This Week in the Mercury
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Politics / City Hall Tom Potter's Announcement a Surprise to "Recall Sam Adams" Campaign Leader
Posted by Sarah Mirk on Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Recall Sam Adams campaign leader Jasun Wurster says former Mayor Tom Potter acted on his own yesterday with his surprise Facebook announcement of support for the recall campaign.
Wurster says the campaign has not been targeting specific politicians or pressuring them to come out for or against the recall. "Us directly talking to politicians is not effective. We are not actively treating anyone different. What we are doing is asking people who know elected officials to tell them what they think," explains Wurster. "The way we will win this campaign is for 2,000 people to follow Potter’s lead and start collecting signatures. I was surprised and elated for him to focus on the message of civic engagement."
The campaign currently has 100 trained volunteers (who picked up signature-gathering tips from recall potlucks last week) but Wurster estimates the group needs about 2,000 trained volunteers in order to collect the campaign's 50,000 signature goal in just 85 more days.
Wurster says he did not even know that Karin Hansen (writer of immortal line: "turd in the appropriate pocket") was Potter's wife when she showed up at a recall volunteer training.
So is Potter a game changer for the recall campaign whose most prominent backers up to this point have been right-wing talk radio hosts like Victoria Taft? Wurster was nonchalant. "Tom Potter being the former mayor and the publicity it’s gotten, that’s great, but it’s just as cool as the nice woman who came by today for petitions and said this was her first time getting involved in politics."
The idea that the recall campaign is not targeting high-profile Portlanders for support may seem bizarre to politicos, but Wurster says that's the way he wants to run things. In addition to using all-volunteer signature gatherers, they campaign is not accepting donations over $1,000 and not taking support from anyone outside Portland Oregon and Southwest Washington. "I understand politics extremely well and know the tricks politicians use. I’m trying to give Portland something different," says Wurster.
1
This could all be solved with a muddy rugby game at Jeff. Portland vs. SW Washington? "Politicos" vs. Everyone Else? What do you say Tom?
2
Jasun, if you're reading this:
Please take a look at the resume you have posted on the forward support website. Among several other errors, you state that you worked on a "Judiacal campaign" for for Cheryl Albrecht.
You see why this is incorrect, yeah? I will happily donate a dictionary to your campaign if you promised to actually use it.
Please take a look at the resume you have posted on the forward support website. Among several other errors, you state that you worked on a "Judiacal campaign" for for Cheryl Albrecht.
You see why this is incorrect, yeah? I will happily donate a dictionary to your campaign if you promised to actually use it.
3
Psst. Hey, Cat. As long as we're criticizing people on their grammar and spelling, you have quite a tense mismatch in that last sentence. Perhaps you should have said, "would happily," instead of, "will happily."
4
"Will" is perfectly acceptable when you have an expectation of the condition being met. Tense doesn't even enter into it. I'd explain it to you like you were five, but we both know how well that goes around here.
Jasun, disregard my last comment. "Judiacal" and "Judicial" mean exactly the same thing. Even if they didn't, it's just a resume.
Jasun, disregard my last comment. "Judiacal" and "Judicial" mean exactly the same thing. Even if they didn't, it's just a resume.
5
So did he already have a 999.99 donation from someone in Camas lined up before he set those boundaries? I bet by Portland he isn't talking about the city either but the "greater metro area"... Those are still outside dollars.
I also love the way when we see him on the news he says he wants everyone to help in one breath but then that no one in the campaign is a homophobe in the next. Sorry Jasun but no matter how many times you shout that there aren't any homophobes in your recall effort you don't have to look hard to find them all over the place. You are deluding yourself if you believe you aren't in bed with evil on this.
I also love the way when we see him on the news he says he wants everyone to help in one breath but then that no one in the campaign is a homophobe in the next. Sorry Jasun but no matter how many times you shout that there aren't any homophobes in your recall effort you don't have to look hard to find them all over the place. You are deluding yourself if you believe you aren't in bed with evil on this.
6
Yeah,
econoline, what about the gay business owner who just agreed to stock petitions at his antique store, as he was signing a petition today? Must be one of those gays who is homophobic, huh?
You culture warriors are a trying bunch. Yesterday a redneck PC tweaker shook his fist at me and yelled that his neighbors were gay, this was a diverse neighborhodd, and he wouldn't tolerate any bigotry, and i wasn't wanted there.
This without having met me (he came out after his wife had already closed the door, and I was halfway down the street.)
This without a clue about my sexual orientation.
Keep frothing at the mouth, cockfighters. We are going to win this, TOGETHER, gays, straights, Bis, eunuchs, drunks, professors, and yeah, some homophobes might be around, and having contact with the whole affair will civilize them slightly.
Just like you cockfighters will be civilized, slightly, by being yelled at by me and others about your vain persistence in trying to turn this into a culture war.
econoline, what about the gay business owner who just agreed to stock petitions at his antique store, as he was signing a petition today? Must be one of those gays who is homophobic, huh?
You culture warriors are a trying bunch. Yesterday a redneck PC tweaker shook his fist at me and yelled that his neighbors were gay, this was a diverse neighborhodd, and he wouldn't tolerate any bigotry, and i wasn't wanted there.
This without having met me (he came out after his wife had already closed the door, and I was halfway down the street.)
This without a clue about my sexual orientation.
Keep frothing at the mouth, cockfighters. We are going to win this, TOGETHER, gays, straights, Bis, eunuchs, drunks, professors, and yeah, some homophobes might be around, and having contact with the whole affair will civilize them slightly.
Just like you cockfighters will be civilized, slightly, by being yelled at by me and others about your vain persistence in trying to turn this into a culture war.
8
Kitty kitty. In order for, "will" to be used in that situation instead of, "would," you need to change the tense of "promised" to "promise". It is a tense issue, and no matter how sure of yourself you are, you're still wrong.
I'd have never pointed it out if you hadn't been gloating about catching someone else making mistakes in the previous breath. <3's and have a nice day!
I'd have never pointed it out if you hadn't been gloating about catching someone else making mistakes in the previous breath. <3's and have a nice day!
9
Hi Moving slowly & drooling,
We can not accept donations unless you fill out a donation form:
http://www.citizenrecall.org/data/Recall_Sam_Adams_donation_form.pdf
Make sure you note the value of your donation so that we are in full compliance with Oregon Election laws... that Forward Support company really knows their stuff!
On a side note... if you know Judge Cheryl... I think she would totally dig my typo (and not hold it against me) explaining her campaign as Judaical (as in Judas Priest).
Hi Econoline,
The $1000 self imposed limit and only accepting donations from Oregon and Southwest Washington was put in place to specifically protect our GLBT community from out of state money affecting our recall. I will not allow some fucked up Prop 8 or Measure 36 shenanigans happening with this campaign... yea I dropped the F-Bomb because I deemed an explicative necessary to express how upset I am with how out of state money was used to prevent the rights of fellow citizens to marry.
Our Recall is about holding Sam Adams accountable for willfully lying to get elected, orchestration an elaborate cover-up and abusing his power. We focus solely on his civic and ethical transgressions.
You can see our full finances at:
https://secure.sos.state.or.us/eim/sooDetail.do?sooRsn=44886
As always, you are welcome to call me at 503-799-7919 to talk with me as opposed attacking me and spreading disinformation in the name of supporting Sam Adams (you are not helping him out... really).
Together we will make our government better,
RecallSamAdams.com
Jasun Wurster
We can not accept donations unless you fill out a donation form:
http://www.citizenrecall.org/data/Recall_Sam_Adams_donation_form.pdf
Make sure you note the value of your donation so that we are in full compliance with Oregon Election laws... that Forward Support company really knows their stuff!
On a side note... if you know Judge Cheryl... I think she would totally dig my typo (and not hold it against me) explaining her campaign as Judaical (as in Judas Priest).
Hi Econoline,
The $1000 self imposed limit and only accepting donations from Oregon and Southwest Washington was put in place to specifically protect our GLBT community from out of state money affecting our recall. I will not allow some fucked up Prop 8 or Measure 36 shenanigans happening with this campaign... yea I dropped the F-Bomb because I deemed an explicative necessary to express how upset I am with how out of state money was used to prevent the rights of fellow citizens to marry.
Our Recall is about holding Sam Adams accountable for willfully lying to get elected, orchestration an elaborate cover-up and abusing his power. We focus solely on his civic and ethical transgressions.
You can see our full finances at:
https://secure.sos.state.or.us/eim/sooDetail.do?sooRsn=44886
As always, you are welcome to call me at 503-799-7919 to talk with me as opposed attacking me and spreading disinformation in the name of supporting Sam Adams (you are not helping him out... really).
Together we will make our government better,
RecallSamAdams.com
Jasun Wurster
10
Dear Mr. Radik,
"Will [happily] donate" and "would [happily] donate" are the exact same tense. Check with an English teacher if you must. If you're talking about another grammatical issue, please be a bit more accurate in your language. Until you can do so, it's impossible to refute what you're trying to say.
Huggles,
A Cat
"Will [happily] donate" and "would [happily] donate" are the exact same tense. Check with an English teacher if you must. If you're talking about another grammatical issue, please be a bit more accurate in your language. Until you can do so, it's impossible to refute what you're trying to say.
Huggles,
A Cat
11
Debating grammar and symantics and like in a web comment section is pretty much the bottom. Of what you ask? Of everything.
12
Hi Sarah,
Karin Hansen received her training on-line and got her petitions via email. Sorry if I misrepresented this to you.
To make it easier for our volunteers we allow them to get the petition via email and print them out at home. We have been told by the City Auditor that it is acceptable for me to train all of our volunteers in person, on the phone, via the web or email.
Thanks,
jasun
Karin Hansen received her training on-line and got her petitions via email. Sorry if I misrepresented this to you.
To make it easier for our volunteers we allow them to get the petition via email and print them out at home. We have been told by the City Auditor that it is acceptable for me to train all of our volunteers in person, on the phone, via the web or email.
Thanks,
jasun
13
Blabby, this is one of those rare moments when you're correct. I forfeit; have fun thinking you're right, Will.
14
Since you guys are hanging out here tonight, I had a couple questions.
Jasun - The Mercury said there was a question at your training event about a 'don't ask don't tell' policy regarding the motivations of people signing the petition that went unanswered. Since your gatherers are signing a statement they won't take signatures from people whose "goals are to remove Sam Adams from office based on sexual orientation or religious social conservative reasons" how will the gatherer tell the motivations of the person signing if they don't ask? To your credit the comments on the Oregonian have been much more civil since your announcement, which is a positive thing in itself, but I am concerned these people will just 'go underground' with their true motivations.
gonetorio - Are we in agreement that we should not call Sam a pedophile? I ask because I was trolling through your old comments and saw some post you made about a European definition of the term that goes beyond what most Oregonians would consider the word to mean. I think I have also seen you refer to him as a pederast on another forum under another screen name. Thanks to the WWeek we know lots of people he has dated; none were children, and all besides Beau were age appropriate. I know you have a very nuanced view of pedophilia but you must recognize how charged that term is, and what the common interpretation of calling him a pedophile would be.
I think you guys have done the best with a difficult situation so far. I know your position has nothing to do with Sam's sexual orientation and I appreciate the steps you have taken to avoid turning this into a 'culture war'. I also think this was a strategic decision on your part, since Measure 36 for example would have never passed if only Portland was allowed to vote. Thanks for keeping it clean guys!
More...
Jasun - The Mercury said there was a question at your training event about a 'don't ask don't tell' policy regarding the motivations of people signing the petition that went unanswered. Since your gatherers are signing a statement they won't take signatures from people whose "goals are to remove Sam Adams from office based on sexual orientation or religious social conservative reasons" how will the gatherer tell the motivations of the person signing if they don't ask? To your credit the comments on the Oregonian have been much more civil since your announcement, which is a positive thing in itself, but I am concerned these people will just 'go underground' with their true motivations.
gonetorio - Are we in agreement that we should not call Sam a pedophile? I ask because I was trolling through your old comments and saw some post you made about a European definition of the term that goes beyond what most Oregonians would consider the word to mean. I think I have also seen you refer to him as a pederast on another forum under another screen name. Thanks to the WWeek we know lots of people he has dated; none were children, and all besides Beau were age appropriate. I know you have a very nuanced view of pedophilia but you must recognize how charged that term is, and what the common interpretation of calling him a pedophile would be.
I think you guys have done the best with a difficult situation so far. I know your position has nothing to do with Sam's sexual orientation and I appreciate the steps you have taken to avoid turning this into a 'culture war'. I also think this was a strategic decision on your part, since Measure 36 for example would have never passed if only Portland was allowed to vote. Thanks for keeping it clean guys!
15
littlebeirut,
I have nothing against pedophiles per se. Many do not act on their impulses, and many have contributed to society in tremendous ways. One has only to look at the tremendous contributions made to society and charity by Michael Jackson to understand that many of these people are decent, even great human beings.
And I think the age of consent should be lowered.
18 is completely ridiculous.
You are right that most people do not share my views on pedophilia and have the same knee-jerk horror reaction that people have had through the ages to people who are different from them.
I do support using an alternate term that would describe the mayor's sexual behavior directed at a youth less than half his age, all while he was a public figure aspiring to greater public office. I appreciate your guidance in the matter of terminology.
Perhaps predator is a better term.
However, the real focus of this campaign is the fact that Adams used his lies and denials to:
a)build his own reputation as a kindly, caring, supportive man who cares about youth and their troubles, and
b)destroy a political opponent.
Thank you again.
I have nothing against pedophiles per se. Many do not act on their impulses, and many have contributed to society in tremendous ways. One has only to look at the tremendous contributions made to society and charity by Michael Jackson to understand that many of these people are decent, even great human beings.
And I think the age of consent should be lowered.
18 is completely ridiculous.
You are right that most people do not share my views on pedophilia and have the same knee-jerk horror reaction that people have had through the ages to people who are different from them.
I do support using an alternate term that would describe the mayor's sexual behavior directed at a youth less than half his age, all while he was a public figure aspiring to greater public office. I appreciate your guidance in the matter of terminology.
Perhaps predator is a better term.
However, the real focus of this campaign is the fact that Adams used his lies and denials to:
a)build his own reputation as a kindly, caring, supportive man who cares about youth and their troubles, and
b)destroy a political opponent.
Thank you again.
16
So the least effective Mayor in history comes out in support and this is supposed to be a good thing?
18
Can someone tell me why he was so bad? I was focussed on the travesty that was national politics during his term and never really noticed him. and, given what's going on, I wish I would have never noticed the current mayor either.
Yesterday I met a soccer supporter saying "believe me, i'm just as chapped as you are about his BS, but I can't sign anything until soccer comes to town."
Hear that, Fritz and Fish? Bring us soccer, so the Timbers army people can vote their freaking consciences.
Oh, and met a pair of charming maybe gay guys who agreed on every level that Sam needed to go. Sign? No, because, "Sam has a long memory", and they worked in the public domain.
So, Sam, you kind, caring man, would you mind publically encouraging people to vote their consciences, promising them not to wreak your vengeance?
I'm really starting to wonder about Portland.
Yesterday I met a soccer supporter saying "believe me, i'm just as chapped as you are about his BS, but I can't sign anything until soccer comes to town."
Hear that, Fritz and Fish? Bring us soccer, so the Timbers army people can vote their freaking consciences.
Oh, and met a pair of charming maybe gay guys who agreed on every level that Sam needed to go. Sign? No, because, "Sam has a long memory", and they worked in the public domain.
So, Sam, you kind, caring man, would you mind publically encouraging people to vote their consciences, promising them not to wreak your vengeance?
I'm really starting to wonder about Portland.
19
I know we've moved beyond talking about grammar, syntax, etc., but I have to ask if "<3's" really needs that apostrophe.
20
"so the Timbers army people can vote their freaking consciences."
Lots of us do have a conscience and don't care if the mayor lied to a shi**y alt-weekly reporter about where he wiggles his bean.
Lots of us do have a conscience and don't care if the mayor lied to a shi**y alt-weekly reporter about where he wiggles his bean.
21
gonetorio - I don't know about predator, sounds kinda judgmental. Would you apply it to MJ as well? If you are going to use it I would at least make sure you are clear that Sam's 'prey' was not a young Macaulay Culkin type, but an adult.
According to the recall website people circulating petitions are not supposed to lie in their pursuit of signatures. I know how personally invested you are in this campaign, but you need to quit calling Sam a pedophile in public because it is not true.
According to the recall website people circulating petitions are not supposed to lie in their pursuit of signatures. I know how personally invested you are in this campaign, but you need to quit calling Sam a pedophile in public because it is not true.
22
Wow, a bunch of anti-gay people gathering signatures to recall our first gay mayor. And people are getting involved in politics for the first time for THIS??? Can you say "homophobia?" And why do they even get to collect signatures outside the City of Portland? Oh yeah, because he's gay and they have to find as many homophobes as possible.
23
wow digarylee, most of the literacy issues on this topic are hilarious. Yours is more troubling.
Lets say it again just so that it is more clear. This has nothing to do with the company Sam keeps. This has to do with Sam creating a lie about a gay political opponent (Bob Ball), who in turn was run out of town on the "you cant hate a gay person even if you are gay" train.
Before I understood what all happened I spent 3 hours outside Sam's office chanting for him to "get back to work". He was considering resigning, but I wanted Sam to be my Mayor. I was proud that we got him (a pro-bike homosexual) elected.
Since that day he has gotten back to work by working us over on the CRC and the Lents baseball development.
I hope he stops working soon.
Lets say it again just so that it is more clear. This has nothing to do with the company Sam keeps. This has to do with Sam creating a lie about a gay political opponent (Bob Ball), who in turn was run out of town on the "you cant hate a gay person even if you are gay" train.
Before I understood what all happened I spent 3 hours outside Sam's office chanting for him to "get back to work". He was considering resigning, but I wanted Sam to be my Mayor. I was proud that we got him (a pro-bike homosexual) elected.
Since that day he has gotten back to work by working us over on the CRC and the Lents baseball development.
I hope he stops working soon.
Most Commented on Blogtown, PDX
-
Mandatory French Fries on Sandwiches: CONDEMN OR ALLOW? by Wm.™ Steven Humphrey
-
Win Valentine's Dinner for Two at Central by Alison Hallett
-
Let's Play the Game of
LoveThrones by Erik Henriksen -
In Which Bobby Roberts Attempts to Ruin the One Thing That Made Me Happy Today by Erik Henriksen
-
Should Portland Ban Cops From Using Horses and Pepper Spray to Bust Up Protests? by Denis C. Theriault
-
New Paris Laws Give Bikes Okay to Run Red Lights; Ooh-La-La! by Wm.™ Steven Humphrey
-
"I Have Chickens Too!" by Alison Hallett
-
Tonight! KATU Wants Everyone to Be Afraid of Marauding Crazy People! by Denis C. Theriault
-
CAT BREADING UPDATE: Which Mercury Employee Succumbed to the Pressure? by Bobby Roberts
-
THE ROCK IN 2012 by Erik Henriksen
Our Friends
- UrbanHonking
- Culture Shock
- Portland Roundball Society
- Steph Cassano
- Cort and Fatboy
- Street Roots
- Powell's Books Blog
- Portland Transport
- Portland Afoot
- Bike Portland
- Eater: PDX
- Portland Food and Drink
- Mr. Movie
- Sunday Softball
- BlueOregon
- Sightline Institute
- Ultra: Arts Portland
- Bitch Magazine
- Blazer's Edge
- Reading Local: Portland
- Portland Food Carts
- Stumptown Vegans
Our Enemies
The Handyman Pro - Your Honey-Do Specialist
Don’t let our name fool you. The Handyman Pro, LLC is a repair and remodel service provider with over 25-years experience. We cover all aspects of construction and repairs for residential and commercial clients.
Bands Page
Housing
Jobs
Musicians
For Sale
Wheels
Services
Health
The Arts
Friends 'N' Neighbors
Bulletin Board
Personals
Adult
About Portland Mercury
RSSGoing to Seattle?
Comments (23) RSS