Sources Say: February 19, 2008

The Portland Tribune, Feb 19, 2008
Original Story

He'll have friends in high places

Considered a shoo-in for re-election, Commissioner Randy Leonard is widely believed to be working to ensure he can muster three votes on command once this election is over.

If so, it would make sense. Many expect that despite mayoral candidate Sam Adams' assurances to the contrary, if elected he will employ a top-down governing style and inevitably clash with the pugnacious Leonard.

Leonard has endorsed Adams but also endorsed Nick Fish, who's running to replace a retiring Erik Sten. Leonard also is unofficially supporting Amanda Fritz in the race for Adams' old seat.

What do these three people have in common? They all are the perceived frontrunners.

Leonard has been working hard for Fish and publicly saying nice things about Adams and Fritz, ensuring that the likely winners will be in his debt if elected.

Not surprisingly, Leonard, who has the best game face of anyone on the council, says there is no truth to the conventional wisdom about his game plan. "I just don't think like that," he said.

Bragdon's next stop: Neilsen ratings

For all you early morning political wonks, not to worry, Metro President David Bragdon will stand in for Nick Fish as host of KRCW (32)'s "Outlook Portland" talk show, airing in the not-so-coveted 6:30 a.m. Sunday slot, while Fish runs for the City Council.

So does this mean Bragdon will, as Fish did, use his, er, massive audience as a springboard for a different public office?

Asked this question, Bragdon – who quashed the earlier rumors of his running for mayor with a hilarious spoof news release – does not disappoint, this time alluding to the recent flap over a poll done on behalf of candidate Sho Dozono.

"I was 'allowed to look at a poll' (wink wink)," he quipped in an e-mail. "It said Nick and I both have very high favorables among insomniac meth-heads who are up at 6:30 a.m. on Sundays as well as Church-goers in the 'sunrise services' cohort. I am not disclosing this poll as an in-kind contribution."
– Tribune staff

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