Nick Kahl

A summary of The Oregonian’s endorsements in the May 20 primary election: the newspaper is backing Barack Obama for President, Steve Novick for U.S. Senate, Kate Brown for Secretary of State, Greg Macpherson for Attorney General, and Sam Adams for Mayor of Portland.

Rather than doling out large checks from his personal (and quite large) bank account to various political candidates, liberal winemaker and philanthropist Eric Lemelson has become more politically sophisticated by creating the Oregon Climate PAC.

Reynolds School Board Chair John Nelsen has entered the race for State Representative in House District 49.  He is seeking the seat being vacated by Rep. Karen Minnis, who is retiring after five terms. “I am running to make sure that our community receives the resources needed to ensure effective schools and nurturing, safe neighborhoods in which our kids and families can thrive,” Nelsen said.