March 11, 2005
Is It Too Early To Start Discussing Elections?
Not On 'Communique' It Isn't
To answer the question posed in the headline: Yes, it is too early to start discussing elections. Nonetheless, the doorway into the 2006 campaigns for City Council may or may not be opening in a few weeks, so why not get a jump on it now?
First, to explain why that doorway "may or may not" be opening shortly. As indicated by the Elections Division, in a page of general information for the 2006 primary election, there is a bill that's been introduced in the Oregon House which could affect filing dates.
Under current law, candidates may begin filing for office on March 28, 2005. But if House Bill 2168 is adopted prior to that date, candidates will not be able to file until September 8, 2005.
According to the Legislature's website, HB 2168 had its first reading on January 11, and was referred to the Elections and Rules Committee on January 17. No other actions are listed, which would tend to suggest it's unlikely the bill will be passed before the current filing start-date of March 28.
So, theoretically anyway, we could be less than three weeks away from our first glimpse of the candidates who will seek to replace either Commissioner Dan Saltzman or Commissioner Erik Sten (or, for that matter, City Auditor Gary Blackmer) in the 2006 elections.
For further reference, see the Elections Division's schedule of important dates in the process for the 2006 elections. Or, if you're one of those people sitting out there getting ready to run for office, see their other information on how to file, instructions, and required forms.
Comments (6)
carla on 11 Mar 2005
Is it too early to look for a liberal challenger to David Wu?
ron ledbury on 11 Mar 2005
I like the notion of the City Auditor position. I could always play the role of spoiler, kind of like the role played by the recently elected city attorney in San Diego.
So . . . what ever happened to the Clean Money proposal? I couldn't find material about a final resolution or ordinance on the City of Portland website. The Auditor position only required 1000 five-dollar donations.
Eric Berg on 11 Mar 2005
Q: "Is it too early to look for a liberal challenger to David Wu?"
A: No. It's never to early to recruit candidates and lay groundwork for any campaign.
However, I'd rather see a serious primary challenge to Earl Blumenauer.
Among the many reasons:
Wu, Darlene Hooley, and Peter DeFazio have pledged to vote against the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Blumenauer hasn't.
If someone who doesn't live in the Third Congressional District wants to take a serious shot at Earl, I'll gladly move my computer, books and soccer stuff out of the spare room for you to establish residency and set up a campaign HQ. Rent will be free as long as you campaign and do your fair share of housekeeping. You will have full laundry and hot tub privledges.
Susan Francois on 11 Mar 2005
In answer to your question about whatever happened to the proposal for public funding of campaigns ....
The Auditor's Office has been working closely with the City Attorney's Office to finalize the proposed code language. We hope to have a "final" draft ready for public review by the week of March 21st. It will be posted on the City Elections Website when ready. We anticipate a Council hearing on the proposal in early April - currently scheduled for 2pm on April 7.
If anyone out there would like an e-mail when the final proposal is ready for public consumption, please contact me at sfrancois@ci.portland.or.us and I will add you to my distribution list.
Susan Francois
City Elections Officer
Amanda on 11 Mar 2005
Do you think the State bill is designed to interfere with the Portland Voter Owned Elections concept? Would it shorten the length of time prospective candidates would have to collect the required number of $5 contributions?
Suzii on 12 Mar 2005
Almost too late on one election item I can think of: Filing deadline for school boards is March 17. Portland Public Schools has three open seats; I think Beaverton has several, too, and I'm not even going to take the time to look at all the others.
With so many openings and practically no inducement to take the job, you should mention to any intelligent, qualified wealthy friends who've ever expressed interest that they might want to get off the stick, as their chances should be good. Or, if you're wealthy but not interested yourself, you might offer to help support an intelligent, qualified friend with the expense of a campaign and of living through a more-than-full-time volunteer job that almost certainly will require extensive follow-up in a therapist's office.