John Kroger for Oregon Attorney General

UPDATE:

I did this post some time ago, but want to move it to the top. After all, it is timely and you should go Krogering! *

*Kroger is a grocery based in Cincinnati (sin city to me) that owns Fred Meyer, QFC and Kroger. Krogering was their logo.

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After having a most interesting conversation with John Kroger this Saturday at the Rebooting Democracy event, I am even more enthusiastic about him becoming our Attorney General. It should go without saying that I do not speak for his campaign; I am just one man with some ideas and a blogger account.

On his website, you can read about Kroger's experience as a federal prosecutor, an activist for the Democratic party and his current position teaching law at Lewis and Clark Law School--items that more than qualify him to be a great AG. In person, he will articulate with passion the specific actions he will take as soon as he takes office: protecting consumers from crooked insurance companies or other scammers, and making polluters responsible for the harm they cause.

(I don't even hold it against him that he went to college and law school at private eastcoastintellectual fancypants schools).

Further, he is not afraid to disagree with voters on contentious issues. For example, during a conversation with a criminal defense lawyer who abhorred Measure 11, which imposes mandatory minimum sentences, he did not shy away from his support for mandatory minimum sentences for many severe crimes. I should note that his views on mandatory minimum sentencing are no doubt complex and you should talk to him or his campaign if you would like more detail. For instance, I think he is against Initiative 41, mandatory minimum sentences for property crimes.

It is worth saying a few words about Kroger's primary opponent, Representative Greg MacPherson. MacPherson is a fine legislator (I canvassed for his legislative campaign on more than one occasion), but I worry he lacks the experience and temperament to be a great Attorney General. As an employee benefits lawyer (primarily representing employers) I cannot see how MacPherson has the knowledge to initiate and prosecute criminal matters, and civil rights or consumer rights cases. Surely, he would have to defer to his deputies.

And more importantly, Greg MacPherson's career as an attorney drafting employee benefit plans has not inculcated the fighting spirit or aggressive posture that a great attorney general needs.

In sum, I suggest you vote for John Kroger, donate some money to his campaign, or volunteer. I know I will.