Dear Fellow Democrats,

I am hoping especially that my fellow Democrats from urban areas will read this. My concern is about Measure 37 and its devastating consequences not only for rural areas such as ours, but to the quality of life of all Oregonians, including those in urban areas. The emerging picture of current Measure 37 claims predicts a widespread loss of farm and forest land, a proliferation of unplanned urban and suburban sprawl into rural areas, loss of wildlife habitat, increased strains on ground water aquifers in rural areas, loss of forested areas that serve as carbon sinks to offset greenhouse gases, and aesthetic blights upon the Oregon landscape. There are known impacts to the health of the population with urban sprawl, and the Centers for Disease Control has a webpage devoted to this issue. When people spend more time driving to destinations and less time walking, there is a correlation with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.ÂÂ

1. Two weeks to go -- what can you do to elect Democrats?
2. Rally with Governor Kulongoski and Governor Kitzhaber
3. Celebrate Governor Kulongoski's birthday on Nov. 3rd
4. Child care available

A Minefield of Liars

Oregon Democrats are facing a minefield of Republican candidates who lie this year. Toni Manning, the woman who made false accusations against Rob Brading, is on the warpath again. She has written attack articles in "The Oregonian" and the "Gresham Outlook," urging voters to defeat the Multnomah County Library's funding levy because of "pornography."

Ron Saxton promises he will improve Headstart, the public schools, and the state without spending any money. He knows it can't be done, but he promises anyhow. We can get rid of him and the other liars by working hard for Democrats, going door to door, making calls, working in the office, contributing money, and talking to family and friends. Good luck to us all!

From The Oregonian:

The battle between Democratic incumbent Ted Kulongoski and Republican Ron Saxton is essentially a dead heat, according to a new survey by Portland pollster Mike Riley.

The poll shows Saxton leading Kulongoski 39%-37%. Click here for the full poll. Saxton's support has been steadily growing since he started sending out a large number of mailers to Republicans and putting ads on TV. The poll shows he receives 72% of Republicans' vote. The same poll showed Kulongoski bringing in only 67% of Democrats' votes.

Welcome to this week's volunteer newsletter. We're now only 17 days away from the day ballots begin arriving and 35 days from Election Day. As many may know, yesterday was the deadline for Contribution & Expenditure reports to be turned in by campaigns. These reports show how much money has been raised and spent, whom it came from, and where it's going. Ron Saxton's C&E report showed he brought in more than $3.5 million in contributions and spent over $2.89 million. On top of the $3.5 million were several more large donations received after the reporting cut-off, including $500,000 from the Republican Governors Association. Added in with his $800,000 remaining balance, and he still has more than a million left in the bank.