Jason4Gov.com

Welcome, to Jason4Gov.com.

This site will remain up for the forseeable future. I am leaving the site up as a historical reference, and so that those interested may come to gather information about the Atkinson for Governor campaign. There are those who would still like to see Senator Atkinson become governor of our state, and so as a continuance of this grassroots effort, the site will remain. It is unknown whether Senator Atkinson desires at this time to continue his efforts toward the governorship, or whether he will, at some future time, re-engage in the "good fight."  We hope he will...

-Ed

Something Has Begun

In the wake of election night and my subsequent return to Southern Oregon, I want to express my thanks to everyone for the support and encouragement. Thanks.

Please accept my apologies for the silent treatment over the last 36 hours. Tuesday night I was up until 2:am trying to get the pay-to-connect wireless access point in the Embassy Suites to work. No dice. One would think that in a semi-ritzy joint like that, they would offer free internet connectivity, but, no, they wanted US$7.95 for 24 hours of connection. I wouldn't have minded paying that, but it didn't even work... They will lose business if they don't get that fixed.

Wednesday morning I stopped in McMinnville on business, and tooled down 99W through some of my old stomping grounds, gathering Atkinson for Governor field signs along the way. I had plenty of time to think through the various possibilities for the future of Oregon's conservative movement.  I will not share any detailed thoughts or plans of mine at this time, but I will say this: Something has begun. I am only one of many poeple who feel this way. This Jason Atkinson campaign has started something, and I have a feeling it's not going to just fade away, though some of the individuals involved will. But others will rise to the top - not in position, but in profile, in commitment, in personal investment, in involvement...

As for the future of Jason4Gov.com, I have the following purposefully ambiguous official statement to make:

It ain't over 'til it's over, and it doesn't appear to be over yet. Therefore, it ain't over. Thus, our continued existence.

more later...

Something Has Begun

Dear Volunteers and Supporters:

First, THANK YOU. I am humbled and honored by your continued support of this campaign. People all over Oregon want to believe again and have shown their heart and hope for this state by committing personal resources, time and effort to our campaign. Our campaign is what it is – a true GRASSROOTS campaign – because of you. YOU are the grassroots and our success depends on you.

Second, NOW IS A CRITICAL TIME. This is a very, very tight race – a statistical dead heat. The latest polling numbers (Oregonian/KATU poll, published 5/5/06) show that THIS IS ANYONE’S RACE. Even after being bombarded with millions of dollars of advertising, phone calls and emails by the other candidates, 35 percent of voters are still UNDECIDED.

Today’s article confirms what you and I have known all along: Oregonians want to believe again. We want a new generation of leadership. We want to build a better Oregon by restoring integrity to public service.

I look forward to working with you over these critical last 10 days.

All best,
Jason

Central Point, OR May 15, 2006

"We committed in this campaign to change the tone of Oregon politics and have succeeded," said Atkinson. "Our positive grass roots campaigning has what money can't buy - heart and passion. That's why we are going to win," he continued.

I found this Oregon Conservative article an interesting read. You decide.

I just ran across the following post on The Cheezer's blog. I'd like to refer you to my previous post. This is what I'm talking about - the swing vote!

“Senator Atkinson,

We saw the interview on OPB last week and wanted to tell you that we were very impressed by what you said. I am a born and bred Oregonian and a registered Democrat. My wife is also a registered Democrat. We believe there needs to be a change in leadership in Oregon. If you make it to the ticket in November, we are willing to cross the party line and vote for you. We wish you the best of luck. We hope to see you on the ticket in November.

R. and S.

Hillsboro”

from the Statesman Journal

Guest Opinion
Pass school budget first in each session
JASON ATKINSON
May 14, 2006

Oregon's system for funding public education is broken.

For years, the Legislature has followed the same tired script. The governor submits his proposed budget with purposefully low funding for K-12 education. Everyone goes quiet for a month.

Then in spring, busloads of children are sent to Salem to lobby for more funding than the governor proposed and school lobbyists complain that Republicans are cutting education.

Everyone waits for the March revenue forecast, hoping there will be more money. There isn't.

Folks have noticed the mudslinging...