Endorsements III: the statewide races
Three state senators and an independent-minded Democrat want the nomination for secretary of state. The secretary of state's main duties are to publish the Oregon Blue Book, manage elections, and register corporations. It's not an onerous position. The main practical task of most secretaries of state is to plan a run for the governorship. The secretary of state is also one of the three members of the State Land Board, a position with a lot of theoretical power that's not often visibly exercised.
Any of Senators Kate Brown, Rick Metsger, and Vicki Walker would serve the state well. I give the edge this year to Senator Walker principally because of her recent record in bringing to public attention matters that the political establishment had ignored or set aside. She can more easily continue her whistleblowing as a statewide official with a department than as one of 30 state senators.
The attorney general's race presents two fine candidates in Greg Macpherson and John Kroger, each a possessor of a Harvard law degree. Rep. Macpherson serves in the Oregon House and was active in promoting Measure 49. Professor Kroger teaches law at Lewis & Clark Law School and was formerly a federal prosecutor. Professor Kroger stresses four priorities he would have as attorney general, including most interestingly pursuing polluters. (Have you swum in the Willamette lately?) Rep. Macpherson's campaign rhetoric started by playing up his long ties to Oregon and his experience in the legislature and as a pension lawyer in private practice, but has been moving toward that of Professor Kroger. (Compare their pages in the Voter's Pamphlet to see how close they have come to each other.)
Either man would serve with distinction. I favor Professor Kroger, very slightly, for two reasons. First is that the current attorney general has administered the office safely and efficiently, but without great flair, and I believe that Professor Kroger is better suited to "wake up" the office. Second is that the incumbent came to the job from Rep. Macpherson's law firm, and the state is better served by having officeholders come from a variety of cities, backgrounds, and employers. (This is akin to the concept of it being time for the Clintons and Bushes to give someone else a chance.)
Ben Westlund is unopposed for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer. The Republican party found only one candidate each for secretary of state and state treasurer, and no one at all for attorney general, and I make no recommendation in those races.






Recent Comments