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ISSUE #34.49 • SPECIAL SECTION •

WW Voters’ Guide, November 2008


Tough choices, no brainers: Our endorsements for the general election.


Like this week's cover by Barry Stock? Download a printable PDF! Now available:Buy a souvenir T-shirt, travel mug or thong with the cover image!

BY WW STAFF | 503-243-2122

[October 15th, 2008]

Governing is a bitch.

And that’s likely to be doubly true for anyone elected this November.

Nationally, the economy is collapsing faster than Amy Winehouse’s nose, dragged down by the endless Iraq war and Wall Street’s transformation from Masters of the Universe to Raiders of the Federal Treasury.

The economic fallout will land hard on our state, county and city, all of which must figure out how to do more with less.

Since governing is going to be so tough, picking the right candidates is particularly vital.

Aren’t you glad you have us to help?

We’ve spent much of the past several weeks interviewing candidates, researching their backgrounds and digging into the dozen statewide—and four local—measures on the ballot.

Beyond the presidential race, the Oregon ballot is highlighted by the most serious challenge in this state to an incumbent U.S. senator since 1992—and the fact that Bill Sizemore and Kevin Mannix have again dominated the initiative process, responsible between them for two-thirds of the 12 statewide measures.

When it came to making our picks, we looked for people who can get things done, who show signs of good judgment and have something other than a reflexive partisan response to tough questions. (And, frankly, we were disappointed so many of the candidates for the Legislature seemed bereft of either big ideas or a grasp of the market meltdown’s magnitude.)

When it came to ballot initiatives or money measures, our questions were just as basic. Is there a problem? And does this measure stand a good chance of fixing it?

Believe it or not, the process was a gas. For those who want to participate vicariously, you can now watch videos of our interviews at the end of most of our endorsements, thanks to the good folks at Portland Community Media.

The election is Nov. 4. You should be getting your ballots in the next few days. When you do, here’s who and what we think you should support. Governing may be a bitch, but voting doesn’t have to be.



Comment on WW Voters’ Guide, November 2008   Comment RSS feed

Jesse  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 9:36am

so where's the link for a tshirt!??

Anita  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 10:05am

I second Jesse's request!

Ian Gillingham, Web Editor  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 10:50am

Sorry, Jesse & Anita, our online store at CafePress (cafepress.com/wweek) has apparently been flagged for review. I'll put up a note as soon as it's approved again. In the meantime, you can click in the photo caption above to download a poster PDF for printout.

Sorry for the hiccup,

Ian

MATTHEW ROSE  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 12:38pm

I've spread your wonderful poster on FB and here: storefrontwindows.blogspot.com/

Great stuff. See my posters on my site. (Not as good as that one!)

Matthew

Ashley  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 12:42pm

Awesome! Here is one my brother did a few months back: www.cafepress.com/53clothing

Richard Ellmyer  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 12:46pm

Portsmouth Residents Action Committee Targets Tina Kotek

The 160 + member Portsmouth Residents Action Committee is asking voters in North Portland to

Stevo  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 1:01pm

Here's a link to something I set up over the summer

cafepress.com/pdxsteve

wrnchbndr  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 1:49pm

Like any of the staff of this rag have a brain!!!

Ian Gillingham  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 1:59pm

And yet still you return, Wrnchbndr. Don't you have any bridges to lurk under?

Scott Graham  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 2:36pm

Hi, I'm looking for the link to the coffee mug site - any help?

Prop Property  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 2:47pm

Here are links to Palin-icious Mavericky Apparel and doodads:

www.cafepress.com/propproperty

www.cafepress.com/propproperty2

www.cafepress.com/propproperty3

www.cafepress.com/propproperty4

www.cafepress.com/propproperty5

Matthew Denney  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 4:18pm

Um, we need more public housing, not less. Tina Kotek is awesome and your comment is ridiculous.

Ellen Kimball  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 7:05pm

Thanks so much for your election viewpoints. When will my ballot be in our mailbox?

Cordially,

EK

Dave Lister  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 7:39pm

Good calls on Fritz and Delman. The rest of it is unimaginative and predictable.

Ian Gillingham  writes on Oct 15th, 2008 8:09pm

Good news: The CafePress store is back up, with T-shirts, mugs and more:

www.cafepress.com/wweek

Check out the PaliNope merch at Prop Property (see comment 11) as well: www.cafepress.com/propproperty

wrnchbndr  writes on Oct 16th, 2008 7:03am

What exactly is it that makes you qualified to tell your kool-aide drinking followers who to vote for?

The countries broke so how is the Messiah going to pay for all of the things that he has promised? Hes going to raise your taxes thats how. The man won't be able to deliver!!

jeff taylor  writes on Oct 16th, 2008 9:07am

Thou vowel-less wrnchbndr, have some Kool-Aid and get on the Titanic with the rest of us. Yes, the country's broke and in a state of permanent war, and taxes will doubtless rise like dough no matter who rules.

Your candidates, a senile, bitter old man with one foot in the grave, and Anita Bryant II, will send us to Hell faster, that's all. Think of Obama as a brake applied after the car has already gone over the cliff.

Now go help steal the election for the Rethugs. Burn an Obama poster or something. Locate a dictionary and brush up on your spelling, improve your mind. Have some more Kool-Aid, too. This one is grape flavored, and has a nice finish.

Windchime  writes on Oct 17th, 2008 6:14am

Thanks for the voter's guide. I am finishing my Overseas Ballot here in France. While I live overseas, I am still a Portland home- and business owner, so having information on measures that could affect my taxes is really useful.

Tim Flanagan  writes on Oct 17th, 2008 4:50pm

To: Mark Zusman

A letters to the editor

Dear Mark,

I listened to you on the radio last week, and you seem like a relatively level-headed guy. But when

I read your endorsements and commentary regarding the upcoming election I was disappointed.

I expect union-bashing from the Bill Sizemore’s of the world, but not from you.

In the latest version of your endorsement article (10/16/08), why do you praise legislators who are

"business friendly" (House District 34) and "pro-business" (House District 30); but attack and shame candidates for standing up for an agenda (Attorney General, Congressional District 5, and House Districts 42, 45, 51, 30) that would increase money to education programs, stress tax fairness from corporations, and whose members have been on the front line of every civil rights battle this country has seen?

Our community colleges, educators, and working families are the cutting edge in what could be the most critical election in the past half century. Some of your glib commentary is relatively dismissive of working

people while treating what we have seen to be corrupt corporate “partners” with kid gloves.

No other group -- on the left or the right -- whether the environmental lobby or the Pro-Life movement, has

received such treatment as you reserved for labor unions and the hard-working people they represent. Businesses have spent over $110,000,000 on lobbying during the past decade -- which is 14 times what is spent by organized working people. (www.oregonfollowthemoney.org). But corporations do not receive any of your ire. Why do they get a free pass? If our corporate partners were paying their fair share for education, infrastructure, and the like, perhaps our citizens would not have to struggle and cut corners to fork over hard cash to cover their operating expenses. (while their CEO’s rake in billions in “bailout” money)

What part of labor's agenda do you disapprove of: Universal health care for all Oregonians? Protecting

workers rights? Civil rights? Standing up against businesses that abuse the law? Educating our children?

Giving workers a 40 hours week, safe working conditions, and a voice in the workplace?

For the record, I am a very proud member of a labor union here in Portland, the American Federation of Teachers, and I co-host Fifth Monday Labor Radio on KBOO 90.7fm (6pm Monday nights, shameless plug, I know) We

welcome you and your readers to call in, check us out, and share your thoughts about unions and working people.

I do agree with many of your recommendations, and appreciate your standing up to Bill Sizemore. I just wish you wouldn't fall into the same McCain/Cheney/Limbaugh attacks on those of us in the middle who are working for

progressive change and jobs with justice.

We deserve better from your publication. And I do not stand alone.

Sincerely,

Tim Flanagan

Lake Oswego

Not Tame  writes on Oct 20th, 2008 8:19am

WW, where might I find discussion of candidates for "Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries"? Cheers!

Nigel Jaquiss  writes on Oct 20th, 2008 10:23am

We inadvertently neglected to interview the two candidates because we did not realize until too late that incumbent Commissioner Brad Avakian had an opponent.

Avakian, an employment lawyer, served in the Oregon House and Senate before being appointed Labor Commissioner by Gov. Kulongoski earlier this year. His opponent, Pavel Goberman, a fitness buff who notes in the Voter's Pamplet that he "gave myself a PhD in PE," has run for numerous offices over the past decade without distinction.

iwillbecauseiam  writes on Oct 21st, 2008 6:14pm

Do the jackoffs at the WW realize that Sarah Palin is not running for President?

Ben Waterhouse  writes on Oct 22nd, 2008 8:36am

Given McCain's age and evident infirmity, she's absolutely running for President.

Becky  writes on Oct 22nd, 2008 8:48am

FOR wrnchbndr - "The countries broke so how is the Messiah going to pay for all of the things that he has promised? Hes going to raise your taxes thats how. The man won't be able to deliver!!"

****************************************

If you wish to delve into serious debate about what this country needs, and who is qualifed to lead it, you may find that spelling and grammar are paramount in how seriously others view your opinions. Last time I checked, America is singular.

julie  writes on Oct 23rd, 2008 6:25pm

Re: Tina Kotek - Richard Ellmyer is a perennial North Portland nutjob who is trying to jam up our political process with a jeremiad against the HAP (among other misguided missions). Hang in there, Tina!

Karel  writes on Oct 30th, 2008 7:44am

What's the unforgiving objection to the Governor which elicits such a degrading childish "poster" "t-shirt" "cofee mug" or whatever? It seems very petty and minor league when viewed from afar, having lived and worked in OR.

Karel  writes on Oct 30th, 2008 7:49am

Publications of any ilk lose much credibility once they start thinking they can tell the people how to vote. Actually they are only pandering to 'their own' anyway, their readers. What is the point?

Karel  writes on Oct 30th, 2008 7:55am

Not exactly true, now is it. Because if so , does that mean the other one with his age and mental infirmities is running for the top spot of their ticket as well???? Now THAT'S scary. Happy Halloweeeeen!

MATTHEW ROSE  writes on Nov 2nd, 2008 4:48pm

Some of my images are here:

homepage.mac.com/mistahcoughdrop/

Best,

Matthew

doug firestone  writes on Jul 2nd, 2009 12:54pm

So, it's July 2009. How's all that hopey changey s**t working our for y'all?? Doug

 
Ben Waterhouse  writes on Jul 2nd, 2009 1:10pm

Pretty well, Doug. Sure, the economy sucks, but at least I don't have to cringe every time I hear the president's voice.

Comment on the "WW Voters’ Guide, November 2008" article
President
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
U.S. Senate
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
1st Congressional District
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
3rd Congressional District
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
5th Congressional District
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
Treasurer
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Republican
Secretary Of State
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
Attorney General
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
Measure 54: Voter Eligibility
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: Yes
Measure 55: Redistricting
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: Yes
Measure 56: Double Majority
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: Yes
Measure 57 and 61:
Minimum Sentences

WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: Yes On 57
Vote: No On 61
Measure 58: English Instruction
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: No
Measure 26-94: Children’s Services
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: Yes
Bond Measure 26-95: Portland Community College
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: Yes
Bond Measure 26-96: Oregon Zoo
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: No
Bond Measure 26-97: Centennial School District
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: Yes
House District 42
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 45
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 49
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Republican
House District 50
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 51
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 52
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 37
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Republican
House District 38
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Republican
House District 39
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 41
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 33
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 34
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 35
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 36
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 26
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 27
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 29
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
House District 30
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
Senate District 14
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
Senate District 18
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
Senate District 25
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Democrat
Commissioner, District 4
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Nonpartisan
Commissioner, District 3
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Nonpartisan
Sheriff
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Nonpartisan
City Council
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Nonpartisan
Measure 65: Open Primaries
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: Yes
Measure 59: State Taxes
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: No
Measure 60: Merit Pay for Teachers
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote:No
Measure 62: Lottery Proceeds
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: No
Measure 63: Building Permits
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: No
Measure 64: Payroll Deductions
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Vote: No
WW 2008 Endorsement Interview Awards
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | After six weeks of interviews, we’d like to honor some of our favorite moments.
Five Things That Made Us Go “Huh”
WW EDITORIAL STAFF
More Resources for Voting
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Don't just take our word for it. Here are more voting guides and resources for you to make your choice.
 

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