For the first time in decades Democrats in our state get to meaningfully participate in the national presidential primary. Judging by the reception of his surprise visit to American Dream Pizza, to the plethora of blue lawn signs sprouting like tulips throughout the town, Corvallis is crazy about Barack Obama’s message of hope and unity.
However, in our excitement over the presidential horserace, let’s not forget the other Democratic primary elections listed on this year’s ballot. One of those is for the right to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Gordon Smith in November. Steve Novick is the candidate who bears the most in common with the democratic presidential front-runner, and here are 5 reasons why:
Brilliant, Simply Brilliant – like Obama, Steve Novick is a graduate of Harvard Law School. His path there was an unconventional one, though. When his junior school in Cottage Grove closed after a budget cuts, Steve enrolled at the University of Oregon and graduated at the age of 18. From there it was on to Harvard Law, from whence he graduated at age 21, the youngest ever. This gives an idea of the brain power at work here, and with Corvallis people appreciating academic achievement as much as they do, it is something that will surely resonate here.
Politics as (Un-)Usual – like Obama, Novick is not the hand-picked candidate of the Washington DC insiders. Rather, his power & support comes nearly entirely from the grassroots up, as he has harnessed the internet to inspire thousands of small donors – regular people, not PACs – to pitch in a few bucks where they can in order to fund his innovative and inspiring campaign.
Furthermore, he believes in speaking the truth to voters, even when it is not the most politically expedient path. Like Obama speaking out against the dangerous, pandering gas tax proposal, Novick has spoken out against continued occupation of Iraq, despite the painful consequences a withdrawal would effect. In fact, former Governor John Kitzhaber said in his endorsement of Steve: he "fully understands that in order to secure the future of this nation we must first be willing to face the facts. And the facts are not always politically popular."
Lifetime experience overcoming adversity –Novick also knows what it’s like to spend his life overcoming obstacles and adversities. Born with multiple birth defects, he stands at 4’-9" high and sports a metal hook in place of his left hand. That has not stopped him from achieving great things, though, and his humor and willingness to make light of his disabilities in campaign ads have garnered praise from national disabled-advocacy groups.
Background as a Community Activist – After a stint at the U.S. Dept. of Justice, doing work prosecuting polluters in the infamous Love Canal case, Novick returned to Oregon to continue the work he loves best – fighting for the little guy. In Portland, he worked to defeat anti-tax ballot measures sponsored by Bill Sizemore, and took on the State Lottery Commission, working to secure millions of lottery dollars for our schools.
Strong, Consistent Anti-war Stance – like Obama, Novick has publically repudiated the war in Iraq since before it started. He alone among the viable Democratic U.S. Senate candidates can make this claim. Unlike his primary opponent, Steve would not have voted for a House Resolution that praised George Bush for invading Iraq. This position situates him well to take on Gordon Smith over Smith’s support for Bush’s invasion of Iraq.
I hope you’ll join Gov. John Kitzhaber, Senator Cliff Trow, and thousands of other Oregonians in voting for Steve Novick for U.S. Senate. For more information see http://www.novickforsenate.org/...