[cross posted at Kos.]
Over at The Fix, Chris Cillizza moved the Oregon senate race up to number five (from six last week) on the strength of DeFazio's potential entry. Here's what he had to say:
5. Oregon: Recruiting Senate candidates is a funny business. A few weeks ago, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D) pronounced himself uninterested in a challenge to Sen. Gordon Smith (R). One poll later and DeFazio has not only opened the door a crack but is quoted attacking Smith as a "flip-flopper" in the local press. Hmmm. We don't pretend to know what DeFazio is thinking, but it sure seems like the idea of a Senate race is intriguing him more and more by the day. Democrats acknowledge that DeFazio is their preferred candidate, but believe if he doesn't run either Rep. Earl Blumenauer or state Treasurer Randall Edwards will get in. If DeFazio is the candidate, this race will almost assuredly move up the Line. (Previous ranking: 6)
The fact that "Democrats acknowledge that DeFazio is their preferred candidate" is outstanding. 10 years ago, DeFazio lost to the more moderate Ron Wyden in the special election primary to replace Bob Packwood, largely due to establishment support for Wyden, and his wealthy Portland fundraising base. That Portlanders are now taking DeFazio seriously, and raising money for him, is a tremendous statement as to how far the Democratic party has come over that ten year period.
The Draft DeFazio team still needs 64 more donors or $1,415.00 (or both!) by tomorrow night to meet their ambitious fund raising goals. You can contribute at the ActBlue page.
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