The Daily Astorian: "State candidates campaign in Astoria"

From The Daily Astorian, April 11, 2008

With the primary election rapidly approaching, it might be no surprise that political candidates are passing through Astoria to court voters. But the Clatsop County Democratic Central Committee offered a chance to compare many of the local and statewide candidates for the May 20 election.

The committee held a candidates' night Thursday, giving hopefuls a chance to spend five minutes extolling their virtues.

It was a fast-paced evening. A five-minute speech isn't much time for swaying a crowd. But voters in attendance expressed pleasure at having a chance to speak to the candidates one-on-one.

...state Rep. Greg Macpherson, had similar views on targeting the "high-level traffickers." But, he also said Measure 11, which set mandatory sentencing for certain crimes, needs to be reconsidered too.

"Since (Measure 11) was passed, our prison system has doubled," Macpherson said. "We're one of five states who spend more on prisons than on education. It takes political courage to take on Measure 11."

Read the full story HERE.