Anyone think that the elevation of Bob Dudley to head of BP will have an effect on the OR governors race? My best guess is that it will make Chris a more viable candiate - although more than zero isn't a big accomplishment. barfo
If you don't think Chris Dudley is a strong candidate for governor then I think you're in for a surprise.
I think he's an incredibly weak candidate in the sense of being qualified, but as far as getting elected, who knows. barfo
Qualified? How exactly do you get to be qualified to run for governor? I think the only qualification you need is a big bank account. I don't see how he could do any worse than that idiot Kitzhaber.
I agree we already had Kitzhaber once and I really don't want him back. From Kitzhaber last time I don't think he is qualified.
The way you qualify to run for governor is to win the primary, which Dudley did. I was speaking of his qualifications to be governor, which are nonexistent. The man doesn't even vote. barfo
Kitzhaber was a huge disappointment to me. I voted for him twice and all he did was veto bills and be a 'yes' man for the Public Employees Union. He had a well deserved reputation for being a consensus builder in the State legislature and then became the compete opposite as guv. He also represents the "business as usual" candidate who will not address the #1 issue with the state's budget- PERS retirement system. It has, literally, over ridden the ability to be a solvent state ever again. That means the state's woes can only get worse. I agree with barfo that Dudley brings no specific qualifications to be a Governor. But at least if he is elected it will be making a new mistake instead of an old one. I think I'm ready for some new thinking. Even if it fails.
Okay then what are the qualifications to be governor? Do you feel Kitzhaber has demonstrated these qualifications?
I don't mean to suggest that PERS isn't a problem - it is. But you are exaggerating wildly here. PERS currently consumes less than 2% of the state budget. The problem with that line of thinking is that all mistakes are not created equal. It is possible to make a bigger, taller mistake. barfo
I would say the minimum qualifications are some knowledge of, and interest in, state government. Kitzhaber clearly meets those qualifications; Dudley clearly does not. barfo
Actually PERS is projected to be a major driver of the increase to the state budget over the next 3 years. Perhaps $400 million in increases will be due to PERS. If you don't think it's a huge problem then I believe you are mistaken.
Yes. How much of the state budget is $400 million? 0.7% It is a big problem. But let's not pretend it is insurmountable. barfo
I'm saying there is zero evidence that he has an interest in it other than deciding that he wants to be governor. Let's put it this way. I am more qualified, by far, to be Blazers GM, than Duds is to be Governor. Edit: I note that you didn't challenge the "knowlege of state government" portion of my assertion. Probably a wise choice. barfo
$400 million represents roughly 10% of the state budget projected increases over the next 3 years. That is a HUGE problem.
What about the other 90%? Is that a HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE (that's 9 HUGE's) problem? barfo
barfo, the state revenues have been dropping rapidly while pers is rising rapidly. It is a major problem. There are others, to be sure, but none as bad as pers.
