If people from other parts of the country know anything about Oregon, they know that we’re a little bit different out here.

We’re the state where everybody votes at the kitchen table. We actually give you money back for old bottles and you can go to the beach whenever and wherever you want. No ticket necessary.

The creativity, innovation, and collaboration that led to the Bottle Bill, public beaches, voting by mail, and many other progressive ideas has made a mark not just here, but throughout America.

But while our history is worth celebrating, it’s time to quit resting on yesterday’s accomplishments. Because the challenges facing our state are all about what happens tomorrow. The world has become an intensely competitive place, and this competition drives what happens in our economy.

So we need to build a government that’s responsive to changing economic realities and nimble enough to adapt when necessary.

The first step is to start focusing on what we can do rather than what we can’t. If we don’t start embracing new ideas in a hurry, we’re going to find that the rest of America, even the rest of the world, has left our state far behind.

From my work at NIKE, I’ve learned a lot about taking chances and innovation and I’m happy to report that we’ve started putting this approach to work in Salem. Now that we’ve established a Rainy Day Fund, our state will weather the next economic downturn without the usual massive cuts to education and other vital services. By 2025, a quarter of Oregon’s energy will come from renewable sources. That’s not just good for air quality and global warming, it will also help us reduce our reliance on foreign oil and create a lot of good-paying jobs in our state.

Still, these innovations are just the start. Oregon faces a variety of challenges that will require innovative thinking. We have to start upgrading our community colleges and universities in a hurry; we’ve already fallen far behind Washington and many other states. We must get a handle on escalating health care costs, which are strangling small businesses and driving families into bankruptcy. We have to invest in infrastructure, like transportation systems, and we must do more to support local, sustainable businesses.

It’s an ambitious agenda, but the state that made it easier to vote, recycle, and go to the beach should be up to the task.

As one of the youngest members of the Legislature, I’m proud to be part of a team that’s leading our return to creative, innovative, and collaborative thinking. However, the ultimate success of our Legislature, and our state, depends on you. We can’t make the changes necessary to take Oregon into the future without your input, without your ideas. I hope you’ll join us.

If you have an idea for the next big innovation that the Legislature should already be working on, let me know.

Thanks.

Tobias Read
State Representative, District 27

At the Democratic Party of Oregon Summit earlier this month, our House Majority Leader, Dave Hunt, had a chance to speak to the participants about just how we were able to take back the Oregon House and what it means to our state to put forth and pass a progressive agenda.

He began by doing something very significant—he asked every Democratic candidate who ran for the legislature in 2006 but didn’t win his or her election to stand. And he told the members of the Democratic Party of Oregon that a huge reason we took the majority, and a huge reason that our state is finally investing in education and alternative energy, and leading again on so many issues, could be seen in the people standing up in front of us.

Last election the media covered candidates such as Rob Brading, who forced then-Speaker Karen Minnis into a tremendously competitive race and came close to taking her out. The amount of time, energy and resources Minnis pulled from the GOP side just to keep her own seat was a great asset to our efforts.

But lesser attention has been given to the full roster of Democrats who took on tremendous challenges, putting their Republican opponents on the defensive, drawing attention to the Road Map for Oregon’s Future, making the case against the far right extremist ballot measures that were on the 2006 ballot, and also helping to focus local voters on the Kulongoski/Saxton race as well.

These are candidates such as Jim Calvert in Klamath Falls, Mike Moran in Medford, Howard Owens in Grants Pass and Richard Koopmans in Gold Hill. In the Willamette Valley, we had outstanding Democrats such as Sam Sappington, Brian Grisham, Jim Gilbert and Connie Garcia. Dan Thackaberry made an excellent run in House District 17, as did Jason Brown in HD 23, and Sal Peralta came painfully close to knocking off the incumbent in House District 24.

The story repeated itself throughout the state, with Chuck Lee in Marion and Yamhill counties, Lee Coleman running in one of the Clackamas/Washington districts and Bev Backa running in another. Mike Caudle forced then Majority Leader Wayne Scott to the wall in District 39, Jill Selman-Ringer took on the campaign in District 50, and Ryan Olds ran a spirited campaign against a right wing GOP member in District 51.

Moving north and east, Suzanne VanOrman gathered just under 10,000 votes in the three counties that make up District 52, Bill Smith caused the Republicans significant problems in his Central Oregon District 53, and Phil Philiben, despite being significantly outspent by the GOP incumbent, pulled in close to 12,000 votes, losing by only a few percentage points.

In three of our most rural districts, Tonia St. Germain, a faculty member at Eastern Oregon University, spoke out strongly in her campaign for District 57, as did Ben Talley in the Umatilla/Union county District 58 and Peter Hall in the far eastern District 60.

In District 59, encompassing nine counties, Jim Gilbertson, a local farmer making his second run at the legislature, came within 300 votes of becoming the 32nd Democratic member of the House.

These efforts, in districts with close registration numbers and in districts where we face a long time GOP advantage, are all crucial. Running for office is not only the best possible vehicle to getting out the Democratic message statewide, but is also the key to keeping and expanding our majority. The only reason we now control the House is that we have been willing to build relentlessly. Districts that have been in GOP hands for years now have Democratic representatives. Several of theses members set out against all odds and worked for over two campaign cycles to finally win election. Several of our great candidates from 2006, including Jason Brown and Suzanne VanOrman, are seeking to accomplish this task in 2008.

The point is this—just as Howard Dean’s 50 state strategy is helping to build a long term Democratic majority nationwide, the Oregon Democratic Party must have a 36 county strategy to build a long-term majority here at home. Everything we value—from education to health care to economic development to the environment to social justice—depends on each one of us doing everything we can do, starting right where we live.

We’re currently recruiting candidates in 29 districts statewide. We have some remarkable Oregonians already willing to step forward in many districts. But we need more, particularly in districts that have been held by the GOP for an extended period of time.

We can help realistically analyze the dynamics of your district and help organize a campaign that is practical and will have the greatest impact possible. Are you willing, or do you know someone who cares enough about the future of our state to be willing to step up in 2008, to stand out, speak out, and help us move a progressive agenda for Oregon for years to come? The stakes are huge. The GOP is poised to pour millions of dollars into their effort to retake the House. If we lose even one seat, Oregon falls back.

When we win, we accomplish great things. When we lose, Oregon and all of our communities suffer. We need your help. Work with us so we can compete in all 60 districts, in every part of our state.

Thanks & Onward-

Peter Buckley
Majority Whip
House Democratic Leadership

Contact Michele Rossolo at michele@futurepac.org for information on running for the Oregon Legislature.

A year before the 2006 election, the Oregon House Democratic Caucus met to discuss the future of our state. It was clear that we needed new leadership in the Oregon House, since 16 years of Republican control had left our great state depressed and searching for hope and new ideas. We decided to spend several months listening to Oregonians in all parts of our state about what they wanted and needed from their state government. Once we gathered these ideas we formed an agenda called the “Roadmap for Oregon’s Future”. Our outstanding candidates then brought this agenda back to their districts and, with strong campaigns, we were able to pull off an astonishing victory and win back the House majority.

Once the election was won it became clear the job ahead of us was daunting. Our caucus again joined together in a truly momentous team effort that produced the most successful legislative session in decades. After 16 years of disinvestment in schools, health care, state troopers, agriculture, infrastructure, and the environment, it would have been easy for our new majority caucus to sit back and just complain about who was responsible for the mess. Instead our caucus did what our State needed them to do: provide strong leadership in rebuilding Oregon for the future.

Leadership means setting forth a clear vision, actively fighting to implement that vision, and making thoughtful compromises to accomplish that vision. And leadership also requires lots of listening: listening on people’s doorsteps, at town hall meetings, in grocery store aisles, and in committee hearings. Listening to the overworked single mom in Junction City, the new business start-up in Hillsboro, the uninsured children in Woodburn, the struggling wheat grower in Pendleton, the under-employed longshoreman in Coos Bay – and people from all walks of life in communities throughout Oregon.

Challenging times also provide an opportunity for true leaders to step to the front lines. Manufactured home residents found an accomplished ally in Rep. Chris Edwards. Rep. Edwards and Rep. Brian Clem successfully fought to protect unincorporated communities and farms. Seniors found a true champion in Rep. Jean Cowan. Business leaders were brought to the table for true innovative thinking and passage of a Rainy Day Fund by Rep. David Edwards. Consumer protection and help for growing school districts were expanded by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. Education and the environment were strengthened by Rep. Ben Cannon. Rep. Sara Gelser fought and won for disabled kids and adults. Rep. Tina Kotek achieved major progress for health and child care. Rep. Nancy Nathanson showed amazing leadership as vice chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Tobias Read demonstrated great leadership on revenue and transportation issues. And those are just our 10 first-term House Democratic members!

The combination of strong vision, active listening, diligence, and amazing teamwork resulted in the many accomplishments of the 2007 Legislative Session. But we are just getting started.

Many people have asked what we have left to accomplish next session. We have only begun to rebuild Oregon’s schools, health care, public safety, infrastructure, environment, and public trust in their state government. Much remains to be done. For the first time in years, however, there is a sense of hope that we are moving forward again.

During the next few weeks you will meet each member of our House Democratic Leadership Team as they share their hopes with you. These individuals have been chosen by our caucus to listen and to lead. Please let us know what you think.

Thank you for the honor of representing you in the Oregon House of Representatives during these challenging and exciting times.

Dave Hunt
State Representative
(D-Clackamas County)
House Majority Leader

With the Roadmap for Oregon as their policy guide, check out their proud list of accomplishments.

Restoring Fairness & Accountability to the Legislature
√ Restoring the rights of the minority party
√ Setting clear timeline for the work of the legislature to end by June 29th
√ Ensuring proportional representation on committees
√ Providing 72-hour notice before committee hearings
√ Banning lobbyist gifts over $10
√ Closing the Revolving Door to restrict legislators from lobbying their former colleagues
√ Fully funding the State Ethics Commission

Saving Before We Spend
√ Creating the Oregon Rainy Day Savings Account for the next economic downturn

Building a World-Class Education System for Our Kids
√ Establishing a health insurance pool for school workers to put more dollars in the classroom
√ Making school food more nutritious
√ Building a world-class education system by reinvesting in K-12 education
√ Funding a strong, statewide Head Start program

Attracting Good Jobs and Investment to Oregon
√ Investing in higher education, community colleges and opportunity grants
√ Passing Connect Oregon II to build multi-modal infrastructure
√ Making government more accessible to business through regulatory streamlining

Protecting our Environment While Growing our Economy
√ Passing biofuels package to boost the rural economy and reduce dependence on foreign oil
√ Positioning Oregon as a leader in research and generation of wave energy
√ Creating a free, statewide recycling program to keep consumer electronics from landfills

Supporting Women and Children’s Wellness
√ Requiring insurance companies to cover contraceptives as they do other prescription drugs
√ Guaranteeing victims of rape and incest access to emergency contraception
√ Ensuring unpaid breaks and privacy for breastfeeding, working mothers

Making Health Care More Affordable, Transparent and Accessible
√ Requiring insurance companies to provide out-of-pocket cost information to consumers
√ Guaranteeing access to health insurance for all Oregon children
√ Reducing prescription drug costs using the state’s bulk purchasing power

Keeping our Families and Communities Safe
√ Passing package of consumer protection bills that curb the practices of predatory lenders
√ Closing lending loopholes with a 36% cap on all consumer lending
√ Providing greater tools to Oregonians for protecting themselves against identity theft
√ Adding 100 state troopers to Oregon highways to combat the meth epidemic
√ Cracking down on internet predators who prey on our children
√ Ensuring fairness under the law for all Oregonians regardless of sexual orientation
√ Requiring cigarettes sold in the state to be manufactured as ”firesafe”

* Jean Cowan, House District 10
* Nancy Nathanson, House District 13
* Chris Edwards, House District 14
* Sara Gelser, House District 16
* Brian Clem, House District 21
* Tobias Read, House District 27
* David Edwards, House District 30
* Suzanne Bonamici, House District 34
* Tina Kotek, House District 44
* Ben Cannon, House District 46

You can help a true independent leader by volunteering or contributing to Jean Cowan's campaign today.

Listen to David Edwards new radio ad: Download david_edwards_radio.mp3

"For me faith has always been synonymous with good works. I was taught that the Christian values of compassion, charity and honesty are a way of serving God through serving others. Serving our community is the cornerstone of my campaign. I will do more then speak out for these values, I will advance them."

-David Edwards, Candidate for House District 30

Get involved with David Edwards' campaign today. We need principled leaders like David in Salem.

Twice in one week Debi Farr has made public statements that contradict her record on a woman's right to choose. While Debi Farr's voting record, endorsers and answers to a voter guide show that she is strictly anti-abortion - even in cases of rape and incest and risks to the woman's health- she continues to claim on the campaign trail that she is a moderate or even pro-choice. In fact, last week she made a statement regarding her support for emergency contraception that was simply false.

"It appears Debi Farr was against abortion in cases of rape and incest before she was for it," said Jon Isaacs, Executive Director of Future PAC, the campaign committee for the Oregon House Democrats. "Two years ago, when she faced a weaker opponent, she said she was against legalized abortion. Now that she faces a tough race, she supports a woman's right to choose."

"Voters are tired of politicians like Debi Farr who say one thing and then turn around and do another or who change their positions just to score political points," said Isaacs.

Answer: To bring the radical proposal of school vouchers to Oregon.

Solution: The only way to stop private school vouchers from destroying our public schools is to help the Oregon House Democrats take back the Oregon House. Volunteer for one of our candidates or make a contribution to Future PAC today.

The Details

The so called "First Class Education for Oregon" committee is spending $80,000 on cable advertising for three House Republican candidates including embattled House Speaker Karen Minnis. In addition to the $80,000 on cable advertising, this committee has spent thousands of dollars on direct mail and phone calls on behalf of virtually every targeted House Republican candidate.

This committee's stated purpose is to push initiative petition 131, better known as the so-called "65% solution for schools." However, this committee made no serious effort to put the initiative on the 2006 ballot and has, in fact, already formed a committee for 2008. Which gets us back to the original question - why is an initiative committee bankrolling House Republican candidates?

Fortunately for Oregonians, a leaked memo written by the political consultant for this group, Tim Mooney, exposed their radical agenda. What does this memo tell us about Billy Dalto, Shirley Parsons, Everett Curry, Karen Minnis and the other House Republican candidates being funded by this extreme organization?

Let's find out.

Under the Heading "Political Benefits of 1st Class Education" Mooney outlines the group's real agenda.

Read the memo for yourself here: Download first_class_ed_memo.pdf

- Pitting Teacher and Administrators Against Each Other.
FCE argues that their proposal “pits administrators and teachers at odds with one another with monies flowing from the former to the latter…” Furthermore, it claims that their proposal will “create tremendous tension within the organization.” Finally, it argues that “Every day and every dollar the education establishment uses to defeat this proposal is a day and a dollar they cannot spend on other political activities.”

- Creating a Political Environment Favorable to Private School Vouchers.
FCE outlines, in this, point, their long term goal of creating the right environment for vouchers. The memo states, “While voucher and charter school proposals have great merit, large segments of the voting public—especially suburban, affluent women voters—view these ideas as an abandonment of public education…Once additional fixing and funding of public education can be achieved via the 1st Class Education proposal, targeted segments of voters may be more greatly predisposed to supporting voucher and charter school proposals, as Republicans address the voting public with greater credibility on public education issues.”

- Allows the Use of Unlimited Non-Personal Money For Political Positioning Advantages.
According to Mooney and FCE, the 65 Percent Solution will allow supporters to sidestep campaign finance laws and regulations. They write, “The aforementioned benefits can be achieved with funding in any amount an from any source. In an era of campaign finance limitations on candidates, PACs and parties, galvanizing an electorate via the initiative process is a tremendous opportunity.”

What can we do to stop this?

Now that we know that the real House Republican Agenda is to push private school vouchers under the guise of "putting more money into the classroom" while skirting campaign reporting laws, what does that say about the honesty and integrity of their candidates and members?

The Oregon House Democrats have outlined their plan to bring positive change and bi-partisan cooperation back to the House. If you agree with this positive plan for Oregon's future help us take back the House today.

Democrats Rob Brading and Charles Lee stand on their faith in their tight campaigns for the State House of Representatives.

These Democrats are reaching out to all communities of faith by sharing their personal stories of conviction with new radio ads which launched today!

Stand with them by donating through their websites to keep their messages of faith and progress up on the airwaves. For an ad to run once, it can cost as little as $65 and no more than $88. Just one airing reaches tens of thousands of voters in their districts.

Click on the quotes below to hear the ads. Then click on their contribution links to keep these spots up on the air.

“My father taught me that living by God’s Law makes life easy—all you have to do is tell the Truth and you’ll be fine. But he also taught me that the Truth needs courage and firm convictions to survive.”

-Charles Lee, Democratic Candidate for House District 25

"As a preacher’s son, my family’s faith sustained us. It instructed us, comforted us and ultimately forged a set of values that became the foundation of my life."

-Rob Brading, Democratic Candidate for House District 49

Stand with Rob and Charles as they fight for Oregon’s future. Your help will lead to better schools, quality health care, a growing economy and safer neighborhoods. Please contribute through their websites now to keep their messages up on radio!

Help keep Charles Lee's and Rob Brading's message of faith and hope on the air by contributing to one or both of their campaigns today!

The poll, conducted for Future PAC Oct. 1-5, by Amy Simon of Goodwin Simon Victoria Research, shows that if the election were held today Minnis would receive 45%, Rob Brading 42% with 13% undecided.

Download the memo by clicking here: Download poll_report_or_hd_49_oct.pdf

From Amy Simon's memo:

"The survey results show that Rob Brading continues to be in a virtual tie with Speaker Karen Minnis – trailing by just three points, a difference that is within the margin of error. The results are particularly concerning for Minnis given how much money her campaign and allies have invested in both increasing her support and in attacking Brading. These poll results show that if adequately funded in these final days, Brading could readily unseat Speaker Minnis."

And to top it all off, Rob Brading just launched his second television spot:

Get on the Rob Brading train today before it passes you by! This is one of those rare opportunities where your time and/or financial help can truly make a difference for this State. Rob Brading has taken everything Karen Minnis can throw at him and then some. Yet everyday he goes and fights the good fight

Volunteer or contribute to Rob Brading's campaign today! Or....

Contribute to Future PAC today!

Together we can make a difference for East County and for Oregon.

Today The Oregonian endorsed Rob Brading in his bid to replace House Speaker Karen Minnis.

From The Oregonian endorsement:

"Voters in east county's District 49 should elect Rob Brading in Oregon's most important legislative race

If Oregonians hold anyone in the Legislature accountable in this election -- and they should -- it must be Minnis."

More from The Oregonian Endorsement:

"The Democrat running against Minnis, Brading, is ready to serve in the Legislature. He is as bright and engaging as any of the major candidates in this election season. He has a broad and successful background in public service, leading the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and serving on advisory boards for county libraries, Gresham police and the local affiliate for Habitat for Humanity.

Brading, 57, is chief executive officer of MetroEast Community Media, a local public access television station. He is a mainstream Democrat who believes Oregon should strengthen its investment in schools and universities, and should join states such as Massachusetts and Vermont in exploring creative ways to address the health care crisis. Brading is more than capable of serving the people of District 49."

Chris, a Eugene native and former head of a forest products company, continues to gain support from voters with a simple message: It's time to get to work in Salem!

Watch Edwards' second TV ad: Get to Work!:

Now that this has become one of the hottest races in Oregon, the Republican slime machine is up and running in House District 14. Debi Farr recently joined the desperate Republican club having launched vicious attacks on Chris this past week. Despite Debi's desperate tactics, Chris continues to stick to his mantra and goes to work everyday talking with voters on the phone and at the doors. He won't let Debi's nasty personal attacks side track him and neither should we.

You can help Chris continue to bring his positive message of change to House District 14 by making a contribution to Future PAC today!

Watch Brian Clem second TV ad, "Newspaper" here:

Last week, Billy Dalto's ethics problems continued when the Oregonian reported that he failed to appropriately report a trip he took to China. With his new TV spot Brian Clem continues to take a strong stand against unethical behavior, which has unfortunately become the norm with the Republicans in control of the Oregon House.

You can help clean up the mess in the Oregon House by helping us elect Brian Clem today!