What do you see as the main strengths and weaknesses of Saxton and Kulongoski?
What I think Saxton has going for him is that he is an “outsider” who does not have a voting record, a political track record. And he is a prodigious fundraiser. You’ve also got a very strong anti-incumbent, “throw the bums out” mentality. His weakness is that people are still trying to figure out who he is. He was one type of candidate in 2002 [when Saxton lost the Republican gubernatorial primary to Kevin Mannix], and he is trying to become another type of candidate today. Ted’s strength is that he is the most hale-and-hearty-fellow-well-met I have ever known. I have never seen anyone who connects more genuinely with people. Campaign management is also a strength for Ted. And he is in a blue state, and he’s a Democratic governor. I’d say his weakness is he’s not as engaged with the legislative process. He does not have as much heartfelt passionate advocacy among his party in the Legislature. I will say he is a better speaker than Ron Saxton. He presents a more human and likable perso
