Peter DeFazio

As the Oregon primary looms near, the race to secure more superdelegates continues to heat up. Barack Obama's campaign announced today the endorsement of Congressman Peter Defazio, adding to current endorsers Congressmen Earl Blumenauer and David Wu.

U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazioOn Thursday night, superdelegate U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio joined his House colleagues, Reps. Earl Blumenauer and David Wu, in endorsing U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's presidential candidacy.

DeFazio's endorsement tips the superdelegate count in Oregon: three for Obama, and two (Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Rep. Darlene Hooley) for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton. There are seven superdelegates in Oregon that are still publicly undecided.

Congressman Greg Walden has one of the safest Republican seats in the country. For years Democrats have ignored his record, his seat and primarily his strong ties to the NRCC. That is until the whispers of a potential run for governor began and the Dems discovered Walden sitting on nearly $900,000 in campaign cash.  read more »

This cycle’s Democratic presidential primary has thrown the spotlight on superdelegates, and one of Oregon’s own today urged both Sens. Obama and Clinton to change the tones of their campaigns.  read more »

10. John Frohnmayer – Find a credible pollster.

9. Greg Macpherson – Take the Sierra Club off my Christmas card list for next year.

8. Kate Brown – Share my exciting poll results with Wally Edge.

7. Vance Day – Find some statewide candidates to put on the ballot or find my own replacement.

6. Peter Defazio – Ruin all the SOS candidates future hopes by announcing my 2010 gubernatorial bid.

5. Sho Dozono – Come out of the campaign closet and officially announce my Portland mayoral candidacy.

4. Ted Kulongoski – Check for television cameras before pouting off stage.

3. Martha Schrader – Wait until the incumbent is out of the hospital before gunning for her congressional seat.

2. Gordon Smith – Hold my tongue at retirement parties.

1. Bernie Guisto – Learn when to fold ‘em.

Oregonians rarely get the opportunity to see any real competitive races for Congress. Earl Blumenauer and Peter Defazio have solid Dem districts with large enough followings to ward off a serious challenge from any party. Greg Walden has seen a few scrappy Democratic candidates try and mount a race in his conservative eastern Oregon based district, but nothing the DCCC or the Democratic Party of Oregon pays any attention to. He won 67% of the vote in his last race.