Who will win tonight, the Gatekeepers or you?

Portland Democrat voters want change and they want a choice.

Oregon State Senate District 23 offers voters a real choice and an opportunity to either set change in motion with the election of Sean Cruz, or to move a House chair 500 feet to the east by voting for Jackie Dingfelder.

Voters can choose between the candidate produced by the Establishment, with all the Gatekeepers that keep the System in place all lined up in one camp.

Or they can vote beyond the Gatekeepers, and make a move for real election reform by sending Sean Cruz to serve in the Oregon Senate.

Sean Cruz solicited no PAC or special interest money or endorsements.

You can send a clear message to all that you are serious about change, and by electing Sean Cruz you will inspire other potential candidates to take on the Gatekeepers and move real change forward.

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The Oregonian Editorial Board on Senate District 23:

“Cruz…knows the issues well…”

“Sean Cruz, who has served as (Senator) Gordly's legislative aide and chief of staff for the past five years…is qualified for the job. He knows the issues that are important in the district, and he certainly knows how things get done in the Legislature. Most notably, he persuaded Gordly to push legislation, called ‘Aaron's Law,’ that gives families tools to punish parents for the crime of child abduction. “

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Ridenbaugh Press on Senate District 23:

As in many of these primary districts, issues here aren’t distinctly philosophical: The 23rd is a solidly liberal Democratic district, and both contenders fit well within that framework.

But they are insiders of two distinctly different stripes.

Dingfelder, a four-term state representative from this area, would have to be considered the establishment choice, getting the larger share of endorsements and contributions.

But Cruz is not an outsider, either; he is retiring Senator Gordly’s Chief of Staff, is well informed, has her support and the support of her backers.

His campaign has hit rough patches but may also be more interesting to some of the primary voters.

Cruz is edgier; Dingfelder more easy-going. You have to figure the edge is with Dingfelder, but bear in mind that central Portland doesn’t always go the conventional route.

http://www.ridenbaugh.com/index.php/2008/05/03/or-the-legislative-primaries-seven-picks/#more-1691