Forward Oregon

The story about Novick’s less-than-flattering response to blogs during the Willamette Weekly endorsement interview has already been discussed at mydd and openleft, but I think his disregard for the netroots is evidence of something greater. Novick’s priorities are not aligned with what is best for Oregon.

Both of the above blogs discuss the content of Novick’s comments, which include him calling blogs “a way for a number of people to waste a vast quantity of time”. This not only undermines the valid space that blogs inhabit within the larger political discourse, but it is reckless for someone who considers themselves the ‘progressive’ candidate to display such blatant disrespect to their netroots base. As discussed other places, he has insulted bloggers and their utility in the overall netroots aspect of campaigns.

Here is the video if you haven’t seen it yet:

What is the most important facet of Novick’s performance at the Willamette Week interviews is that he states that would vote for Frohnmeyer over Merkley in the primary if he could not vote for himself.

Here is the awkward video that captures this stumbling moment for Novick:

This portrays that for Novick this race is not about beating Gordan Smith, as it is for Merkley, who immediately stated that he would vote for Novick if he was not running — because he is the only other viable candidate in this race (based on name recognition, fundraising numbers, etc). Novick does not seem to have the best interests of democrats in mind. In the same interview Novick gives Merkley an A-/B+ for his legislative sessions (and would have given him an A except he cited a lack of progress made on Measure 11, which is total baloney because Merkley testified about it in front of Chip Shield’s committee) and then claims that he isn’t someone he would vote for.

Instead his candidate of choice is former-republican-current-independent Frohnmeyer.

Regardless, an A-/B+ is a fantastic rating for a legislative session and displays Merkley’s capability as a leader within the House to work with a slim majority to enact change. It is undeniable that Merkley has the experience to work with a divided Congress to accomplish progressive goals.

Based on his vote for Frohnmeyer, the only plausible conclusion is that Novick doesn’t seem to want to send the best Senator possible to D.C.