April 29, 2004
(Updated) Commissioner Sten To Endorse Tom Potter
Note: This post has been updated. Any and all updates appear at the end of the original post.
In a news release (pdf) dated tomorrow, the Tom Potter campaign has announced that at a press conference to be held Friday morning at City Hall, Commissioner Erik Sten will endorse Potter in this year's Mayoral primary.
"This mayor's race isn�t about voting for the lesser of two evils," says Sten in the news release. "In this election we actually have an opportunity to vote for a really strong leader, someone who can -- as he has before -- take our city to a new level of excellence. My decision to make an endorsement in the mayor's race was easy, because that person is Tom Potter."
Potter's campaign claims that "no other member of the Portland City Council has demonstrated such enthusiastic support for a candidate" in the Mayoral race. Commissioner Randy Leonard, although quietly, has backed Jim Francesconi (who reportedly pushed hard for Leonard's endorsement).
Sten's endorsement will be welcomed by the Potter campaign at 9:00 AM at the Fourth Avenue entrance to City Hall.
Disclosure: PORTLAND COMMUNIQUE accepts political advertisements, and currently runs ads from the Busse and Francesconi campaigns.
Update
We neglected to mention that readers should be sure to click through to the comments for a post from Commissioner Sten about his endorsement and some of what's been said here.
Comments (9)
Arya on 29 Apr 2004
Wow, thanks for the head's up. I'll be there.
Arya on 01 May 2004
I made it to the Sten press conference, and I enjoyed it
Peter on 01 May 2004
This was a big surprrise to me. I had heard that Sten wasn't going to endorse because he didn't want to endorse someone who was a long shot to win. That's a rumor I heard.
In examining the candidates and Mr. Sten, I sure thought he would back Phil Busse.
It disappoints me to see Sten back Potter. Erik is a pretty brave politician and has some awesome ideas. I don't see that in Potter. I'm sure he has his reasons.
The One True b!X on 01 May 2004
Well, it could be a political calculation that regardless of Potter's weaknesses as a candidate, perhaps Sten is using the alleged "electability" calculus and just trying to push someone in other than Francesconi.
Peter on 01 May 2004
b!x - I'm sure he's trying to push in anyone but JF, but that doesn't mean he has to support Potter. As you know, Portland just has to keep Francesconi from reciveing 50% to keep hope alive. Even experts like you seem to frame the primary in a different light than the "access to run off" that I think it ought to be shown as. You do a hell of a good job, but please consider the dynamic more carefully. More of the big media outlets ought to educate voters on how the primary works. I was really disappointed that KGW didn't do this and fear that many voters thought they were looking at a Kerry - Bush - Nader - Perot situation. Do you think people "get it"?
The One True b!X on 01 May 2004
I didn't say I agreed with the rationale, just that I think it may be the one that Sten is using.
The One True b!X on 01 May 2004
Anyway I just woke up from a nap and my last comment has nothing to do with what you asked.
Chuck Currie on 01 May 2004
Actually, Erik endorsed Tom because he thinks he would make the best mayor. The two have known and worked well with each other for years. The only political consideration with Erik on this issue has been who best can serve in the office. I agree with Erik that Tom is the only real choice.
Erik Sten on 04 May 2004
Chuck is right. I have worked with Tom for many years and I think he is the best choice. I'm sending out a letter on his behalf in the next few days and will post a copy of the longer argument. I think he is right on the issues, has personal courage and will bring a progressive approach to the job. I am worried that Portland's progressive tradition is at risk in this race, and I'm confident that Potter will be a strong Mayor. I do agree with b!x that he would be well-advised to be more specific, but I like what he has told me on each of the issues we have discussed in-depth.
None of this should be interpreted as a shot at Phil Busse. I believe he is running a terrific campaign. His list of 100 ideas is far and away the best piece produced in the last few campaign cycles. I also agree with the writer who says that everyone should vote for their favorite in the primary and not worry about who is most likely to win in the general. For what it's worth, I also believe that James Posey has run a remarkable race and is a serious candidate worthy of everyone's consideration.
This is a tough election to predict. I'll say that whoever survives the primary, presumably to run as Comm. Francesconi's opponent, will be the most likely to win. If any of the three candidates mentioned above survive, they will have done so with almost no money, proving that their support is real. If that's Phil, he'll have my full support. I just think Tom's experience, track record and progressive approach make him the right choice for the post.