I watched tonight with great interest. I've never been an enthusiastic Kulongoski supporter, but I respect the fact that he had the difficult job of being in charge during a recession that hit Oregon hard. His response was to look for new ways to bring business to the state--for example, his efforts to bring new international airline flights to Portland.

My tepid support for the governor notwithstanding, he won this debate. My reason for believing so is this: he was credible in referencing Saxton's inability to be pinned down regarding what he really stands for.

Saxton has only his (arguably dismal) record as a Portland school board member to show for accomplishments in the public interest, and he's been an active anti-tax force. Yet he refused to answer charges that he was at the helm of the board during a time of fiscal and management sloppiness. He said he wants to cut classroom size in Oregon, but he failed to acknowledge the added expense of doing so. How can he do this if he cuts several types of taxes, as he indicated he would? He didn't answer the question about where he'd cut "waste" in the state government, either. He danced around it.

Does he pledge not to take gifts from lobbyists, or only not to take "big" gifts--his comment about not taking "fancy" meals (and I admit, I paraphrase here) was laughable. Is he pro-choice or pro-life? He's taken both positions.

Neither candidate was particularly well-spoken, so I can't give an edge to either in terms of winning a "formal" debate. Kulongoski, however, could point to things he had done--or at least tried to do--despite what Saxton (and the Oregonian) called lack of action. I never heard Saxton say he's accomplished anything. Except wanting to cut taxes. Sounds like Bill Sizemore, redux.

Advantage: Kulongoski

If Saxton is planning on local newspapers to carry his water, remember most of them are not particularly liked by folks in their own cities. Be specific, what newspapers? WestCom owns the papers in Baker City, LaGrande, Bend and probably other cities. We always vote against what they recommend.

Holy smokes - I can't believe no one is screaming about the INS raid - rock on INS! Guess tonites KGW poll kind of show what the majority think Mr. Potter

Send the illegal immigrants back to Mexico. This is not their legal home. They are law breakers and should be treated that way. The illegal immigrants should put up or shut up. If they are going to illegally trespass in the US, then simply they have to be willing to accept the punishment. No exceptions, or acting like a bunch of cry babies which they do. We the people see right through the act. They need to be escorted to their own country and come here like law abiding people. If they can't, stay home we don't want you.