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Last Friday afternoon, when Ron Wyden dragged his sorry senatorial ass into our office, he didn't get any sympathy from us. No sir. So what if he'd only had three hours of sleep and was suffering from jet lag? When it comes to fatigue, pal, get in line. By our count, Wyden was the 91st (and final) candidate we interviewed during the past four weeks. And it didn't end there. We view candidates as if they were prospective employees (which, in a sense, they are). The job interview is important, but it's only a start. We also review candidates' records and check with people who've worked with them in the past. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it. This year we settled on 36 candidates and one ballot measure we think deserve support. And we've highlighted races that are particularly important. Along the way, as usual, we learned a few things. For example: * Metro's regional growth plan, 2040, is in trouble. After Milwaukie's mayor and two city councilors were recalled in December, pols got the message that people are grumbling about growth. This year nearly all the candidates, regardless of the office they sought, mentioned "livability," and they weren't saying that 2040 would preserve it. Instead, many stressed the need to "preserve existing neighborhoods." * Term limits are bad. Several of the best metro-area state legislators--such as Margaret Carter, Randy Leonard and Tom Brian--are being booted from office this year as the terms limits passed in 1990 take effect. Consider this: If re-elected, state Rep. Anitra Rasmussen, with two lackluster sessions under her belt, would be the senior House member from Portland. * Term limits aren't all bad: The shakeup in the Legislature has led to a game of political musical chairs. Many of the participants are political retreads, but there are also several impressive newcomers, such as Serena Cruz, Jason Dimen and Martin Taylor. * Oregon Republicans are eating their moderates. Suburban Republicans such as Rep. Chuck Carpenter and Sens. Jeannette Hamby, Ken Baker and Verne Duncan are under attack from right-wing challengers. If these veterans are ousted, the 1999 Legislature will probably become further polarized along party lines. * The democratic process--exhausting and problem-plagued as it is--still works. |
