Yesterday’s Register Guard newspaper in Eugene had a story about whether or not Congressman Peter DeFazio (the only former bike mechanic in Congress) would run for the Senate.
at the 2006 Alice Awards.
File photo: 3/5/06
The article brought up whether or not DeFazio (or any other Oregon Democrat) would have a shot at unseating Senator Gordon Smith. One of the “other Democrats” mentioned was Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who’s love of bicycles is well-known.
What caught my attention was a quote from Portland-based political analyst Jim Moore. In trying to make the point that Blumenauer would have a tough time in a state-wide election, Moore said,
“The quirky, bow-tied Congressman Blumenauer of Portland would be on the short list, but down-state his appeal would be weak…Explaining why we need the head of the Bicycle Caucus as our U.S. senator would be tough.”
Is it just me or does this sound like Moore is belittling the Congressional Bike Caucus (which Blumenauer founded in 1996)?
Or am I just being overly sensitive?