Murmurs Thousands of people have been getting emails from state Rep. Dennis Richardson (R-Central Point) recently and haven’t been sure why. Turns out Richardson, co-chairman of the budget-writing Ways    More

News The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48, which represents about 100 city of Portland workers, was one of four union locals that last month made a show of not endorsing any candidate for mayor.At the time, IBEW 48 business agent Joe Esmonde cited the Columbia River Crossing as a top issue for his union and others that would work on the controversial construction project. Today, ...   More

News There has been growing speculation about the intentions of State Rep. Jefferson Smith (D-East Portland), who is an announced candidate for mayor and who also holds a safe legislative seat. But according to state and city filings, Smith is not currently registered to run for either position. Yesterday, an optometrist named Dr. Thuy Tran, a political newcomer, filed to run in the Democratic primary ...   More

News Four large local unions, representing 2,000 city of Portland employees, say they looked at the candidates for mayor and have decided who they want to endorse: none of the above.The unions, including those representing police and firefighters, say they're still looking for an acceptable candidate. The unions made a joint announcement on Thursday, endorsing Steve Novick and Mary Nolan for two City Council ...   More

News Portland Police Chief Mike Reese is strongly considering running for mayor in 2012, and he's telling associates he could announce his candidacy as soon as this week, WW has learned.Three sources who have spoken directly with Reese about his plans tell WW that Reese has decided to seek to replace Mayor Sam Adams, the man who elevated him to the top police job last year. Adams has said he won't run for ...   More

City Hall Public records offer clues about what politicians are really like. Do they pay their bills, vote or license their dogs? And what about parking tickets? All the major City Hall candidates have them an   More

City Hall Jefferson Smith wants to loom large in the mayor’s race, and not just because he’s the tallest candidate so far (6 feet 4 inches), but because he sees himself as an alternative to former City C   More

News Rep. Jefferson Smith (D-East Portland) has had a tough time since entering the mayoral race Sept. 13. The Oregonian reported that Smith's driving record is a mess and he rarely voted before co-founding the Oregon Bus Project. More recently, blogger Jack Bogdanski has attempted to sort out the Bus Project's finances.A check of Oregon State Bar records also shows that Smith, a lawyer, has been suspended ...   More