This is Bill Bradbury's campaign manager, I wanted to alert you of some very interesting developments. The Oregonian reported today that John Kitzhaber has failed to vote in 5 out of the last 13 elections. Remind you of someone? Just last week Chris Dudley came under fire for failing to participate at the most basic level of democracy. It turns out he wasn't the only one out of touch -but at least he wasn't our governor at the time.
I find it ironic that this story ran today because I was set to send an email reminder to all Bradbury supporters that today is the last day to register to vote for the January 26 election. Make sure you are registered!
Today's story highlights the fact thatBill Bradbury is the only candidate for Governor with a 100% voting record. Bill has always felt the right to vote is a privilege and an honor.
The story also points out that John Kitzhaber has skipped voting in recent elections where crucial decisions were made about the future of our state.
The November 2007 special election had some of the most important ballot measures in recent years that directly impacted the lives of millions of Oregonians. Ballot Measure 49 was a culmination of a decades long struggle to protect farm and forestland from sprawl and provide fair and equitable compensation to land owners. Measure 50 would have provided health insurance for 100,000 additional Oregon children who had no coverage through an increase in taxes on cigarettes.
Many of you fought hard to pass those measures and frankly his excuse he gave today shows how out of touch he is, "like many Oregonians I have missed the occasional election."
Actually over 60% of Oregonians took the time to vote in 2007 and as we look to the future, Oregonians need a full-time Governor who is engaged every day, in every issue and in every election.
Can we really afford another decade of part-time leadership?
This pattern of not voting is yet another example of a Kitzhaber candidacy that is long on rhetoric but short on specifics. A candidacy that appears disengaged from the everyday realities of Oregonians in 2010.
Bill Bradbury has voted in every election for the past 25 years because he understands the real impact elections and elected officials have on working Oregonians. That is why he wants to be Governor.
Bill is the only candidate in this race who has provided specific proposals for education, conservation, sustainability and job creation. He will continue to engage Oregonians every day as he asks for their vote.
My ask of you today is a simple one: Please take a minute to forward this message to your friends and family. Let them know you are supporting Bill Bradbury for Governor and about this important story.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Wright
Campaign Manager