just as my work in the campaigns of Robert F. Kennedy and Wayne Morse in 1968 inspired me to dedicate myself to a life of service to the community, Mike’s experiences at Clackamas Community College – serving as two-term student body president, national president of the American Student Association of Community Colleges and volunteer for Darlene Hooley’s campaign – instilled in him a deep commitment and dedication to public service.

“Mike also has a vision for Oregon that will help our state thrive today and in the future. He has pledged to fight for working families in Oregon, ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare. As State Representative, Mike will put Oregon’s children first and make certain that there is sufficient education funding so that all kids get in a full school year. Mike will also work to change the tenor in Salem, trying to find common ground where possible.

“Mike faces an uphill climb this year as he goes up against a candidate with the support of many of the biggest special interests in Salem. But I am confident that through his determination to fight for the people of District 39 Mike will be able to send a message of change to Oregon regardless of the outcome on November 7. That is why I am happy to announce my endorsement for Mike Caudle for State Representative in House District 39 and hope you will join me in backing his campaign.”

If you, too, want to show your support for Mike as he seeks to unseat Salem's chief obstructionist, House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, endorse his campaign, sign up to volunteer and make a contribution (even $5 makes a huge difference).

Mike on Thom Hartmann This Morning

2006-08-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

Mike is going to be on the Thom Hartmann show on Portland's Air America station KPOJ, 620 AM, starting at about 8:00 this morning. Make sure to listen in and show your support.

Defense Department: Oregon Needs Predatory Lender Reform

2006-08-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

For those who have been following my campaign for a while, it should come as no surprise that I believe we need to clamp down on all predatory lenders in this state -- something that Wayne Scott, Salem's chief obstructionist, has fought against almost since the outset of his legislative career.

These short-term lenders prey upon hard-working families in our communities making it difficult, if not impossible for them to escape from the spiral of debt. Among these families are countless members of our military, and as The Oregonian reports today, the Department of Defense does not think our legislature is doing near enough to protect our fighting men and women from these predatory lenders.

The U.S. military has taken aim at payday, car title and other "predatory lenders" in a new report that argues regulations broader than Oregon's are needed to protect service members.

"Predatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force," says a Department of Defense report.

The report urges Congress to pass strict, sweeping regulations on the consumer lending industry, including a 36 percent cap on annual interest rates for loans made to service members.

[...]

The report notes that Oregon's new 36 percent cap on payday loans does not take effect for another year, yet payday lenders are already switching to a different consumer lending license that allows them to skirt the interest cap.

I agree with the Pentagon that the annual interest rate charged by short-term lenders should be capped at 36 percent -- for all short-term lenders, not just payday loan stores.

We need to support and protect Oregon's working families -- including those with members serving in the miliary -- and not hang them out to dry. But when legislation came before the Oregon House that would even put minor restrictions of payday lenders in the state, my opponent Wayne Scott voted against it, saying, "We're not passing the bill to protect people; we're passing the bill to protect ourselves." You can listen to his long-winded opposition to the bill here (warning, this is a very large audio file... Rep. Scott begins his speech about 9:10 in).

It's time we had leadership in Salem that cared more about our community and the voters in this district that the big special interests that hang around the state Capitol. We need the best that money CAN'T buy. That's why I need you to join me in this people-powered campaign.

To get involved and make a difference today, tell Congressman Earl Blumenauer you want him to support my campaign. Other important ways you can help me win include making a contribution (every little bit -- even $5 -- helps!), pledging to volunteer and endorsing my campaign. With your help, we will send a message to Oregon and this country that change must come now.

Loaded Orygun Interview with Mike Caudle

2006-08-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Today 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. Blogger Torrid Joe does a great job of covering the whole range of issues and allowing Mike to put forward his vision of change for Oregon. Without further ado, the interview from Loaded Orygun...

Wayne Scott: Too Beholden to Big Oil?

2006-08-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

Following the shutdown of a main oil pipeline from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, gas prices hit yet another new high nationwide this week.

Certainly, we can choose to continue the policies that have led to seemingly endless increases in price at the pump, but do we really want to? Do we really want to keep reelecting the politicians who have put in place the policies and legislation that have led us down this path to $50 fill-ups -- or more?

Now my opponent, Republican incumbent Wayne Scott, sent out a press release last month claiming that he and his party "want to make Oregon a leader in the production of renewable energies." Surely this is a noble goal. But if this were something that Rep. Scott truly believed in -- not something he decided to say because it polls well this year -- don't you think he would have spend more time and effort during his three and a half years as House Majority Leader to actually accomplish a comprehensive energy plan instead of just sending out a press release?

It should come as no surprise that Oregon hasn't been able to pass comprehensive energy reform during the last two legislatures. House Majority Leader Scott, Salem's chief obstructionist, has taken more than $18,000 from energy companies like Chevron Texaco and Conoco-Philips since 2003. Can someone who has taken that much money from big oil and energy corporations really take the steps necessary to wean Oregon off of foreign oil?

So voters in House District 39 have a real choice this fall between someone who has taken thousands of dollars from the energy industry and someone who will uncompromisingly fight for our energy independence. What steps will I take as Representative to ease the burden at the pump and increase domestic energy production? As I wrote last month,

While there are some who believe that the only answer to our energy needs is more oil, we have to understand that more drilling is not the only answer. In order to ease the burden at the pump in the short-term, I am not certain that we can rule out increasing our domestic supply of oil. But at the same time, we need to invest today in renewable fuels right here in Oregon that can also serve to lower the hit to our wallets and pocketbooks at the gas station and help move us to a point where we are no longer completely reliant on Middle East oil.

Between ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen and hybrid power for our cars and wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and wave power for our houses, I have faith that we can solve our energy crisis right here at home instead of having to turn to other countries to bail us out.

To help us achieve this, I will fight for tax credits and incentives for energy providers, businesses, and consumers alike. What's more, I will also investigate ways for the government of Oregon to decrease its energy use, because Salem should be a leader on this issue, not a follower -- and there could be quite a bit of savings in the implementation of new technologies.

We can have enough energy to drive our economy today and in the future. We only have to realize that we can indeed reach energy independence, and provide the resources and incentives to achieve it.

If you are interested in sending a signal to Salem and to Washington that our Representatives need to wean themselves off of the contributions of big oil and energy corporations so that we as a country can wean ourselves off of foreign oil, help me win this fall. With your support, I will go to Salem and fight for change.

Poll Finds Majority Leader Scott Vulnerable to Challenge

2006-08-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Huge news folks... The results of our polling just came in this past weekend and we have a real race on our hands. When likely voters are read positive and negative statements about both Mike Caudle and Wayne Scott, the race is STATISTICALLY TIED, with Scott at 41 percent and Caudle at 39 percent.

If ever there were a time to redouble efforts, this is it. If you can, head over to our fundraising link and donate a few dollars, tell US Rep. Earl Blumenauer you want him to support Mike Caudle, and sign up to volunteer for the campaign. As you can see from the poll, with your help WE CAN WIN.

Poll Finds Majority Leader Scott Vulnerable to Challenge

Democrat Mike Caudle, a relative unknown, has a message that resonates with voters

Oregon City, OR – House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, R-Canby, could be in jeopardy this fall according to polling released Monday by Scott’s Democratic challenger Mike Caudle.

In a head-to-head match up between Scott and Caudle, the incumbent Republican holds a 46 percent to 25 percent lead over his Democratic challenger. However, after positive and negative statements were read about both candidates, Scott’s lead evaporates.

When asked who they would vote for in November given the statements read about each of the two candidates, 41 percent of likely voters in House District 39 indicated they would support Scott while 39 percent would vote for Caudle – a statistical dead heat. Caudle’s message resonates particularly strongly with independent voters in the district, among whom he holds close to a 2 to 1 lead, 49 percent to 26 percent.

“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.”

Representative Scott’s numbers on key measures are very underwhelming, Wright says. Fewer than a majority of voters have a positive image of him or give him a positive job performance rating for his tenure in the House. Independent and minor party voters are least likely to approve of Scott, with just 16 percent giving him favorable job ratings.

Voters in House District 39, which includes Oregon City, Canby and surrounding areas of Clackamas County, are generally dour in their outlook towards the state. Just 31 percent believe that Oregon is moving in the right direction while 46 percent believe it is headed off on the wrong track.

Non-affiliated and minor party voters in the district are even more pessimistic about the direction of the state than the district as a whole, with just 19 percent saying the state is on the right track. Middle-income households, those earning between $35,000 and $50,000 per year, hold similar feelings, with only 21 percent believing the state is moving in the right direction.

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.

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.

2006-08-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

Rep. Wayne Scott was nice enough to drop off some of his campaign literature at my home on Sunday afternoon. I must say it was an amusing read; it was funnier than the Sunday comics. He is getting more out of touch by the day.

In his brochure he says “Three years ago Oregon was a mess. We had the highest unemployment rate in the country, our schools were forced to make cuts and our seniors weren't getting the health care they needed.” The rest of the brochure basically goes on to claim that he has worked to fix all that.

That is fine to say but actions speak louder than words. Oregon is still a mess, in fact it is a bigger mess than it was three years ago and the blame for that rests squarely on Rep. Scott’s shoulders. He had the opportunity as Majority Leader to move Oregon forward and he has failed.

Rep. Scott has repeatedly blocked programs that would help senior citizens, children and hard working Oregon families. He blocked bulk purchasing for prescriptions and health insurance from even coming to the house floor for a vote. He voted to cut the Oregon State Police by 20 troopers. He has repeatedly sided with payday lenders and their 520% interest loans. Rep. Scott is Salem’s chief obstructionist; he will stop at nothing and spend as much as he needs to put corporate priorities first.

He includes a quote from the Oregonian:

“Scott’s critics and admirers say his approach is often more businesslike than political. He takes time to study and issue. But once he makes a decision he expects it to be carried out”

Even his own campaign literature hints that he is a bully. It is time for a change in Salem, the era of bully politics, bickering and saying one thing and doing the exact opposite needs to come to an end! We need to start moving Oregon forward. I pledge to actually put our citizens first, continuing my life long commitment to community service.

Breaking: Les AuCoin Endorses Mike Caudle

2006-08-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

Big news, folks. This weekend, Mike received the endorsement of Les AuCoin, a man who has dedicated his life to improving the lot of Oregonians and served his state and his country for over three decades. After serving in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964, AuCoin was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1970. By his second term in the chamber, AuCoin was elected Majority Leader, and in 1974 was elected to the U.S. House from the first congressional district -- the first Democrat elected from that seat in nearly a century. AuCoin was subsequently elected another eight times.

I am pleased to announce my endorsement of Mike Caudle for the Oregon House of Representatives, District 39.

Mike is a promising young star of Oregon politics who promises to bring much-needed change to Salem this fall. Already he has spent many years serving his community, as student body president at Clackamas Community College and Oregon State University, as a coach, as an educator and as a member of the Oregon City budget commission. This commitment to service and dedication to bettering his community show that he has what it takes to be a fantastic state Representative.

Not only does Mike have the skills and background to accomplish good things in Salem, he has also laid out a set of legislative priorities that would help move Oregon forward in the right direction. As an educator Mike will put children first, increasing funding for public schools so that all kids get in a full school year, protecting children from online predators and working to get healthcare for Oregon's 110,000 uninsured children. He also believes that the legislature should protect and support Oregon's families by reining in predatory lenders, ensuring access to affordable healthcare and putting state troopers back on the highways to stop the flow of meth. Lastly, he will work to change the tone in Salem and make sure the legislature's top priority is the Oregon electorate -- not the special interests and well-funded lobbies.

We need more people like Mike in Salem so that we can move forward towards a better future for Oregon's families. That's why I hope you will join me in supporting Mike this fall.

Les AuCoin
U.S. Representative, Oregon First Congressional District (1975-1993)

If you, too, are interested in endorsing Mike, please click this link and give us your information.

Adding More State Troopers is Only a Start

2006-08-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

I have been talking about the importance of increasing the number of state troopers since I got into this race back in April. Our campaign has had many conversations with state troopers over the past several weeks we have learned that this is not the only issue hampering our state troopers and their ability to combat crime and protect Oregonians.

State trooper vehicles don't come automatically equipped with digital video cameras, nor do they come with in-dash databases. This requires troopers to call in every suspect license plate lengthening the amount of time to get a response, increasing the danger on Oregon's highways. We have even learned that one trooper actually purchased a laptop at his expense to place in his squad car to improve the speed of his police work.

Troopers are not on a unified communication system with other law enforcement agencies. So when a call comes in to Clackamas County Sheriff's Dispatch, their operator has to call OSP dispatch, who in turn has to put the call out to troopers to respond. This is an incredibly inefficient way to protect our citizens.

Oregon State Police does not have a K-9 drug unit located in the Portland metro area. It is unfathomable to me that a city of our size would not have a high priority with OSP in having a K-9 drug unit. But without funding difficult decision need to be made. K-9 drug units are excellent way to scope drugs, providing efficiency and safety for our troopers and residents.

We have a serious problem in our state when it comes state troopers and the ability to combat crime. These hard working cops want and desperately need our support. I have learned that adding at least 50 trooper is a start but it will only scratch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to increasing the safety or our communities, the Oregon State Police needs a great deal more than just more bodies to do the job they want to do for us and as our next State representative I am committed to being a strong ally for the Oregon State Police.

Wayne Scott Fails on Healthcare

2006-08-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Recently, Oregonians for Health Security, a group that focuses on reducing the cost of healthcare in our state, released a report card on all 100 members of the Oregon legislature.

What was Wayne Scott's score? Just 20 percent -- a failing grade by anyones metrics. Scott, Salem's chief obstructionist, voted against allowing more Oregonians to get affordable prescription drugs; protecting the Oregon Health Plan; and disclosing the gifts that big drug companies give to promote their products, each of which would help working Oregonians deal with the cost of healthcare.

We need real leadership in Salem that is willing to stand up to the big insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies so that we can make sure that Oregonians have access to quality and affordable healthcare. With your help, we will send Mike to the legislature and send a message of change to this state.

Congress Should Not Overturn Oregon's Minimum Wage

2006-08-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me that the Do Nothing Republican Congress, which claims to believe in smaller government and returning power to the states, is talking about passing a minimum wage change that would supercede the current Oregon minimum wage.

Tip money earned by waitresses in Las Vegas, manicurists in Hollywood and bartenders in Seattle is on the table in the nation's capital, as lawmakers scrap over an election-year minimum wage bill.

Nevada, California and Washington are among seven states where workers get to keep their tips on top of getting paid their state's full minimum wage. In other states, tip-earning workers get paid less and make up the difference with tips.

A provision in Republican-written minimum wage legislation passed by the House and under consideration this week by the Senate could change the law in those seven states - the others are Montana, Alaska, Minnesota and Oregon. It would deal a pay cut of $3 or more an hour to thousands of waiters, bellhops and hairdressers in those states, according to Democrats and labor groups. [emphasis added]

We believe in our hardest workers, and any effort to reduce the minimum wage is unacceptable. This is the kind of "leadership" we get from Republicans in DC. The scary thing is that it is even worse in Salem, and my opponent is one of the key reasons for this.

Wayne Scott is Salem's chief obstructionist, blocking bills that help our citizens and supporting bills that keep our citizens from getting further ahead. Whether its choosing predatory lenders over hard working Oregonians, siding with the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies instead of the uninsured and the underinsured, cutting state troopers, or supporting legislation that would help his own comanies and hurt other small businesses, Scott has repeatedly shown that he puts the priorities of the big special interests over those of his constituents.

It's time for change in this country and in this state, and with your support we will send a clear message that it's time for a new direction.

Mike Earns Endorsement of Oregon's Largest Union

2006-08-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

This week, we learned that Oregon's largest union, Service Employees International Union (SEIU)/Oregon Public Employees Union (OPEU), endorsed my campaign for State Representative in House District 39.

I am incredibly pleased to have earned the endorsement of SEIU. SEIU represents 45,000 hard-working state employees, healthcare professionals and non-profit employees. Their endorsement further solidifies our relationship with hard working citizens in Canby and Oregon City.

The SEIU endorsement is indicative of organized labor's interest in my campaign. I am going through the endorsement process with a number of other unions and have also already received the endorsements of the Oregon Education Association (OEA), which represents about 43,000 Oregon educators; the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers (IAHFIAW) Local 36; and the International Longshoremen Workers Union (ILWU) Local 5.

The SEIU endorsement means so much to me personally. Growing up in a union family I know how hard SEIU members work, and their support truly bolsters our campaign.

Another Successful Canvas

2006-07-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Mike and well over a dozen volunteers went out on a big canvas across Oregon City knocking on hundreds of doors and speaking with countless voters to find out what issues were most important to them.

From what we heard, many voters are simply fed up with the direction of this state, particularly as a result of the gridlock in Salem. The issues that the voters we spoke with would rather see the legislature and the governor deal with range from smart growth to fully funding education to helping ensure access to affordable healthcare -- three of the key issues that led Mike to get into this race.

If you are interested in participating in one of our future canvases or want to get involved in any other way, please sign up to volunteer here or make a donation here. Even a few hours of your time or a few dollars can make a huge difference and help send a message of change to Salem.

A New Direction for Healthcare

2006-07-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Oregon has over a half million uninsured residents, about 100,000 whom are children. Two-thirds of these families are working, but cannot afford private health insurance.

So-called leaders in Salem have done little to support working families in the area of health insurance. There are approximately 390,000 citizens whose families go to work every day and still can not afford healthcare coverage.

Working class citizens are the backbone of our economy, as are the small businesses, contractors and schools they go to work for. We can not allow cost to be a barrier to healthy citizens, producing a sound economy. It is time challenge our healthcare crisis head on:

Health Insurance companies must be forced to go before the insurance commission before hiking up rates.
Schools and small business must be allowed and encouraged to pool together to bring down insurance rates.
Prescription drugs cost must be lower, especially for senior citizens on a fixed income. We should be able to band together with Washington state, to be able to bring down drug costs.
All school aged children deserve access to health insurance.

It is no surprise that our citizens take a back seat on health insurance; Rep. Wayne Scott has taken nearly $10,000 from pharmaceutical and insurance companies in this election cycle.

We have a bold opportunity in this election to make a statement about what is important to us as citizens. We have a chance to say loud and clear that our democracy can’t be bought and by big companies that do not have our citizens interest.

As your next State Representative I will never put big money and special interest ahead of the citizens of this district. I promise to put kids first, protect and support working families and strive for a smarter more accountable Salem.

The Blogosphere Takes Note of Mike

2006-07-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

DownWithTyranny, one of the big national bloggers, has posted an extended article on Mike detailing why he believes the Netroots should get involved in our campaign. I recommend you check it out if you have the time.

DownWithTyranny has also added Mike to Blue America fundraising page on Act Blue, which is maintained by DownWithTyranny, FireDogLake, and Crooks & Liars. Mike is now on the list alongside other Netroots heros like Jon Tester, Francine Busby and Jerry McNerney. Mike is also the first Oregonian chosen for the list and only the second canididate running for a state legislature.

Again, Mike is very excited about the involvement of the Netroots in his race. This campaign is about people-powered politics, which is a sharp contrast to the special interest-powered politics of Mike's opponent, Wayne Scott.

So thank you for your support in this campaign. With your help, we can elect Mike to the state legislature and send a message of change to Salem and across this country.

Mike Tops 100 Donors

2006-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, two checks came by mail into the campaign office pushing the number of contributions that Mike has received during the course of the campaign so far over 100. Suffice it to say that Mike is very humbled to see such a level of support at this point in the campaign.

But even more than the sheer number of donations that have come into the campaign, Mike is excited by the types of contributions that have come in. Oregonians who haven't been active in politics for decades, and even some who have never been involved politically, are stepping forward to support the campaign. The median and the mode contributions to the campaign at this point are $25, showing that people are helping out however they can, regardless of their means.

If you, too, are interested in helping out with the campaign by funding campaign necessities like mailings, advertisements, polling and fliers, please visit our fundraising page to make a contribution. Every small amount counts and we will appreciate any level of support you are able to offer.

We Should Decide Our Elections -- Not Out-of-State Power Brokers

2006-07-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

This morning, both The Oregonian and the Statesman-Journal both report on the millions of big money, out-of-state contributions that have flowed into Oregon this year so far. This is a topic that Jonathan has discussed a couple of times on this blog (here and here) but one that I have not yet chimed in on personally.

The long and the short of the story is this: a number of well-funded politicos with little or no ties to Oregon have dumped significant amounts of money into our campaigns this year already, with two groups from Illinois alone spending more than $1 million dollars on ballot initiatives.

I am not someone who believes in curtailing the first amendment's guarantee of the freedom of speech or citizens' right to participate in the political process, whether through voting, volunteering or donating to a political cause. Nevertheless, it really concerns me to see that these highly partisan forces are trying to wage their ideological crusades here in Oregon.

While I am all for a robust debate on the key issues of our times, I believe that Oregonians should be deciding the fate of our state -- not special interest groups who don't know what it's like to live here in our communities but have enough money to hire expensive political consultants. That's why I believe we must closely examine reforming our campaign finance laws to ban unlimited, out-of-state contributions.

100 Days Canvas - Oregon City

2006-07-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon, we will be going out through the Oregon City community along with our state Sen. Kurt Schrader and County Commission candidate Lynn Peterson to canvas local voters. This is an ideal canvas for novice or first time canvassers as we will have many experienced folks on hand! Here are the details of the event (which is also up on our events page):

Time: Saturday, July 29 at 1:00 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Peterson/Schrader campaign HQ
1017 Molalla Ave, Oregon City, OR 97045

If you can join us on Saturday, please click this link to RSVP or email us with your name, contact information and how many people in your group will be attending. If you'd like more information about the event, please give us a call at 503-557-1616. And if you are unable to attend on Saturday but still want to get involved in my campaign, you sign up to volunteer or make a secure online contribution.

Real Ethics Reform

2006-07-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

In a lengthy article for the Statesman-Journal this morning, Steve Law takes up the issue of ethics reform in Oregon. Among the issues being addressed by lawmakers and private citizens are: lawmaker perks (lobbyists taking legislators out for free dining and rounds of golf, for example); junkets (lobbyists funding lawmaker trips to exotic destinations for conventions); the revolving door (former lawmakers becoming lobbyists immediately after retiring from the legislature); penalties (the fine for an ethics violation is only $1,000 -- the same as it was thirty years ago); and lobbyist reporting (some firms are able to not report their retention of certain lobbyists). But Law writes,

Oregon's government-ethics commission, charged with rooting out and punishing unethical and corrupt practices by public servants, is hampered by a shrunken staff and one of its lowest funding levels in three decades.

[...]

The Oregon Government Standards and Practices Commission is down to three staff members, fewer than nearly all the other 38 states with political-ethics commissions.

There are two very distict responses to the loose ethics regulations and the underfunding of the Commission.

In Oregon, the Democrat-controlled state Senate and Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski led the charge to revisit ethics reform by pushing for the Oregon Law Commission review.

"It's time for a total reform, and that's what I believe this package of law commission bills will do," said Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown, D-Portland.

[...]

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives agreed to the $224,000 study in a "Christmas tree" bill that funded various lawmakers' wish lists at the end of the 2005 session. But Republicans aren't as convinced as Democrats about the need for major ethics reform and are downplaying the prospects for significant reforms. [emphasis added]

Anyone who has spent any time watching the way our business gets done -- or more realistically doesn't get done -- in the Capitol can plainly see that there is a need for major ethics reform. But taking a look through the issues page on the website of my opponent, Wayne Scott, there is not one single mention of cleaning up Salem or enacting any type of reform. The word "ethics" isn't even mentioned once! And according to The Oregonian, "Asked if he thought the ethics commission is understaffed, Scott answered bluntly: 'No.'" (Harry Esteve, "Governor Seeks Increase in Funds for Ethics Panel", December 15, 2004).

I am strongly aligned with the camp that wants to clean up Salem so that we can cut down on governmental waste, slash unnecessary red tape, and get the state legislature working for the people of this state -- not the powerful special interests. If we want a smarter and more accountable Salem, we have to begin immediately by enacting real ethics reform during the next legislature.

Achieving Energy Independence

2006-07-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Next week, the United States Senate is set to have a debate on whether or not to open up the Gulf of Mexico for drilling.

Leaving aside arguments over whether or not it is safe to put massive oil rigs in the middle of hurricane-infested waters, the debate over drilling brings up a fundamental question that we as Americans and Oregonians must answer: do we have the courage to work towards real energy independence?

While there are some who believe that the only answer to our energy needs is more oil, we have to understand that more drilling is not the only answer. In order to ease the burden at the pump in the short-term, I am not certain that we can rule out increasing our domestic supply of oil. But at the same time, we need to invest today in renewable fuels right here in Oregon that can also serve to lower the hit to our wallets and pocketbooks at the gas station and help move us to a point where we are no longer completely reliant on Middle East oil.

Between ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen and hybrid power for our cars and wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and wave power for our houses, I have faith that we can solve our energy crisis right here at home instead of having to turn to other countries to bail us out.

To help us achieve this, I will fight for tax credits and incentives for energy providers, businesses, and consumers alike. What's more, I will also investigate ways for the government of Oregon to decrease its energy use, because Salem should be a leader on this issue, not a follower -- and there could be quite a bit of savings in the implementation of new technologies.

We can have enough energy to drive our economy today and in the future. We only have to realize that we can indeed reach energy independence, and provide the resources and incentives to achieve it.

What is Wayne Scott's Real Agenda?

2006-07-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

This week my opponent Wayne Scott released his 2007 legislative agenda. Much to my surprise Rep. Scott is saying a lot of the right things. The only problem is that actions speak louder than words.

Rep. Scott’s agenda includes:

Protecting Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens.
Supporting the Oregon State Police. Placing more state troopers on our highways.
Expanding access to healthcare and addressing rising insurance costs.
Working to intensify the fight against meth.

Rep. Scott has done little during his time in Salem to advance these causes. In fact he has work tirelessly against some of these causes and voted to diminish a number of his so-called “priorities”.

Rep. Scott voted to cut 20 state troopers in the last legislative cycle. This has hampered police efforts to fight meth. How can he say state troopers and meth are a priority, when he has acted and voted to cut these services?

Last session Rep. Scott also blocked bills lowering prescription drug costs, providing health insurance to more children, and to regulate insurance premium rate increases from even coming to the house floor for a vote. Rep. Scott blocked a vote on payday loans during the last legislative session and the voted during the special session against limiting the 521% annual interest that payday loan companies are charging. How can Rep. Scott claim to be interested in protecting our most vulnerable citizens when has blocked efforts and voted in ways the harm our most vulnerable citizens?

And why the sudden outcry for this new “priorities”? Why all of the sudden is Rep. Scott worried about our district? Apparently Rep. Scott will say whatever he thinks you want to hear during an election and then do whatever he wants during the Legislative session.

I entered this race in late March because I actually believe we need to achieve some of the priorities that Rep. Scott talks about but hasn’t in fact followed through on. After spending the better part of five months in the hospital with my infant daughter, I cannot more strongly emphasize my belief that no child should go without affordable healthcare. I have seen first-hand the detrimental effects meth can have on Oregon’s families and am determined to bolster our fight against this addiction.

Last month, I worked with the Oregon City Commissioners to pass a city ordinance bolstering the statewide payday loan regulations Rep. Scott voted against. And for the last dozen years, I have called on Salem to stabilize our education funding as a private citizen; student body president of both Clackamas Community College and Oregon State University; and as an educator. I am passionate about these issues because they are the right priorities for our communities – not because some poll told me they we popular today.

Rep. Scott, you can say whatever you want about your priorities, but the people of Oregon City and Canby shouldn’t buy what you say, because your actions speak louder than any words could yell, and your actions show that your priorities are merely lip service to get re-elected.

Meth Still a Major Problem, So Why Cut Funding?

2006-07-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Even as we do more to curb meth and meth-related crimes in Oregon and across the country, the highly-addictive drug is still causing major problems for our communities according to a new report.

Meth abuse continues to fuel an increase in crimes like robbery and assault, straining the workload of local police forces despite a drop in the number of meth lab seizures, according to a survey Tuesday.

Nearly half of county law enforcement officials consider methamphetamine their primary drug problem, more than cocaine, marijuana and heroin combined, the survey of the National Association of Counties found.

[...]

About half the counties reported that one in five inmates are jailed because of meth-related crimes like robberies and burglaries. Another 17 percent of counties reported that one in two inmates are incarcerated for meth-related activity.

Oregon has been doing a good job of taking the meth problem seriously in recent years, but more still can and should be done to protect our communities.

In conversations with law enforcement officials, including Clackamas County District Attorney John S. Foote, I have learned that as authorities have cracked down on local and domestic producers of meth there has been an increasing trend of meth coming into the country over our borders with Mexico and Canada.

To stop the flow of meth into and within our state, we need to fully fund law enforcement. My opponent Wayne Scott voted to cut our state troopers by 20 positions (HB 5167) -- a dangerous step given the threats posed both by meth and terrorism. When I get to Salem, however, I will fight to not only reinstate those positions but also to add 50 state troopers to combat meth and ID theft crimes.

Homeland Security begins here in our communities and throughout the state, and if we are unwilling to provide enough resources to our law enforcement officials, we run the risk of paying much too high a price in the future.

Affirmative Steps to Restart Job Growth in Oregon

2006-07-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

A report released on Monday by the Oregon Employment Department showed a loss of 2,800 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs during the month of June. Oregon's unemployment rate of 5.4 percent, slightly down from 5.6 percent the previous month, is nonetheless almost a full percentage point higher than the national average.

With softening employment numbers and economy doing well, but not as well as it could be, we must ask ourselves as Oregonians if we are content to maintain the status quo or if instead we must forge a new path to economic prosperity.

I believe the time is now for bold action so that our economic future can be strong. We need to increase short term training and technical career education opportunities so that workers today can be fully prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. We need to rein in predatory lenders so that Oregon's families can escape from the cycle of debt and remain productive in their jobs. We also must establish public hearings for approval of health insurance company rate hikes, because in order for employees to do their jobs effectively and efficiently, both they and their families must be healthy.

We can kickstart this economy and make sure that there is robust job growth now and in the future. But this requires we move in a new direction instead of continuing with the same old policies from the same old career politicians.

Fully Funding Higher Education in Oregon

2006-07-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

From today's Statesman-Journal, the Associated Press reports that higher education leaders here in Oregon are calling for a funding increase of roughly 25 percent for the seven public universities in the state. The proposal ties additional funding to tuition increases for students.

As a proud almunus of public schools in Oregon -- Canby High School, Clackamas Community College and Oregon State University -- I applaud the initiative shown by these educational leaders even though I do not agree with every aspect of the proposal.

The universities in this state help drive our economy. But only with a real investment today can we ensure that we can thrive in the future.

Some of the folks in the legislature believe that we can go on maintaining the status quo for our higher education system, patching problems here and there but never devoting the funds to enable our universities to thrive like never before. As the AP article indicates, the head of the House Revenue Committee prefers "targeted increases."

But unless we come up with a comprehensive solution today, we are severely limiting our possibilities for the future. I understand that it will take political will and thinking outside of the normal partisan back-and-forth, but I truly believe that we need to start moving forward instead of remaining in our current quandry.

Now, I do not agree with every aspect of this proposal. For one, while I believe that students need to make an investment in their own education, I strongly believe that that students have been forced to bear an ever-increasing burden, which will likely force them into the long-term debt from which many are unable to emerge. It is time for Salem to step up and support our future and not balancing the increasing cost of higher education on students. Higher Education is an investment in Oregon's future, not just the future of those attending college.

Additionally, it's not clear to me where funding would come from for these increases. According to the article, the Governor believes that funding could come from a broad tax reform. In principle, I do believe that it's well past time we rethought our tax code to make it fairer and simpler, but I would want to see the exact details of any changes -- whether they are advocated by Democrats or Republicans -- before I agreed to sign on to any program.

But even with these concerns in mind, I still believe that we need to take bold action rather than being content with the status quo. And if that requires thinking outside of the box and offering new ideas that don't conform to the normal partisan divisions, then all the better. Our universities are just too important for us to sit around and hope that a solution will come up with itself.

Weekend Campaign Update

2006-07-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

The campaign keeps moving along these days, and lot of great things happened in the campaign this past weekend.

On Friday evening, Mike met with a number of union members who were very interested in his effort to get elected this fall. Mike was extremely appreciative for the help a number of them were able to give to the campaign.

On Saturday and Sunday, Mike hit the ground and knocked on doors, canvassing throughout the district. He met a lot of great voters who asked him interesting questions, relayed their concerns about the community and encouraged him in his effort. By and large, Mike is finding that voters in this district are thirsty for representation in Salem who actually cares about their needs instead of the desires of the big special interests, and they are very surprised to see a candidate who is actually willing to take to the time to listen to their ideas for a change.

And on Sunday ActBlue, the online fundraising clearinghouse for Democrats and progressive causes, activated fundraising for non-federal candidates in Oregon for the first time. That means that we now have an even more efficient online fundraising tool that can be accessed at the "Contribute" tab above or at this link. If you are interested in putting a Mike Caudle fundraising button on your website or blog, please shoot us an email at mike@mikecaudle.com.

Absorbing One Million People in Portland Metro

2006-07-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

I read an article in the Portland Tribune this week that predicted the Portland metro area would grow by a million people by 2030. This is a real issue for the communities of this district, including Oregon City and Canby, because there are not a great deal of places left to grow outside of this area.

We must be diligent about planning our growth at the county and state level. We cannot afford to lose our rural farms, not only in terms of the county economic impact but also in terms of the impact on individual farmers and nursery owners.

Our schools are already bursting at the seems. The Oregon City library is only open 26 hours a week. There are real priorities that need to be set today in order to prepare for hundreds of thousands of more people in this county -- and in this district specifically.

We can not afford to have 99E turn into a six-lane parking lot with traffic and to have Wal-Marts in Oregon City and Canby running locally-owned stores out of business.

As your next state Representative, I promise to actually protect our local citizens and businesses rather than provide lip service and not take any real action to help us prepare for this massive growth.

Welcoming Conservatives into the Tent

2006-07-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

The latest Associated Press poll has some very interesting numbers regarding November's elections: close to a quarter of self-identifying conservative voters plan on backing a Democrat in their congressional district.

The AP-Ipsos survey asked 789 registered voters if the election for the House were held today, would they vote for the Democratic or Republican candidate in their district. Democrats were favored 51 percent to 40 percent.

Not surprisingly, 81 percent of self-described liberals said they would vote for the Democrat. Among moderates, though, 56 percent backed a Democrat in their district and almost a quarter of conservatives — 24 percent — said they will vote Democratic.

We fully welcome voters of all political stripes -- including conservatives -- to join our coalition for change this fall. This is a big tent campaign, not interested in catering to the big special interests in Salem but rather to the voters right here in Oregon City, Canby and Clackamas County.

Conservatives have great reason to be unhappy with developments in this state. There is nothing conservative about cutting state troopers, which Wayne Scott supported, or letting criminals off of probation, which was a direct result of inadequate funding. This is a campaign, however, about maintaining conservative and progressive values -- universal values -- like protecting families, maintaining homeland security, providing quality education, and enabling all Oregonians to achieve the American dream.

So when you fill out your ballot this fall, whether you consider yourself are a progressive, a liberal, a moderate, a conservative, a libertarian, or any other political persuasion, show your support for change by electing Mike Caudle to the state House of Representatives.

Bearing Too High a Burden for Budget Cuts

2006-07-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

This morning, The Oregonian reports that as a result of budget cuts, Multnomah County has informed close to 200 "junkies, vandals and other 'low level' misdemeanor criminals" that they no longer have to report to probation. By next year, that number could top 800.

The 39th district, of course, is not in Multnomah County. But what happens in the region can affect every community in the region. So when Multnomah County stops requiring some criminals -- albeit non-violent criminals -- to check in with probation officers, there is an all too real possibility that these offenders will come into Clackamas County, into Oregon City and Canby, and revert back to their old ways.

There are real consequences to shortchanging our budgets, both on the state level and in our communities. Yes, there is waste in our budgets, and when I get to Salem in January I will work extremely hard to cut the fat by giving our state agencies monetary incentives to find savings in their budgets. But when criminals are let off the hook because there isn't enough money to administer their probation, we all pay the price.

I do not believe that the answer to this question is raising taxes on hard-working Oregonians or instituting a sales tax. But minor tweaks can and should be made to our tax code so that we can pay for all of our necessary services -- including probation for criminals.

I believe we need to increase the “$10 Corporate Minimum Tax” so that huge corporations pay their fair share. I also believe that we need to get rid of the corporate kicker. Taken together, these two steps will relieve some of the stress on our state budget so that we can recuce class sizes, ensure that all children have access to insurance and quality healthcare, and make sure that that criminals fulfill their sentences.

We simply cannot afford to wait and do nothing, hoping that the budget will work itself out. We need real leadership in Salem who is willing to make the tough choices so that we can fully fund our top priorities instead of shortchanging our communities.

That's why I'm asking for your support this fall. A contribution, an endorsement, or a pledge to volunteer today will go a long way towards helping me get elected in November so we can enact the change needed to improve and protect our communities.

New Conservative Coalition in Oregon Has Abramoff Ties

2006-07-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

This morning The Oregonian reports on a secretive meeting held by the Taxpayer Association of Oregon at which Republican gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix spoke. According to the article,

the coalition sometimes calls itself "Center Right," a group associated with national anti-tax activist Grover Norquist. A representative of Norquist's organization, Americans for Tax Reform, was at the meeting.

Norquist's group has contributed to petition drives for two potential measures on the November ballot that would restrict state spending and limit legislative terms. [emphasis added]

So who, exactly, is Grover Norquist, and what is Americans for Tax Reform? According to an article last month in The Washington Post, Norquist was a close friend to the convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and that there are allegations that Americans for Tax Reform acted as a conduit to hide political contributions.

Newly released documents in the Jack Abramoff investigation shed light on how the lobbyist secretly routed his clients' funds through tax-exempt organizations with the acquiescence of those in charge, including prominent conservative activist Grover Norquist.

The federal probe has brought a string of bribery-related charges and plea deals. The possible misuse of tax-exempt groups is also receiving investigators' attention, sources familiar with the matter said.

Among the organizations used by Abramoff was Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform. According to an investigative report on Abramoff's lobbying released last week by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Americans for Tax Reform served as a "conduit" for funds that flowed from Abramoff's clients to surreptitiously finance grass-roots lobbying campaigns. As the money passed through, Norquist's organization kept a small cut, e-mails show. [emphasis added]

We do not need outside agitators coming into Oregon to foment discontent among voters -- especially Washington fatcats who were close allies of Jack Abramoff and even earned money from dealing with him.

The flow of money from Abramoff-ally Grover Norquist into Oregon must cause us to begin rethinking the campaign finance laws in our state. While Mike strongly believes in individuals' right to fully participate in the political process, he also believes that out-of-state power-brokers like Grover Norquist shouldn't be able to throw unlimited dollars into our elections.

[UPDATE]: The fact that Nevada businessman Loren Parks is dumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into Oregon ballot measures -- not to mention the gubernatorial campaign -- only underscores the need for reform. And since the entrenched career politicians in Salem are apparently unwilling or unable to get real reform accomplished, it's time to get some new blood into Salem, a person unencumbered by the ties to the big special interests. It's time to send Mike Caudle to Salem!

Stop Cutting Our State Troopers and First Responders

2006-07-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

The trip from Oregon City to Boise is over 430 miles. I know because I made the round trip by car this weekend, trust me my gas tank reminded me how far that really is, but that is another post...

In the 860-mile round trip I saw exactly two police officers (both Oregon State Troopers) -- one on the trip over and one on my return home.

I must admit I was astonished! I-84 is too well traveled of a road to be so sparcely patroled. The small number of troopers in Oregon makes it difficult for troopers to perform critically needed patrols to keep our highways safe, to stop the meth entering Oregon via I-5 and I-84, and to stop the increase in traffic deaths.

"The 2005 Legislature reduced the number by 20 troopers" according to the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Office. "As a result of sworn staff reductions, almost all of the state is without 24-hour coverage, patrol areas have been expanded, many duties have been eliminated, response time has increased, and officer safety has been compromised." Read it yourself on their website: www.leg.state.or.us/comm/lfo/05_07agb

When these state trooper cuts were proposed in House Bill 5167, strangely, my opponent Wayne Scott defended these state trooper cuts and voted "yes" along with a narrow majority of the House. This is poor public policy.

In the 1979-81 biennium, there were 665 sworn full-time patrol troopers in Oregon. After last year's cuts, there were only 309 remaining -- a cut of more than half of our state troopers! Meanwhile, Oregon's population is up by over one million people (a 40 percent increase), highway traffic is up, and meth trafficking is up.

If we want to have a safe Oregon and a secure America we need to stop firing first responders and state troopers and start finding the money to adequately fund our homeland security.

Ensuring Access to Affordable Healthcare

2006-07-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today, the United States Senate took an important step towards enabling Americans to afford the quality of healthcare they deserve.

The Senate opened the way Tuesday to let Americans import prescription drugs into the United States from Canada, seeking to ease a regulatory ban on cheaper medicine crossing the border.

[...]

The department's Customs and Border Protection bureau began aggressively seizing Tamiflu, Viagra and other incoming prescription medications at borders in November. Prescription drugs — even those manufactured in the United States — are generally sold at cheaper prices in Canada.

All Americans should be able to buy safe drugs at a reasonable price, and if American-made prescriptions are cheaper in Canada, then we should be allowed to buy them there.

But affordable healthcare is not limited to affordable prescription drugs. We must ensure that all children have access to insurance and quality healthcare. What's more, the Legislature in Salem should require the big insurance companies to hold public hearings and get Insurance Commissioner approval before they raise their rates again.

Another Photo of Mike in Action

2006-07-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Over on the events page, we have posted another photo of Mike in action at the General Canby Days celebration on the Fourth of July. Check out a small version below or a larger version with caption, along with other campaign photos, on the events page.

Closing Loopholes for All Predatory Lenders

2006-07-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

This year there has been a lot of focus on reining in payday lenders who charge more than 500 percent annual interest -- and rightly so. In Oregon City, we helped pass an ordinance to help working families get out of the cycle of payday loan debt, and just this past weekend, The Bend Bulletin ran an in-depth article on the woes that can befall those who get caught in the payday loan trap.

But payday loan stores are not the only predatory lenders in Oregon, nor are they the only ones preying on hard-working Oregonians who have fallen under temporary hard times. That's why when I get to Salem in January I will join the effort in the state legislature to rein in all predatory lenders in the state, an effort that The Oregonian is apparently on board with as well.

The payday loan industry appears to be repositioning itself in response [to the new regulations on payday lenders passed by the legislature in the spring]. About 20 percent of Oregon's 363 payday loan stores have already upgraded to conventional licenses, for example. This will allow lenders to skirt the new rules and continue charging extortive interest rates.

The state should respond in two ways. First, if legally possible, state regulators should extend the payday reform law to cover car-title loans. This would limit the number of low-income families who end up losing their car or paying its value several times over in interest.

Second, the state Legislature should require conventional lenders to live under the same rules as payday lenders: No fees greater than $10 per $100 on an original loan, and no annual interest rates higher than 36 percent. [emphasis added]

I strongly endorse the measures backed by The Oregonian in the editorial above. And if state regulators are legally unable to extend the law covering payday lenders to also cover car-title lenders as The Oregonian calls for, then legislation should be passed to allow them to do this.

While I believe in free enterprise and in the right for small and large businesses alike to earn incomes, we must ensure that they are not earning profits by breaking the backs of other hard-working Oregonians. So as we work to limit lenders to 10 percent fees and 36 percent annual interest -- which can certainly yield reasonable profits -- we must also fight to keep the payday loan legislation on the books.

My opponent Wayne Scott voted against the payday loan bill, about which he said, "We're not passing the bill to protect people; we're passing the bill to protect ourselves." There's no indication that Scott would not join in the effort to overturn the new payday loan law if he were elected to the next legislature. But if the voters of the 39th House district elect me in November, I will oppose any effort to water down the law that is set to go on the book next year.

We need people in Salem who are accountable only to the voters -- not beholden to the special interests. If you are interested in helping me get elected, please make a contribution, give me your endorsement, or pledge to volunteer. I need your help so we can win this fall and bring real change to Salem.

John Edwards and Fighting Predatory Lenders

2006-07-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

Former US Senator John Edwards of North Carolina was speaking in Iowa today when he brought up an issue that is very near and dear to me: reigning in predatory lenders.

John Edwards, a White House hopeful, focused on the problem of predatory lenders in his first swing through Iowa since a statewide poll gave his potential presidential campaign a boost.

"What we're doing is focusing on what can be done to stop predatory lenders and payday lenders from preying on our most vulnerable families," said Edwards, who called for new regulations for an industry in which annual interest rates for payday loans can soar to 300 percent to 400 percent.

One of the primary reasons why I decided to get into this race was the unwillingness of the state legislature in Salem -- and my opponent, Majority Leader Wayne Scott, in particular -- to fully reign in the predatory lenders in Oregon.

Yes, the legislature passed a bill placing new regulations on payday lenders. But the law does not go into effect until next July, allowing payday lenders to have more than sufficient time to reconstitute as check cashers, title loan companies or other predatory lenders that frequently charge over 500 percent annual interest. A number of payday lenders in Oregon have already done this to avoid the pending law.

According to a recent survey by the State of Oregon (.pdf, page 27), 30 percent of payday loan consumers explain they take out the loan just to pay for groceries. No hard-working Oregonian -- and these are all hard-working people, because they are requited to bring in their paycheck in order to receive a payday loan -- no hard-working Oregonian should be forced to borrow money from a predatory lender in order to put food on the table for their children.

So when I get to Salem next year, I will join the effort to begin to regulate all of these predatory lenders so that any Oregonian is able to escape from the cycle of debt.

Outside of making this a campaign issue, I worked with community and church groups to push for Oregon City to pass an ordinance further regulating payday lenders in the city. Our effort was successful and the measure passed the city commission on a 5-0 vote. A similar effort is in the works for the city of Canby, which is also in my district, and several other cities throughout the state. (For more information, visit PaydayLoanFairness.org.)

But beyond that, I want to applaud Senator Edwards for bringing this issue to the national forefront. We must begin dealing with predatory lenders all around this country today so that all of our families can thrive.

Photos of Mike at General Canby Days

2006-07-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Over in the events page of our website we have posted some photos from the Independence Day event we attended in Canby. Here are smaller versions of the photos (click the events link to see the full-size versions)...

What's New in the Campaign

2006-07-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

The campaign is progressing very well these days, and there's really quite a bit going on.

This morning, I had the opportunity to meet with a top staffer for one of Oregon's great members of Congress who gave me some great advice and who also informed me of some very exciting campaign opportunities for the coming weeks (which I will certainly let you know about as soon as possible).

This week, Mike sent out a wave of campaign emails to supporters asking for donations, personal endorsements, and campaign volunteers. Again, the response we received was very positive.

And in another exciting piece of news, I have learned from the people who run ActBlue.com, the online fundraising platform for Democrats, that Oregon will soon be added to the list of states for which money can be raised online. Although you can currently donate online to our campaign through our platform that uses PayPal, the addition of ActBlue, which will be available at this link, is a very exciting development for our campaign.

Healthcare Reform

2006-07-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Senators Wyden and Smith are setting an excellent leadership example for Oregon.

Every facet of Oregon healthcare is a huge problem; access to; cost of for providers, businesses and individuals; quality of coverage... the list of problems is long.

Senators Wyden and Smith have banded together, not to announce a massive shift in policy, but to kick off a gradual shift in how we look at healthcare.

Our governement leaders working together over time to solve the problems of the citizens over time. Salem could learn from our leaders in the Senate.

Rather than bickering, blocking bills, and partisian attacks around Healthcare our leaders in Salem should be coming together to look at problems. There are plenty of issues we can disagree on, but the education, health and safety of our children, parents and grandparents is a place we should all come together to solve problems that the majority of our citizens say exist.

Where are the Young Voters?

2006-07-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

Leafing through the Oregonian on Sunday, a story jumped out at me that I wanted to write about but until now had not had the opportunity to do so.

Almost 80 percent of registered Oregon voters in their 30s -- people settling into careers, buying homes and starting families -- opted to sit out May's primary election, an analysis by The Oregonian shows.

[...]

Barely one in four registered voters in their late 30s and early 40s voted. Voters ages 30 to 35 were no more likely than registered 18- and 19-year-olds to cast a ballot, the analysis found.

More and more, voters in this state -- particularly voters age 40 and below -- are getting fed up with Oregon's political system. This Oregonian article only underscores this fact.

I wholly understand the sentiment behind the low turnout numbers in May. With the career politicians in Salem spending more time pandering to the big lobbies and the party bosses, gridlock is as bad today as it has ever been.

The state legislature has failed to stabilize education funding. It has failed to create a rainy day fund. It has failed to ensure that children have access to insurance and quality healthcare. It has failed to fully reign in the predatory payday lendors who charge more than 500 percent annual interest. It has failed to do so many things.

With so many important initiatives still unpassed, it's no wonder that a significant number of Oregonians aren't voting.

But we cannot give up on these voters. We must inspire them to send in their ballots by election day by offering a vision of change. And that's exactly what I'm trying to do with this campaign.

I'm not a career politician, just a regular citizen fed up with the way things are going in Salem today. We desperately need new blood in the Capitol who isn't beholden to the big interests or so partisan that they can't get the work of the people done. We need fresh faces willing to make the tough decisions, to create a rainy day fund, to fully provide for our schools, to make it easier for small businesses to create jobs, to give law enforcement to the tools to combat meth, to regulate the predatory lenders, to provide aid to those most in need.

And I'm taking this message to all of the potential voters in this district. I'm knocking on the doors, calling the phones, going to the town meetings, marching in the parades. We're going to get out the vote in Oregon's 39th House District, all right. We're going to get people -- especially voters under the age of 40 -- voting this fall.

But I need your help. Whether it's a contribution, an endorsement, or a pledge to volunteer, I need your help so we can win this fall and bring real change to Salem.

Celebrating Independence Day

2006-07-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Mike, the campaign volunteers and I had a great time at General Canby Days, the Fourth of July Celebration in Canby.

Mike and I got to the event in the early morning to set up our booth, which was situated directly between the Wildlife Safari and a free summer camp for underpriviledged youth. We both jumped a bit when an alligator (or was it a crockodile?) walked behind us as a part of the safari booth. (At least I was a bit startled.)

During the course of the day Mike, the volunteers and I handed out several dozen campaign fliers to people in attendence and the feedback from the Canby residents was really positive. Voters in House District 39 are thirsty for a change to the gridlock and the career politicians in Salem and they see Mike as a great new alternative.

In the afternoon, Mike and crew -- which included his wife, his daughter, his father and several of his nieces and nephews -- participated in the parade through the streets of Canby. With the kids riding in the bed of a Ford F250 pickup, Mike walked along and handed out gum and information to the many people who lined the streets. Many, many cheers could be heard when the group passed by.

Although both Mike and I ended up gettting a bit of a sunburn -- as campaign manager, I take full responsibility for not coming equipped with sunscreen -- all in all the event was a big success.

(Pictures to be posted in a future blog story.)

Weekend Campaign Roundup

2006-07-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a busy one as always at the Mike Caudle campaign.

On Friday afternoon Mike and I held an orientation for our first two campaign interns, both of whom are extremely bright and eager to be involved. The training went well and we are very excited to have them as a part of the team.

On Saturday morning Mike and I were able to meet for a time with Ron Wyden, Oregon's very popular Democratic Senator. Mike and Senator Wyden talked about some of the key issues in this race and plans for the 4th of July, and I was able to talk shop with some of the Senator's staff.

On Saturday afternoon FuturePac, the Oregon House Democrats' political committee, threw a party in Portland for campaign managers. There I was able to compare tricks of the trade with other campaign staffers and got some great ideas that will help us get Mike elected this fall.

And on Sunday we were able to set up our online fundraising page with the great help of a campaign volunteer. Now, if you are interested in helping out the campaign financially you can do it from your own home without having to send a check through the mail.

Impressive Registration Push Among Hispanics

2006-06-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today's Salem Statesman Journal reports on a major voter registration effort among Oregon's Hispanic population.

With the immigration debate expected to be revived in September, immigrant-rights groups in the Salem area will begin a naturalization and voter-registration campaign across the state Saturday.

[...]

The local effort is part of "Democracy Summer," a national campaign launched by the We Are American Alliance, a nationwide collection of labor, faith and immigrant-rights groups.

Its coast-to-coast goal is to have 1 million immigrants both naturalized and registered to vote in the November election. It also focuses on 18- to 24-year-old children of immigrants.

Mike would like to applaud the effort to register more citizens across Oregon and across the country to vote. There is no greater right or responsibility than that of voting, and any organized attempt to get more citizens voting -- regardless of their race or ethinicity -- should be fully supported by institutions both inside and outside of government.

Rep. Scott Uses Political Office for Personal Gain

2006-06-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Rather than spending time fighting for working familes in Canby and Oregon City, Rep. Scott used his office and his vote to protect Western Fireworks, a company he is President of!

According to The Willamette Week,

But some of Scott's smaller competitors say he has long abused his power in the Legislature to cement his company's position of dominance while leaving them struggling to stay afloat. Here's how:

In the 2003 Legislature, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 667-A, a seemingly innocuous bill dealing with nonagricultural operations on land zoned for exclusive farm use.

The bill included an amendment from Scott that lets his aerial fireworks company, which puts on Fourth of July shows at venues such as the Blues Festival on the Willamette and Oaks Park, operate regularly on farmland instead of needing to get temporary-use permits each year from local authorities. Typical fireworks operations on farmland that require permits include storing fireworks as well as testing, shipping or directly selling them.

But the bill applied only to aerial fireworks companies in continuous operation on land zoned for exclusive farm use since Dec. 31, 1986. And Western was the only business that met that standard, according to at least two legislators who voted for SB667-A, Sen. Gary George (R-McMinnville) and Rep. Gary Hansen (D-Portland). [emphasis added]

As your State Represntative I will spend my time working to protect and support our kids and working families. I will never put politics or business in front of your best interest and I will NEVER use my vote for personal gain. Wayne Scott has violated the public trust that comes with his office and it is time to put someone in salem that sees things from our prospective!

Meth Crimes Begining to Harm Rural Farmers

2006-06-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

District 39 has a serious meth problem, and now that problem is impacting our rural farmers in a unique way. Meth users are begining to steal irrigation pipe and fittings to sell as scrap metal to make money for their next fix. This could become as serious and costly issue for our rural farmers.

Take a look at this story from KGW news, which ran a segment on this issue last night.

Criminals and drug addicts looking for quick cash are turning to agriculture for a fix.

There has been a rash of thefts from farms and nurseries in the Mid-Willamette Valley. With scrap metal fetching a high price — aluminum prices are at an 18-year high — thefts of any type of metal is taking off, said Matt Haslett, a spokesman for Metro Metals Northwest in Portland.

Someone stole pipe fittings and other aluminum irrigation parts from Anderson's Grower Direct nursery in Aurora Sunday. After contacting the police, Richard Anderson, the owner of the nursery, notified area scrap yards. By Monday, Salem Police arrested a man for the crime.

When I met with Clackamas County District Attorney John S. Foote this week to discuss what he saw as the important issues facing this district, stopping the flow of meth came up front and center.

We need more cops on the street to combat meth crimes. Wayne Scott voted to cut our state troopers by 20 positions (HB 5167) and we know that meth crimes are on the rise even in rural parts of our district. It is time for a change! Meth is a serious problem that requires policing, and our current State Representative continues to hamper our public safety officials ability to protect us from meth crimes!

The New Website

2006-06-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well, the website is up and running now thanks to the great volunteer work of one of the friends of the campaign. We'd love to hear any thoughts and suggestions you might have about it, so please feel free to send us an email under the subject line "Website" with any of your thoughts.

It's A Great Day To Be A Beaver!

2006-06-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last night we put the campaign on hold for a few hours to watch the OSU Baseball team win the NCAA National Championship! What a thrill! It was great to see the Beavs win with such great heart and incredibly tired arms. It was also exciting to see a local athlete lead the team! Jonah Nickerson (Oregon City HS) put the team on his back and carried them to victory! Pitching the Beavers out of several sticky situations.

I bleed orange and black so today is a very amazing day OSU Beavers as NCAA champions is truly one of the happiest things I can think of in terms of sports. The phone hasn't stopped ringing off the hook at my house, my buddies have regailed all the moments of the College World Series at least a hndred times and my wife and I are still a little shocked but what a great moment for OSU and for Oregon Sports.

On another sports related note I would like to congratulate Lacey Forbito (OCHS) on being recognized with 2nd Team All State honors & Kaycee Hoffman (Canby HS) for recieving Honorable Mention as softball players. Nice job ladies!

Well back to the campaign! What a great day to be a Beaver!

Riding the Bus

2006-06-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night I joined countless young people and progressives alike at the Oregon Bus Project's semi-annual all-night party and fundraiser.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Bus Project, Wikipedia explains that "the Oregon Bus Project is a non-profit organization that engages young people in progressive politics and catalyzes action around progressive issues within Oregon."

The even was great -- lots of raucous fun -- and I had the opportunity to speak with a number of people about the campaign to send Mike to the state legislature. Needless to say, people were extremely excited to hear that we are putting together a strong campaign to take on Majority Leader Wayne Scott. The response was really positive and a number of people expressed their interest in getting involved in the campaign.

If you, too, are interested in getting involved, shoot us an email, give us a call at 503-557-1616 or send us a letter to the address on the right.

Soon to come on the blog: an update on the website, which is just moments from coming online.

This Week in the Campaign

2006-06-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

With the end of the work week fast approaching, let's take a look back at some of the things going on in the campaign over the last few days...

This week has been chalk full of campaign-related activities. Mike and I met with key local politicians to get some tips from seasoned veterans of local politics, we interviewed a representative from a company interested in running our direct mail and advertising buys and met with a number of excited volunteers who are interested in helping out in any way possible. (Email us if you, too, want to become a volunteer.) We also ramped up our fundraising effort this past week to ensure that we can run the most effective campaign possible between now and election day.

Additionally, we have been working to put the finishing touches on the campaign website, which should be up and running any time now. Our efforts in this regard have included working with ActBlue.com to set up a means for accepting online contributions. For now, if you are interested in donating to the campaign, please send a check to

Committee to Elect Mike Caudle
718 Main Street
Oregon City, OR 97045

In your letter, make sure to include your full name, address, telephone number (optional), email address (optional), occupation, employer, and employer address as required by Oregon law. Remember, individual's campaign contributions of up to $50 will result in a tax refund of that same amount (Oregon Political Tax Credit).

But this week was not only focused on campaigning for the state legislature. Mike, who was student body president at Oregon State University, has been eagerly following the Beavers' impressive run in the College World Series and greatly looks forward to watching them in the championship series. (I'm a bit of a Johnny-come-lately to Beavers baseball, but I'm enjoying rooting for the home team, too.)

And on Wednesday night, after several weeks of lobbying by Mike and many others, the Oregon City commission unanimously passed a citywide ordinance reigning in the predatory payday lendors in the area. (You can read Mike's write-up of the vote here.) You can rest assured that when Mike is in the state House in January he will work hard to make sure that all Oregonians have the ability to escape from the cycle of debt.

Make sure to check in throughout the next week for more updates and news from the campaign.

Oregon City Passes Payday Loan Ordinance

2006-06-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday night I spoke at the Oregon CIty Commission in support of passing a payday loan city ordinance. This ordinance -- which passed unanimously, 5-0 -- bridges the gap until the bill that the State Legislature passed takes effect next July.

After I testified I was thinking about a comment Trent Tidwell, OC Commision President, made. Trent said that as he researched the ordinance he could not find on person that was opposed to payday loan reform...I know of one...my opponent Wayne Scott!

Wayne is out of touch, he is not in tune with the needs of our citizens and its way past time for a change in Salem. Wayne has voted to cut state troopers, opposed payday loan reform, blocked health insurance bulk purchasing for educators and small business and killed bill after billl after bill that would have improved the lives of the hard working citizens of our community.

It is time that House District 39 once again had a legislator that cares about and supports our children, hard working families and our greatest generation our parents and grandparents!

Renewing the Voting Rights Act

2006-06-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press is currently reporting that a group of Congressional insiders have come together to block the renewal of the Voting Rights Act.

In 1965, Congress passed this legislation to enfranchise African-American voters, particularly in the South, through abolishing poll taxes and literacy tests and requiring states and counties with a history of voter suppression to get permission before making changes to electoral law. While there are some who have criticisms of the bill, it is one of the most successful and important pieces of legislation in the last century, a landmark law that was extremely effective in allowing all Americans to participate in the electoral process.

Although state legislators do not play a direct role in the renewal of the law, Mike urges Congress to pass an extension to the Voting Rights Act to ensure that all Americans -- and all Oregonians -- can exercise their right to vote.

My First Campaign Post

2006-06-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in getting my first post up on the campaign blog (and my first blog post ever). My young daughter hasn't been feeling well so I have been staying home to take care of her. But now that she is feeling better, you can look forward to more regular updates from me.

The netroots are pretty new to me, but I am happy to be out here in the blogosphere.

The campaign is finally getting legs. Jonathan is awesome as a campaign manager. We are raising money, knocking on doors and working hard.

I plan to blog a couple times a week and Jonathan will have updates at least daily. If you have any tips or suggestions, please email them to the campaign.

We appreciate all of the readers. Your support means a great deal to me. And if you're not too busy tonight, come on down to City Hall in Oregon City tonight at 7 o'clock to participate in the commission meeting on an ordinance regulating payday loan stores within the city. I'll be testifying in favor of the proposed ordinance and would greatly value any support and feedback.

Rethinking Campaign Finance Law

2006-06-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

This morning a jury found David Safavian, the former chief procurement official in the Bush administration, guilty of covering up his ties with one time superlobbyist and major campaign contributor Jack Abramoff.

Although the culmination of this trial shows that illegal activities will not go unpunished, it also underscores a need for more transparency in our campaign finance laws, both federally and here in Oregon.

Citizens have a constitutional right to make their voices heard in the political process through the first amendment's freedom of speech clause. But when too much money pours into our elections system, greed and corruption can ensue. One need only look to the convictions of Safavian and others like former US Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham for examples of when big money and politics have become too closely tied.

While it is not necessary or constitutional to take away citizens' ability to participate fully in the political process, common sense steps must be taken here in Oregon to clean up our campaign finance laws to help make Salem smarter and more accountable. Secretary of State Bradbury has made some good first steps, including requiring candidates to file their campaign finance reports electronically. But if we truly want to ensure that Salem is accountable to Oregonian voters and not outside interests, we must begin to seriously consider changes to our campaign finance laws.

Oregon Clamps Down on Meth

2006-06-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

From the Associated Press today:

White House drug czar John Walters announced today large drops in the number of meth labs siezed by police, and credited tougher laws and increased awareness of the hazards of methamphine.

[...]

The drop was steepest in Oregon and other Western and central western regions of the country, particularly states that were among the first and hardest hit by meth abuse and the dangerous makeshift labs where the drug is made from pseudoephedrine — found in many store-bought cold medicines — and household chemicals.

Oklahoma, for example, saw a drop of 68 percent, while lab busts in Montana fell by 66 percent and Oregon declined 60 percent. Missouri, which leads the nation in lab seizures, saw a 22 percent decline.

Oregon and a number of states are making great headway in combating the corrosive effect meth has on our communities, but more can and must be done. That's why Mike is calling for the hiring of 50 new state troopers to deal fight meth and identity theft.

More on Payday Loans

2006-06-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Last night Mike and I went to a meeting on a proposed payday loan ordinance at a local church in Oregon City and I have to tell you that the issue has been on my mind ever since.

This morning while driving to work I counted close to a dozen payday loan/title loan/cash checking stores along McLoughlin. Perhaps this shouldn't have come as a surprise as there are actually more payday loan stores in Oregon than McDonald's (a statistic we learned last night), but nevertheless I had never noticed just how many of these effectively unregulated stores dot the landscape.

So what will this proposed city ordinance do? And why is Mike, a candidate for the state House, getting involved in a local issue?

You can take a look at the draft of the ordinance online, but quickly, the proposed regulation would mandate that the five payday loan stores in Oregon City -- each of which is owned by an out-of-state corporation -- would:

Allow borrowers pay back principal in addition to interest (like a home loan or most any other loan).
Allow borrowers to have a payment plan if they are unable to pay back the loan when it comes due (so people are not forced into bankruptcy -- or into more loans -- just to pay off a payday loan).
Allow borrowers to return the loan within 24 hours (which is just good common sense).

The purpose of the ordinance, and indeed all proposed regulations of the industry in Oregon, is not to punish the people who own payday loan stores. In fact, each of these regulations -- which are common in many other states around the country -- would still allow the industry to be profitable.

As to the second question -- why Mike is getting involved in a local issue when he's running for the state legislature -- the answer is simple. As a lifelong resident of Clackamas County, Mike cares deeply about the vitality of the community. And whether action is needed in Salem or here in Oregon City, Mike will stand up for the people of this district.

Regulating the Payday Loan Industry

2006-06-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Next week city commissioners in Oregon City will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would regulate the payday loan industry beyond the legislation signed into law by Governor Kulongoski in April.

Tonight Mike and I will be attending an open meeting at the Prince of Life Lutheran Church in Oregon City (13896 S Meyers Rd) at 7:00 to discuss the public testimony in favor of the ordinance and how to ensure the ordinance is in fact enacted.

If you're interested in the issue, you should definitely think about attending, and if you do indeed attend, make sure to come over and introduce yourself.

If you are unable to attend but still feel strongly about the issue, please contact the campaign either through email or telephone (503-557-1616) to get more information or to get involved.

Welcome to the Mike Caudle Blog

2006-06-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

“I am going to keep my eye on the issues important to voters.” -- Mike

As a lifelong Clackamas County resident, I am passionate about seeing our community thrive. For this to happen, our elected representatives must see things from OUR PERSPECTIVE and take actions based upon what’s best for our community.

But too often, the politicians spend their time playing political games. I’m running to make sure that our community finally has a representative who sees things from OUR PERSPECTIVE.

Here are my priorities:

PUT KIDS FIRST

Increase education spending so that all kids get in a full school year.
Eliminate the corporate kicker and funnel that revenue into reducing class sizes
Protect our kids from sexual predators:
- ID bracelets to constantly track repeat child sex offenders
- Increase punishment for child sex crimes and online solicitation of kids
- Ban paroled sex offenders from living within 3 miles of a school
Ensure that all children have access to insurance and quality healthcare

PROTECT AND SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES

Reign in predatory payday loan companies outrageous interest rates
Add 50 state troopers to combat meth and ID theft crimes
Increase the “$10 Corporate Minimum Tax” to ensure that huge corporations pay their fare share
Establish public hearings for approval of health insurance company rate hikes
Increase short term training and technical career education opportunities

SMARTER MORE ACCOUNTABLE SALEM

Give state agencies monetary incentives to find savings in their budgets…put savings into healthcare and education
Open up public debate on the issues…follow the money
Encourage realistic campaign spending $100,000 to much to spend in an unopposed primary campaign