10.3.2006

This week I'm back on the road traveling to all parts of the state to meet with folks and talk to people about my campaign and the many important issues facing Oregon. Yesterday morning I left bright and early and flew to Medford. After grabbing something to eat downtown and spending a little time with folks from the Medford Mail Tribune, I went and spoke at the candidates forum sponsored by The Chamber of Medford/Jackson County. A big thanks to The Chamber for a warm welcome and a great event.There were a lot of people at the Rogue Valley Country Club to hear me - and the governor - talk about what we think the most important issues facing Oregonians are. After speaking for a little bit, I took questions since I want to make sure Oregonians are hearing about the topics important to them. Having been in Medford more than 20 times so far in 2006, I saw a lot of familiar faces, but it was also great to meet some new folks as well.

From Medford I went to Gold Beach to meet up with Representative Wayne Krieger and his wife, Colleen. The Kriegers and I went on a fascinating tour of Freeman Marine Equipment in Gold Beach. Doogie Freeman took us around their facility which is an amazing company and a true Oregon success story. Doogie's hard work and innovation has led to Freeman Marine becoming a worldwide leader in items such as hatches and doors for all sorts of marine vessels - everything from Coast Guard boats to commercial fishing vessels to personal yachts.Freeman does business in more than 50 countries and the hard working folks at the company were very welcoming and I'm glad I got the opportunity to see first-hand their custom manufacturing process. After touring Freeman we went to a community gathering at Gold Beach Books where I spoke with a group of folks from the area about the race and issues impacting the south coast.

After Gold Beach, I went up to Coos Bay and had dinner with some friends last night at Benetti's before a busy morning there today. Wonderful food! And I'm not just saying that because Mayor Benetti was there with me. I started with a 6:30 AM radio interview and then went to a breakfast at the Red Lion with the Kriegers, County Commissioners John Griffith and Nikki Whitty, and several other folks from the Port, the community college and the local community. I mainly used the opportunity to ask them their thoughts on the issues impacting the state and the local region. All too often I think politicians just barge into town and tell people how it ought to be without asking those from the area how they think it should be. With so many important issues, I wanted to hear from folks about what's important as well as share with them my vision for a better Oregon.

Following breakfast a group of us went on a tour of the International Port of Coos Bay and the North Spit to see the progress being made on their projects and discuss some of the issues that impact the Port, including marine issues, trade, economic development, and transportation. They are doing a fantastic job at the Port. We also went on a tour of the airport, which continues to grow in order to meet the expanding needs of the area.

After the tour I spoke at the Coos Bay Rotary meeting which had a terrific crowd, and then drove a little north to Florence. There I stopped at Bliss for a rally with the West Lane Republicans. What terrific supporters. They have been so helpful and it was great to spend a little time with them getting caught up and talking about the final few weeks of this very important election. We then drove over to Eugene where I did an hour-long live radio show on KLCC. These last two days were very busy and I covered a lot of ground, but they were very informative and a ton of fun.

Tomorrow I'm off to Salem and then back to Portland for a couple of days before Friday, when I head to eastern Oregon to meet with folks in Hermiston, La Grande and Ontario. Check back for more notes from the road!