It's hard to believe that the race for Oregon's Governor has come down to a dead heat between Dr. Kitzhaber and Mr. Dudley. I think it's important to move beyond the framing and vicious attack ads of the Dudley campaign and get down to a real comparison between the candidates.
On an economic comeback in Oregon:
Kitzhaber: Real experience as the governor in creating jobs.
Dudley: Roll back the minimum wage and give us a Wal-Mart comeback. (Tax cuts for multi-national corporations that we as Oregon's citizens pay for.)
Kitzhaber: Eight years experience as one of our most popular governors in Oregon's history. Dudley: No experience at all in political office.
Kitzhaber: Old face, innovative ideas.
Dudley: New face, repackaging of the same failed Bushanomics that got us in this recession in the first place.
Kitzhaber: Rolled up his sleeves and willing to get to work.
Dudley: Said he was "ready to lead a comeback" and then went on vacation.
Kitzhaber: Answered with concrete long-term plans during the debate that Dudley finally agreed to.
Dudley: More vague economic plans.
The choice has never been clearer; we can vote for Chris Dudley, a "celebrity" and a retired basketball star or John Kitzhaber who has decades of experience in Oregon's Legislature and an individual who worked his way up to that position.
Remember that John Kitzhaber was a medical doctor with emergency room experience. We are in an "economic emergency" right now caused by Republican incompetence and partisanship. Now is the time for all Oregonians to put Oregon's future ahead of party loyalty and vote for Dr. John Kitzhaber, the only candidate with a proven track record.
- Philip H. Randall, Bend
Where is the Slow Growth Candidate?
How about a candidate running on a platform of limited growth?
We have all seen the result of ten years "unlimited growth": 15 percent unemployment, foreclosures, massive property devaluations. Disaster is an understatement.
Make Bend the first in Oregon to limit growth; lead the way for once in something good.
- Bob Seliger, Bend
