District Five Democrats Try To Distinguish Themselves

ELECTIONS 

By Andrew Theen

Portland, OR  May 15, 2008 3:50 p.m.

Three of the Democratic candidates vying for Congresswoman Darlene Hooley's seat appeared on OPB's Think Out Loud program Thursday.  The three don't differ much on the issues.

Andy Foster is a graduate student at Oregon State University and a small business owner.

Steve Marks is best known for having been chief of staff for former Governor John Kitzhaber.

And Kurt Schrader is a State Senator.

Agreement turned testy when the topic of experience came up. Kurt Schrader criticized his opponents for lacking legislative experience.

Kurt Schrader: "You can't just jump from being an adviser.  With all due respect to Steve, his resume is an adviser to John Kitzhaber and a lobbyist.  I think you need someone to go into Congress to actually have experience in the legislature."

Marks responded by saying the important thing is having good judgment on policy, not strictly having experience voting for it.

Andy Foster, who's 25, said he represents the next generation, and that it's important to have them included in future legislative decision.

The Democratic contest is tame so far,  compared to the Republican race for the 5th Congressional District.
Wednesday Mike Erickson released a TV ad blasting Kevin Mannix for "nasty claims" and years of personal enrichment.

Mannix sent out a campaign mailer to voters earlier this week alleging that Erickson paid for a girlfriend's abortion 8 years ago.

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