A lot wrong here (4.00 / 3)

A few quibbles.

First, from your headline, I don't like the insinuation that politicians (i.e. our elected representatives) aren't also activists.  Speaker Jeff Merkley has presided over one of the most progressive state House sessions in recent decades.  To suggest that he's a run-of-the-mill politician is disingenuous.

Second (though this one is all personal affect), I find Novick not at all charismatic.  Too often, I find him smug and self-righteous.  Clearly, Chris Bowers didn't take too kindly to Novick smugly "dissin' the blogs."

Third, where you say "Merkley's implicit argument is that criticism of Democrats is bad," I respond "No way."  Merkley's not saying that we shouldn't hold our elected officials to account.  What I presume Merkley is pointing out is that Novick has a long history of vitriolic comments that call into question how effective he might be in a deliberative and collegial body like the Senate.  And it's a very legitimate question.

Fourth, where you say "Novick's quirky career pushing from the outside," I respond "Have you seen Novick's resume?!?"  Novick may not have an elected title, but he's as insider as you get.  He's worked for Gov. Kulongoski and the state Senate Democrats and has deep ties to state government.  And that's not neccesarily a bad thing.  But you can't fairly characterize Novick as some kind of political outsider.

So those are my big quibbles upon first perusal.

You are correct that both Merkley and Novick are progressives.  I think that Novick can beat Gordon Smith.  But I think that Merkley WILL beat Gordon Smith.  I also think he's better suited to serve Oregon in the Senate.  I go into all of that in my endorsement of Merkley.

So there's my two and a half cents.

Check out the Guru's blog at http://www.senateguru.com/

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by: Senate Guru @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 14:30:30 PM CDT

Good point re: "charisma." (0.00 / 0)

I've met and talked with Steve, given him campaign money, now even voted for him in the primary, but "charismatic" is not an adjective I would apply to him.

Of course he may have gotten a lot smoother and more charming since last summer.

I think Jeff Merkley would do a great job running against Gordon Smith.

But I also think Gordon Smith is a lot less vulnerable, sad to say, than Matt's original post suggests.

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by: swag @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 14:45:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Agreed. Novick comes across badly (0.00 / 0)

I agree 100% with Guru. I've followed this primary here, swingstate, etc. Novick comes across as a prick. No other way to put it. He is whiny, his website sucks, and his performance against Merkley in that video for a paper endorsement was embarassing. He may be more progressive, but I don't think he is a better candidate for Senate. Novick may be a great progressive champion, but I don't see him as a Senator. I really don't understand the netroots attraction to Novick.  

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by: airb330 @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:29:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

of course (4.00 / 3)

Yes of course Novick comes off as a prick if you are only reading pro-Merkley blogs.  Merkley's online campaign is far better and has engaged in some nasty tactics emanating from Blue Oregon, but more fundamentally, Merkley is just more 'safe' feeling than Novick.  People that like feelings of safety will go for Merkley, no questions asked.

The problem I see for them is that Merkley should have wiped the floor with Novick, and he hasn't.  Establishment candidates are bad this year.

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by: Matt Stoller @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:40:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I don't support Jeff because he feels safe... (0.00 / 0)

I support him because I believe he'll do a fantastic job as a Senator and can seriously bust up Gordon Smith. There's no safety to it.

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by: bdupree @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:45:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oy, come on, man... (0.00 / 0)

The video of Novick in the WWeek interview stands for itself regardless of where you view it.  That he took, like, 30 solid seconds before deciding the politically expedient way to respond to who he would support in the Senate race if he himself wasn't a candidate was crazy.

And that the only reason we have to support Merkley is that he is more "safe-feeling" is ludicrous.  Are you aware of how he managed to lead the effort to win back the Oregon House for the Dems at the grassroots level?  Are you aware of his accomplishments as Speaker?

You can support Novick without insulting Merkley supporters, man.

Check out the Guru's blog at http://www.senateguru.com/

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by: Senate Guru @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:52:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Merkley's response the expedient one (4.00 / 1)

"That he took, like, 30 solid seconds before deciding the politically expedient way to respond"

It would have been expedient just to say what he was ostensibly supposed to say. I suspect he was hesitating about whether to be honest, but then opted to be the way he always has. That's appealing.

And for the record, Novick has always said he would support the Dem in the general.

Merkley is definitely the safe choice. When asked if he favored loaded guns in national parks, he actually said he'd have to ask Jon Tester first.  

Help us Optimize McCain! Use these widgets to make it crazy-easy...

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by: torridjoe @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 17:31:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hesitating about whether to be honest?!? (0.00 / 0)

I suspect he was hesitating about whether to be honest

Hesitating about whether to be honest?!?  This is your defense of Novick?

Check out the Guru's blog at http://www.senateguru.com/

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by: Senate Guru @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 21:46:51 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

that's not the way I would have explained it ... (0.00 / 0)

... but it sure beats Merkley's approach of promptly and smoothly giving the rehearsed, expected answer, without regard for the truth.

Proud to support a principled progressive, Steve Novick for US Senate.

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by: Portlandia @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 00:09:03 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

absolutely (0.00 / 0)

Are you suggesting the pull to be dishonest (or at least disingenuous) is not prevalent in political campaigns? If you don't think politicians make the "honest or not" call 100 times a day during a campaign...

The easy, politically expedient thing to say would have been "Oh yes, after me I love Jeff Merkley." But honestly, Novick felt it was incongruous to blithely say you prefer a guy who's making unfounded smear attacks on you (like pretending Novick voted for Nader after 1996, or that Novick was "MIA" on the war), and I think he had to ponder whether to just do the politically expedient thing, or honestly say that although he'd vote for the nominee, if he could have his wish someone else would be there besides Merkley. He stayed true to himself.

Help us Optimize McCain! Use these widgets to make it crazy-easy...

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by: torridjoe @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 09:21:59 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

apologies (0.00 / 0)

I did not mean to insult you.

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by: Matt Stoller @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 18:11:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oy - I am not BlueOregon, BlueOregon is not me. (0.00 / 0)

Hey Matt --

Without getting into the substance, I don't think it's fair to describe all of BlueOregon as uniformly pro-Merkley.  I am, to be sure.  So are a couple other contributors.

But one of our three editors is a Novick cheerleader, and there are actually more pro-Novick contributors than pro-Merkley ones (though they've written less.)

It'd be like if you and Bowers disagreed about something, but people kept saying "Open Left says this" or "Open Left says that."  Better to just describe what the particular people say...

(And hey, Novick won the BlueOregon straw poll - so our audience can't be entirely suckered by whatever I'm writing!)

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by: karichisholm @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:51:46 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

blue oregon may not be uniformly pro-merkley (4.00 / 2)

but it served as an anti-novick smear machine for several months last year and early this year when the pro-novick editor was too busy to contribute, and the other pro-novick writers were (smartly) above wading into the muck that you created.

end the blurring--vote steve novick for u.s. senate in oregon

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by: petrichor @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 17:01:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The chief cook and salad spinner (0.00 / 0)

Kari, why is BlueOregon only represented by Merkley supporters on KPOJ? I can't remember the last time they had a Novick supporter on from BO. I'm not saying KPOJ is biased. (Heck, the show's hosts all voted for Novick!)

But for the life of me, I don't understand why they ask you back week after week. Especially with the controversy you've kicked up this cycle.

You kind of got off to a lousy start.

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by: EastbankThom @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 18:37:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

if you could only check out the novick volunteers in action (4.00 / 1)

i can't even count how many volunteers i have met who have actually become democratic activists soley because of novick's campaign. i think we will win, but if we don't it won't be for not trying hard enough (and mostly likely will be because of merkley's last minute attack add paid for by refinancing his house in DC).

end the blurring--vote steve novick for u.s. senate in oregon

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by: petrichor @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:58:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

still a Democrat (4.00 / 1)

After the (very) disappointing performance by the Congress elected in 2006, I was very much considering leaving the Democratic Party for Greener pastures.  Steve Novick kept me in the Party and represents, to me, the possibility that "activists" still have a role in the Party.

I'm very happy to have had an opportunity to support Steve in the primary and look forward to the future Novick/Smith contest.

Proudly supporting Steve Novick, a progressive and principled Democrat for the US Senate.

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by: maloney @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 02:38:32 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

We like his moxy (4.00 / 1)

Novick attracts both urban hippies such as myself and my family in rural Jackson county who like their guns. What we don't like is politics as usual. What we can't abide is being lied to.

I'm hooked on Novick!

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by: EastbankThom @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 18:28:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

movement (4.00 / 3)

SG,

We have different roles.  You raise money for North Carolina Kay Hagen, a conservative who wants to grant retroactive immunity to the telecom companies.  I respect your role and analysis, but we have different expectations about what constitutes a good politician and a good activist.

First, from your headline, I don't like the insinuation that politicians (i.e. our elected representatives) aren't also activists.

I think in general politicians are not activists, though there are exceptions and the roles do overflow a bit.  Still, for clarity, we should try to respect some lines.  being a politician is a job I respect very much, but it is not the same job as an activist.

Speaker Jeff Merkley has presided over one of the most progressive state House sessions in recent decades.  To suggest that he's a run-of-the-mill politician is disingenuous.

Sherrod Brown is a good Senator, and I compared Merkley to Brown.

Second (though this one is all personal affect), I find Novick not at all charismatic.  Too often, I find him smug and self-righteous.

And I disagree, but that's a matter of style, and good faith disagreements are reasonable here.

What I presume Merkley is pointing out is that Novick has a long history of vitriolic comments that call into question how effective he might be in a deliberative and collegial body like the Senate.  And it's a very legitimate question.

Yes, I agree that it's a legitimate question.  And frankly, there are good reasons to want a prickly liberal in that collegial body, much as Jesse Helms crafted a conservative foreign policy throughout the 70s and 80s through his lack of collegiality, so might Novick do the same for progressives.  I don't want people that get along with other Senators, I want people that help increase progressive power.  How many times did we whine about how Democrats weren't standing up and weren't getting attention for what the Republicans did?  I think we need a little less collegiality and a little more aggressive creativity.

And that's not neccesarily a bad thing.  But you can't fairly characterize Novick as some kind of political outsider.

Well sure, but by that logic Obama too is an insider.  We're dealing with degrees and tone.

This is a year of change, and Novick's whole being says change.  We need more people like him in the Senate, though if Merkley gets the nomination, I will certainly be happy.

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by: Matt Stoller @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:50:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Troublemaker (4.00 / 1)

I agree, Matt.  I became excited about Novick way back before he even declared when he laid out a hypothetical strategy to beat Gordon Smith in the Willamette Week.  I emailed him, pledged support if he ran, and he emailed me back thanking me the next day.  He emailed again when he decided to run and we talked a bit at a Drinking Liberally meeting some while later.

I'm ashamed to say that I haven't actually volunteered for him, becoming bogged down in school and other time-consuming realities.  He has my vote in the primary, though, and I'm going to aim to carve out some volunteer time for him for the general, assuming he wins the primary.

I'll volunteer for Merkley, as well, if he wins the nomination.  I think he would be a fantastic Senator.  But I think you're spot on when you proclaim a need for troublemakers in Congress.  I have no doubt Novick would be that and that's why I'm voting for him in the primary.  I also think he's run a more effective and eye-catching  campaign than Merkley's more safe campaign and--while that has its dangers--I think that's an effective strategy for going up against an established Senator who is creating second thoughts but has not lost himself with the state's electorate.  And in a year heavy on change, Novick is the guy who brings something different.

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by: aimlessmind @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 14:35:00 PM CDT

Here's the url for the January 2007 Novick article "If I Ran" (4.00 / 3)

http://wweek.com/editorial/331...

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by: swag @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 14:39:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not just a politician (4.00 / 1)

Matt, thanks so much for paying attention to this race. It's great to know that you're so optimistic about us sending Smith packing. Although I disagree with your choice, it's encouraging to know we have two strong progressives running.

Here's my beef. Jeff Merkley is more to me than a politician. He is a dedicated progressive who embodies exactly what we're looking for in our elected officials: the courage of his convictions, and a great track record of getting it done. He is a true believer, and he delivers.

Before Jeff was elected to office, he spent his time working in D.C. (as an analyst!) and for those people who need a hand up (as the director of Habitat for Humanity in Oregon). His hard-scrabble background (son of a mill worker) taught him a lot of values, and he took that passion to his work.

After being elected, and after becoming the Democratic leader, he orchestrated the remarkable turnaround, where Oregon Democrats finally returned to control after 16 years in the woods. And as Speaker he passed myriad pieces of progressive legislation; his term has been hailed as the most progressive in ages.

But for me it came down to that feeling in my heart. You know, instinct and intuition. We need someone fighting for us, and I wholly believe Jeff's the guy who can do that. Steve Novick would do great as well, but I really respect Jeff's track record and his ability to bring people together to pass crucial progressive legislation. In my chances to talk to him one-on-one, he's always impressed me with his direct, passionate talk about the crucial issues that matter to our Country (responsible plan for Iraq, healthcare, education, environment, you name it!).

He's got a wide array of support (environmental groups, basic rights groups, labor, electeds, community members) and is running strong as the primary season closes (he is tied with Smith 45-42 and is ahead of Steve (although another poll has Steve ahead). Either way, he's starting to surge and it has me feeling good.

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by: bdupree @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:03:03 PM CDT

PS: (0.00 / 0)

Those values and track record are exactly why netroots hero Jon Tester supports Jeff Merkley. It's not a DSCC thing; it's common ground:

Jeff Merkley is a man of the people, a proven progressive leader who has shown that he can bring strong positive change to Oregon. I look forward to serving with Jeff Merkley in Washington to work for good-paying jobs, affordable health care, quality education - and most importantly, to end this war in Iraq.

Gordon Smith refuses to stand up to the Bush Administration, voting 90% of the time with the Bush-Cheney agenda. We must have new leadership from Oregon in the US Senate. Oregon deserves better.

Exactly!

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by: bdupree @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:05:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

tester (4.00 / 1)

Tester, like Webb, has been a disappointment.  That's why we need people like Novick in the Senate, people who won't get absorbed into the institution.

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by: Matt Stoller @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:52:54 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Merkley does have a lot of experience working in govt. (0.00 / 0)

yet he still led the most progressive session in decades, which leads me to believe he'll be a progressive fighter in the Senate. We'll be able to depend on both Merkley and Novick for progressive votes on important issues. We're lucky in that regard, but I have to politely disagree that Novick is the right kind of politician we need in the Senate right now. He may be a progressive firebrand, but Merkley is in his own right as well and has been able to deliver for progressive Oregonians. We've had a hard time uniting our own party around progressive legislation at the federal level. Merkley has been able to do that over and over again in the Oregon House and even got Repubs on board with bills like domestic partnerships legislation. That's the kind of leadership I want.  

Netroots Director for Oregon Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley

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by: sarahlane @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:11:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I agree (4.00 / 1)

I get tired of politicians who treat the electorate as stupid - and do "nasty" ads using words out of context, or taking and using other people's works without attribution [ and thank you for alerting us to that.]  

Two politicians here in Oregon have treated the electorate as stupid  - and I did not vote for them...neither was my first choice to begin with - but the nastiness and implied idea that we are maybe not knowledgeable as to google, youtube, etc. to do research - solidified not only my my decisions - but others I have spoken to as well.  

And being a blogger, I certainly posted my thoughts on my own blog... [Google lynnsrants]  

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by: politikaljunkie @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:20:20 PM CDT

Words out of context (0.00 / 0)

If you don't like it when politicians take words out of context for use in misleading or baseless attacks, you won't like Novick's latest ham-handed schtick and why it is totally out of context and disingenuous.

Check out the Guru's blog at http://www.senateguru.com/

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by: Senate Guru @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:31:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

that's rich... (4.00 / 2)

Merkley supporters demanding context.

Like the recent ad that Merkley ran that featured NINE WORDS from four different blogs posts that Novick wrote without providing the necessary context.  Right.

(and printing URLs in a TV ad doesn't count, it's not like anyone can "click" on them.)

Proudly supporting Steve Novick, a progressive and principled Democrat for the US Senate.

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by: maloney @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 02:42:00 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wow, I agree with Matt! (4.00 / 1)

I think we have a lot of senators like Merkley, and they're great.  But we only have one, really, like Novick.  Merkley is clearly a guy who knows how to play ball well with his own team.  That's important, and in many situations, it's better for passing legislation too.  But we need people who are willing to call out their own team, to speak out of turn, to be that one vocal vote against the Patriot Act or that lone filibuster of telecom immunity.  Stopping legislation is important too, and we need a couple more senators who are willing to go against the Democratic caucus when they're doing something wrong, because those senators, even one or two of them, make it significantly harder for the caucus to make big mistakes.  Because being publicly called out to their own base by one of their own on the record is a significant problem for them, and it is a small but real deterrent to some of their worst tendencies.  You need a couple senators who are willing to incur the wrath of their own party, and I promise you that ain't Merkley.  If Novick is willing to stand alone sometimes, even if it's just cause he has an enormous ego, that could be a very important development with very progressive consequences.

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by: texas dem @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:24:39 PM CDT

Jeff (0.00 / 0)

Jeff'll go to the mat against his own if it's for a passionate cause. I've seen his passion when he talks about his key progressive issues, so that's no worry for me.

As for your team analogy, Jeff's done well at building our team here in Oregon. Not only did he recruit and help elect more players, but he drew members of the opposing team over to  our side to vote on crucial pieces of legislation. Indeed, he was instrumental in shepherding through very, very important progressive work.  

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by: bdupree @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:31:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Look, in Jeff's defense, (0.00 / 0)

I expect (or hope) that he'll be hanging out in the Senate with Sherrod Brown and Byron Dorgan -- the economic populists.  That's some pretty damn good company, and he'll be strengthening the good wing of the party, relative to the Feinstein wing of the party.  He won't just be a good senator, he'll be a good influence on the Democratic caucus.

But you're not ever going to find him on the losing side of a 99-1 vote.

That's not the single most important factor, but it is true.

Novick would also be a good influence on the caucus, but in a very different way.

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by: texas dem @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:46:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Defense (0.00 / 0)

Jeff's worked hard to pass legislation here in Oregon, but you can't say that about him. He's a principled man, and I'm confident he'll take principled stands if the issue demands it. Also, Jeff has been extremely vocal in coming out against the idiocy revolving throughout parts of Washington.

For example:

He came out in support of impeaching Alberto Gonzalez: http://www.jeffmerkley.com/200...

He has said hell no to telecom immunity and even created a petition against it: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...

And, he came out strongly against Southwick's nomination, going after Smith for supporting him: http://www.jeffmerkley.com/200...

I'm not worried about Jeff's mettle. He'll stand up for what's right.

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by: bdupree @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:02:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

that is exactly the way i see it (0.00 / 0)

merkley would be a solid, nose-down, progressive, even somewhat populist, policy wonk legislator akin to sherrod brown but he's not going to be the sole vote against the patriot act, and he is not going to go against his senate colleagues to filibuster retroactive immunity.

novick will be the progressive conscious of the senate. we need more of that.

end the blurring--vote steve novick for u.s. senate in oregon

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by: petrichor @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 17:05:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Except Jeff has campaigned vigorously on all of those issues (4.00 / 1)

I agree we need someone to come out against the Patriot Act and the filibuster of Telecom Immunity...but that candidate your are talking about is Jeff Merkley.

Jeff came out for the impeachment of Alberto Gonzales

Merkley came out against Mukasey (and beat Smith up for voting for him)

Jeff Merkley was the only candidate came out against the Southwick confirmation. Southwick had previously ruled the state had a compelling interest in taking me from my mom when i was a child because she gay.

And Merkely is a strong no to telecom immunity.He even had an online petition going too.

But my favorite story about Jeff Merkley fighting for what matters was his unrelenting pursuit of equality for LGBT families in the legislature.  In 2005 when Merkley and the Democrats were in the minority. Karen Minnis use an underhanded rule change to keep Merkley from bringing a Civil Unions bill to the floor and passing it less than a year after the state banned gay marriage. Merkley wouldn't take Minnis' flack and refused to stop questioning the rule change despite being gaveled down and ruled out of order by Minnis. Karen Minnis then cut off his mic on the House floor and threatened to have state troopers remove him. But Merkley kept right on fighting and in 2007 won passage of historic legislation for basic rights and domestic partnerships.

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by: bdunn @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:03:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Great point (0.00 / 0)

About equality. Oregon needed a champion in the legislature, and Jeff stepped up.

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by: bdupree @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:16:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

but doesn't support civil marriage (4.00 / 1)

when confronted with statements that marriage is between a couple and their God--which is incompatible with having it ALSO be between them and their government--Merkley attempted to say both could be true (that he could believe marriage should be religious, AND that it should be handled within government).

Novick has had a clear statement for same sex marriage from the early days of his campaign. I'm not aware that Merkley still has anything up about that.

He did help get civil unions in OR, and that's great. But that's where he stops, while Novick goes all the way. :)

Help us Optimize McCain! Use these widgets to make it crazy-easy...

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by: torridjoe @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 17:35:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Merkley wasn't just outspoken on telecom immunity (0.00 / 0)

He was pushing for the Senate to filibuster the bill's passage. He's also been very outspoken about ending war profiteering in Iraq.

Netroots Director for Oregon Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley

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by: sarahlane @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 18:57:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Here! Here! (4.00 / 1)

Congress must be full of troublemakers, people willing to reclaim Congress's role as a co-equal branch by bucking the status quo, by speaking plainly, and by being a little different.

More troublemakers, please!

I long for the day when there really are too many of them.

And I know just when that day will come: The 10th of Never.

Okay, maybe the 11th.

"You know what they say -- those of us who fail history... doomed to repeat it in summer school." -- Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Season 6, Episode 3

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:51:10 PM CDT

Trouble for Trouble's sake (0.00 / 0)

Personally I would rather have someone that doesn't make trouble for trouble's sake but rather methodically and systematically gets great progressive policies passed.

But hey Im not a Novick supporter.

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by: bdunn @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:07:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hey, you're a Merkley surrogate (0.00 / 0)

I maxed out to Novick, so I guess that qualifies as full disclosure. Bradley, you've been a prominent part of Merkley's attack force. Congratulations.

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by: EastbankThom @ Thu May 15, 2008 at 00:52:43 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Haven't made up my mind (0.00 / 0)

The only reason I haven't mailed back my ballot for Obama is I also need to decide between Novick and Merkley.  My wife and I promised each other we'd get the ballots out tonight.

It's strange, but I find myself a fairly low information voter on this one.  While I know everything about Clinton and Obama there is to know (more or less) I really haven't paid any real attention to this race.  I Tivo'd a debate but it fell off the play list before I watched it.  

We have the "safe" guy and the other guy... who said bad stuff about someone once or something like that.  I guess this is how most Americans feel in an election, except I skip commercials, so I haven't even seen that much.

Keep the debate going, it might actually influence one voter, here.

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by: Mark Matson @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 15:56:18 PM CDT

As an Oregonian... (0.00 / 0)

I have been really impressed with what Merkley has been able to accomplish on the environmental front in Oregon. He led the greenest session in 30 years and the OLCV said that Merkley deserves much of the credit for Oregon passing so many environmental bills last year. Merkley may be considered "safe" because he's got experience, but there is something to be said for the kind of experience Jeff has. Merkley worked as a defense analyst on nuclear arms treaties etc. After he left the Defense Dept and could have had any job in DC, he came back to Oregon and became the director of Habitat for Humanity. He also created affordable housing programs and a program called Youth Build to help disaffected youth get back on their feet. After that he was elected to the House and became a very effective progressive legislator. Merkley helped engineer a Dem takeover of the House, when it was in Repub control for 16 years. As House Speaker he was able to unite his caucus around progressive legislation and get Repubs on board as well. He's got skills!

We are lucky in Oregon considering both Merkley and Novick are solid progressives. Either way you vote, you're getting a progressive candidate and no moderate Dem that's for sure.  

Netroots Director for Oregon Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley

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by: sarahlane @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 19:06:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Pretty good (0.00 / 0)

Analysis.

I think Merkly would probably help build progressive power more and is more likely to get a progressive (himself) into the leadership, there is certainly a case to be made that someone like that is needed most. There is also a case to be made that we need a more quirky outsider to shake things up.

I'm not from Oregon so I don't have to choose but I think both choices would be fantastic. Also I find it interesting that you have not seen this parallel in Minnesota where we have Franken who is similar to Brown and Merkly and another canidate, Jack Nelson Palmayer who is like Novick. I'm for Franken in that race and you are too which makes me wonder a bit on your reasoning but hey. I'll take the choice between different kinds of progressives any day over different kinds of conservatives.

John McCain: Beacuse lobbyists should have more power

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by: Populista @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:50:42 PM CDT

franken (4.00 / 2)

Franken is no Brown, his track record is that of an entertainer willing to publicly make trouble to fight for progressive values.

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by: Matt Stoller @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 17:09:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Er (0.00 / 0)

Not really.

I'm a Franken guy but he is well to the right of both Merkly and Novick and no where close to progressive as his primary opponent.

His campaign has been that of a progressive but also a safe progressive. He's for "clean coal", nuke power, not for single-payer, he has said that getting out of Iraq too soon would be stupid.

He is a progressive for sure but he will be closer to a Barack Obama / Dick Durbin type of progressive then a Russ Feingold type of progressive although he does do good movement building work.

John McCain: Beacuse lobbyists should have more power

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by: Populista @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 14:37:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

amen (0.00 / 0)

i don't really need to contribute anything extra at this point except that it's gratifying to finally see upper tier blog acknowledgement of the blogosmear machine stemming from blue oregon to spread anti-novick memes. if this is what is going to be the function of our netroots then i want no part of it. fortunately, this is just a fringe element--the seeedy underbelly, if you will--of the blogosphere, which is mostly composed of great sites like open left, firedoglake, atrios, and many, many others that that exist to push forward progressive values rather than just create a machine to tear down other progressive politicians.

end the blurring--vote steve novick for u.s. senate in oregon

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by: petrichor @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 16:53:07 PM CDT

this is jsut wrong, matt! (0.00 / 0)

steve novick is 4'9"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S...

end the blurring--vote steve novick for u.s. senate in oregon

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by: petrichor @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 17:26:29 PM CDT

a few reasons why this Oregon Democrat supports Steve Novick (0.00 / 0)

Thank you, Matt. Thank you very much.

I completely agree that the pro-Merkley forces place far too much emphasis on the "plays nicely with others" meme, which in my view is just a euphemism for "goes along to get along."

I want my Senator to be a strong advocate for progressive values even when he is under enormous pressure from his caucus or from the body as a whole to compromise.

I want my Senator to be a vocal advocate for progressive values even when he is under enormous pressure from his caucus or from the body as a whole to STFU.

I want my Senator to be a resolute advocate for progressive values even when it appears that such a stance might hurt him politically.

As between Steve Novick and Jeff Merkley, only Steve Novick has already proven his willingness to be that Senator.

Jeff Merkley's "record of achievement" includes his craven and shameless vote for HR2, the pro-Iraq war resolution passed by the Oregon House in March 2003. But when he is called out on that vote by progressives, his response is to send surrogates to attack the progressives for "smearing [him] with Republican talking points."

Steve Novick's record ALREADY includes a willingness to advocate openly for Social Security tax reforms, capital gains tax reforms, and full civil marriage equality -- each of which is just controversial enough that he did so in full awareness that it might be enough to cost him this election.

I admire his courage, his progressive principles, his wit, and his amazing intellect.

The little guy has the heart of a lion.

I want my Senator to be Steve Novick.

Proud to support a principled progressive, Steve Novick for US Senate.

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by: Portlandia @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 17:33:37 PM CDT

Novick's a prick (0.00 / 0)

As a commenter put it above, Novick comes across to him as a prick.

Some might consider that a negative. Personally, I consider that a positive.

We're all partisan Dems here, we all want more or less the same aims. The debate is about how we get there. And I for one am sick to death of collegiality. I want more bomb-throwers. More senators with no respect for collegiality, no fetishisation of civility, just huge intellects and a willingness to stick to their guns whatever happens.

If he becomes senator, I fully expect Novick to be roundly hated by his colleagues. He will get nowhere in leadership. He will never make a VP shortlist. But he'll cause trouble where trouble needs to be caused. And the most important legislative chamber of the world's most powerful country needs more troublemakers.

Forgotten Countries - a foreign policy-focused blog

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by: Englishlefty @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 18:35:56 PM CDT

Choice (0.00 / 0)

Funny how I said I hadn't been paying much attention, yet it seems my general understanding was completely correct.  

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by: Mark Matson @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 19:28:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I can't agree (0.00 / 0)

Novick doesn't suffer foolishness, from friend or foe. But he's got a strong record of building coalitions and teams:

*led DoJ lawyers to finally put the hammer on Love Canal polluters
*coached the effort to flip three state Senate seats during the dark days of the the late 90s in Oregon
*build coalitions to preserve social services and education against bad ballot measures and greedy lottery retailers

Steve's got a sharp wit and a cutting tongue sometimes. But make no mistake, he works like a dog and finds ways to coalesce people around change.

Novick uses unsparing rhetoric. I can't get behind him being "a prick," though. Just isn't sio

Help us Optimize McCain! Use these widgets to make it crazy-easy...

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by: torridjoe @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 09:27:04 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Google (0.00 / 0)

I must say, if you Google for "Merkley" and "Novick", the top Merkley result is much more interesting, if not exactly, eh, safe for work.  Though quite artsy.  Just thought I'd share.

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by: Mark Matson @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 19:51:33 PM CDT

Splendid... (0.00 / 0)

Since Gordon Smith's camp seems to be technologically inept, I would imagine that this is the handiwork of Novick sycophants Google-bombing a junk site against Merkley's name.  Great to have a mature primary...

Check out the Guru's blog at http://www.senateguru.com/

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by: Senate Guru @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 21:57:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

settle down now, senate guru (4.00 / 2)

the merkley that shows up #1 on google is some freak who has a much bigger web presence than either steve novick or jeff merkley (something that's really not that hard to do). here's his myspace page, it took like two seconds to find:

http://www.myspace.com/merkley

what's your connection to oregon anyway?

end the blurring--vote steve novick for u.s. senate in oregon

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by: petrichor @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 01:16:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Senate "Guru"? (0.00 / 1)

Although this self-proclaimed guru has been writing Merkley love letters from the get go, my hunch is that he/she is backed by the DSCC. (It would fit.)

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by: EastbankThom @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:21:01 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

a question for the Senate Guru (0.00 / 0)

Do you receive any support of any kind, or have any connection with, the DSCC or any member or staff of the DSCC?

If so, I think it would be appropriate to disclose that.

Just idly wondering.

Proud to support a principled progressive, Steve Novick for US Senate.

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by: Portlandia @ Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:11:06 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not Impressed with Novick (0.00 / 0)

My introduction to Novick wasn't through any ads. His campaign started following me on twitter. One day they said that Steve was going to be at the Plan B bar after work so my co-worker and I walked over to meet him.

We stood around for quite some time around people who were obviously affiliated with the campaign, but no one introduced themselves. At a certain point, we decided to ask the people in the booth when Novick was going to arrive.

It was at that point that it was pointed out that he was sitting inside the booth (where no one would get to him and talk to him). We chit chatted with him for a bit, but he didn't do anything to engage us.

As we walked out of the bar, I turned to my co-worker and said, "There's no way that guy is getting elected."

At the time, I had no idea who else was running. It was just that interaction. Since then I've seen the comments about Obama and his WWeek interview (most awkward minute of silence ever). They only reinforce my opinion.

I'm not a supporter of Merkley (though I'll admit to leaning towards voting for him). I'm also sure Novick as much better days.

However, I disagree with the idea that this is a clear cut choice. I would be stunned if Novick could beat Gordon Smith based on what I've seen.

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by: grigs @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 20:03:56 PM CDT

sounds like a bad experience for sure (0.00 / 0)

>I would be stunned if Novick could beat Gordon Smith based on what I've seen.

It won't be based on what you've seen. It will be based on what Steve is capable of.

I don't know anything about that day at Plan B. Sounds like a lost opportunity at the very least. But I would urge you to take another look at Steve. If you appreciate a committed progressive with firmly held principles as well as the stones to actually hold other progressives to their shared principles. Steve is your guy.

I firmly believe that Steve can beat Smith, although it won't be easy. I equally firmly believe that Merkley can't, because he is way too Establishment and yet not as Establishment as Smith. Steve will change the game.

Proud to support a principled progressive, Steve Novick for US Senate.

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by: Portlandia @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 20:25:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]