We walked, we waited, and my 4-year-old never gave up hope she might see Sen. Obama until we discovered we were around 200 people short of making it in. We migrated with the other turn-aways to the soccer field. Of course her little legs and my little-ish legs just couldn’t run fast enough to get a front row view, and we certainly couldn’t see over all the adult heads.

Thank you, thank you THANK YOU to the members of the crowd who, on my spontaneous plea, graciously parted to let two little African-American girls see Sen. Obama for a brief moment before he went into Mac Court.

With their shoulders pressed against the police tape and tears in my eyes, I said to the girls, “Remember what he looks like right now and that this is a special day. Remember this so when you are old ladies you can tell your families about it. We are so lucky to be here.”

The full magnitude of what it means to be “here today” is incomprehensible to them right now at their tender ages, but I know they have a keen sense something big is happening. It is about suffering, struggle, hope, opportunity, healing and a new reality within reach.

I hope Sen. Obama wins. Even if he doesn’t, I hope we continue to recognize and nurture this new reality: That people of color can indeed lead in our country and there are more people committed every day to making liberty and justice a truth for ALL.

Friday evening, local non-partisan races were considered. Saturday morning was for Legislative races, State Senate and House. Saturday afternoon, candidates were considered for statewide offices. Voting members had the option on each candidate to vote to Support, Remain Neutral or Oppose that candidate. The Central Committee did not vote to oppose any Democrat in this election. A complete list of endorsees is at the bottom of this message.

This process was for the primary election only. The Multnomah Democrats will vigorously support all Democratic nominees in partisan races for the general election in November.

As might be expected, most of the media attention we’re getting is about the gubernatorial endorsements. Yesterday two candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor spoke with passion about the future of our state, and each made a strong case that he would be an effective, committed and passionate leader for the platform and values of the Multnomah County Democratic Party. The Central Committee voted to endorse both of them in a dual endorsement, Jim Hill and Pete Sorenson.

We can’t send attachments via this group email, but if you are interested in receiving an electronic (pdf) copy of the meeting agenda, the ballot and the candidates’ responses to our written questions, send a request to communications@multdems.org and I will send them along.

-Sue

Questions?
Gavin White, Chair
971.404.7294
Susan Hagmeier, Communications Secretary
503.236.4005

Endorsees:

Local Non-partisan positions

Diane Linn for Multnomah County Chair
Steve March for Multnomah County Auditor
Kathryn Harrington for Metro Councillor from District 4
Amanda Fritz for Portland City Council Position 3

In a dual endorsement for Multnomah County Commissioner from District 2
Lew Frederick
Gary Hansen

In a dual endorsement for Portland City Council Position 2:
Emilie Boyles
Erik Sten

For the State House and Senate:

Senate District 16
Betsy Johnson

Senate District 17
Brad Avakian

Senate District 19
Richard Devlin

Senate District 24
Frank Shields

Senate District 26
Rick Metsger

House District 27 (dual endorsement)
Mike Bohan
Tobias Read

House District 31
Brad Witt

House District 33
Mitch Greenlick

House District 35
Larry Galizio

House District 36
Mary Nolan

House District 38
Greg Macpherson

House District 41
Carolyn Tomei

House District 42
Diane Rosenbaum

House District 43
Chip Shields

House District 44 (dual endorsement)
Tina Kotek
Jim Robison

House District 45
Jackie Dingfelder

House District 46
Mary Lou Hennrich

House District 47
Jeff Merkley

House District 48
Mike Schaufler

House District 49
Rob Brading

Statewide Offices

Judge of the Oregon Supreme Court, Position 6
W Eugene Hallman

Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries
Dan Gardner

Superintendent of Public Instruction
Susan Castillo

Governor of Oregon (dual endorsement)
Jim Hill
Pete Sorenson

***
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One way to donate is to take part in our Voluntary Dues Program. This annual member contribution gives us a solid base of financial support from which to prepare for the future growth of the party and assure the ongoing success of Democrats in Multnomah County.

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