John Nelsen sweeps endorsements, including former Dem challenger

[JohnNelsen Campaign Release]
John Nelsen Sweeps Endorsements,Despite Opponent’s “scorched earth” campaign tactics

(East Multnomah County) – John Nelsen (R), candidate for House-District 49, has defied the odds today by earning the full endorsement of The Willamette Week. Earlier this month John also received the endorsement of The Oregonian as well as The Gresham Outlook.

“I am honored that the people of East County and Oregon’s major press entities understand that I am the best qualified candidate in this race. Despite my opponents “˜scorched earth’ campaign, I have received almost universal support.” — John Nelsen

Willamette Week Endorsement link
http://wweek.com/editorial/3449/11678/
Gresham Outlook Endorsement Link
http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=122343079253228400
Oregonian Endorsement link
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/10/for_the_house_lim_vanorman_and.html

John Nelsen has an impressive endorsement list of locally elected Democratic and Republican officials. Please see his full endorsement list below:
http://johnnelsen.com/john-nelsens-endorsements/

Over the last eight weeks John’s opponent Nick Kahl has been running a negative ad campaign (direct mail and television) meant to mislead voters into thinking Nelsen is for a “new sales tax.” Here is the direct link to the forum Kahl’s campaign is citing as proof.

Sales tax? 7/23/08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_PmQjw8pL0

Sitting Troutdale City Councilor Barbara Kyle (D) ran against Nick Kahl in the Democratic primary for house district 49. Kyle has written a letter on behalf of John Nelsen, condemning Kahl’s campaign tactics during both primary and general election. (See attached document ” Barbara Kyle Letter”)

Here are a quick list of video links showing both John Nelsen and Nick Kahl answering the same questions at two separate public forums. Additional clips, full copies of forums, as well as copies of the negative mailers Kahl has been sending are available upon request.

Public Safety 7/23/08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN-NfhN4Pnw

Should we switch to an open primary system? 5/8/08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOYScXZVAFQ

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Greetings Fellow House District 49 Residents,

First I would like to thank all of you who supported me in the Democratic Primary Election for House District 49. While I was unsuccessful, I am grateful for the outpouring of support I have received. I continue to serve our community and am proud to do so.

During the primary campaign, I studied, listened and learned. I know what’s fact and what’s fiction in current campaign rhetoric. While John Nelsen was always respectful and friendly, I was sorely disappointed with the negative and misleading campaign tactics that Nick Kahl used against me (a fellow Democrat and local community leader) in our party’s primary. Now Kahl is using the same antics (and worse) to tarnish John Nelsen’s record of moderate and thoughtful public service.

I’m a voter and like you, I must decide which candidate I can best trust to make those important decisions in Salem that will impact our families. I’ve compared both candidates’, their life experience and their community service track record. Unlike his opponent, John Nelsen understands what it takes to raise a family, understands paying property taxes, understands parenting challenges and our struggles to make ends meet (he’s been there). He’s donated his time and energy to make our community better. Public records show John Nelson has walked the talk. He’s a family man, he’s the guy next door, and I believe he will ignore party lines and work to represent ALL House District 49 in East Multnomah County.

This I why I am taking an unusual step in asking you to PLEASE support the right person, John Nelsen, as our next state legislator. John is an independent-minded Republican and cares more about East County then party affiliation.

The Gresham Outlook has endorsed John and says that John is the only candidate that “”¦has the necessary community and volunteer experience to qualify him to represent the district in the Legislature”¦Nelsen also reflects the moderation of District 49, which has more registered Democrats than Republicans, as well a large number of non-affiliated voters. Voters should embrace Nelsen’s bipartisan sensibilities along with his experience by sending him to Salem.”

I agree and strongly urge you to join me in voting for John Nelsen to represent House District 49 in Salem.

Sincerely,

Barbara Kyle
Troutdale City Councilor

Oregon Catalyst