I tell ya, you spend the afternoon at city hall, finding out what your current lawmakers are up to (lots, actually… tinkering with the budget, setting up fees for new parks, finding funding for drug treatment beds), and you come back to a PILE of campaign news.

Like this, from mayoral candidate Vladislav Davidzon, that candidate that many Blogtown commenters have fondly suggest relocate to Cuba, thanks to his ideas like putting community gardens where streets currently exist:

Dear friends,

I have decided to withdraw from the race for the office of Portland Mayor. It has become clear that I cannot financially compete with the two front runners without taking donations from business interests, something I refuse to do.

When I originally entered the race, there was only one well-funded opponent, and it was my intention to self-finance my candidacy. That plan is no longer viable due to the entrance of a second well-known opponent.

I appreciate everyone who has supported my candidacy. This is only the beginning, not the end.

With warmest regards,

Vladislav