Gubernatorial candidates court convention delegates

SEASIDE - Three Democratic gubernatorial candidates and one Republican responded to questions from a panel of union officials during an extended interview at the 46th annual convention of the Oregon AFL-CIO.

Democrats Jim Hill, Beverly Stein and Ted Kulongoski, and Republican Jack Roberts, all came seeking labor's endorsement for the May 2002 primary election. Kevin Mannix, another Republican candidate, responded by letter that he could not attend the interview because of a conflicting schedule.

"The interviews helped frame the issues of importance to working families in the all-important election next year," said AFL-CIO President Tim Nesbitt.

No endorsements were forthcoming. Instead, the state labor federation's Committee on Political Education set Dec. 14 for its next meeting to consider endorsements in the primaries.

Hill, Stein and Kulongoski were interviewed in a session for Democrats and Roberts was interviewed in a session for Republicans. Questions were identical for each candidate.

All three Democratic candidates worked delegates at the Welcome Party Sept. 9 and at the "Salute To Labor's Voice" banquet on Monday, Sept. 10.

Hill, Stein and Kulongoski all signed the AFL-CIO's new statement of principles for public officials on the "Freedom to Choose a Union," which commits them to publicly support workers involved in union organizing drives.

Roberts, the state labor commissioner, declined to sign the pledge, saying he supports a workers right to freely choose a union, but did not want to commit to attending public rallies, which the pledge requests.

All four candidates outlined their qualifications as public officials and illustrated ways in which they have supported working people and unions throughout their careers.

All four candidates also slammed Bill Sizemore, executive director of Oregon Taxpayers United, for his relentless attacks on organized labor and reiterated their opposition to his many ballot measures.

Kulongoski recently stepped down from the Oregon Supreme Court to run for governor. He has served the state as attorney general, insurance commissioner and a state legislator.

Hill served two terms as state treasurer. Prior to that he was a state lawmaker and former majority leader. Stein relinquished her position as chair of Multnomah County to run for governor. She, too, is a former state lawmaker, serving as both the majority leader and minority leader.

Stein told delegates that she is a "passionate advocate for working people" and that with her in the governor's seat the AFL-CIO would get an "organized movement of people that are ready to work with you to defeat (Bill) Sizemore."

Hill went so far as to say that labor's endorsement was a bellwether to his campaign. "If I can get your support I know that I am working on behalf of the working people; that is what I'm about and that is what I will be about as your next governor. Your support means I am on track on what I'm about. And if I can't do that, then I don't want to be your governor. That's why your support means so much to me."

Kulongoski pledged to appoint someone from the labor movement to his staff "who is going to be a player on all the issues. I'm committed to you that you'll have a labor representative that just doesn't talk to me about labor - and (someone who) doesn't act as a block to you getting to me."

Roberts, sitting on stage alone, said he was embarrassed for the Republican Party because he was the only candidate to accept the AFL-CIO's invitation to appear before delegates.

"They're afraid that some of their powerful supporters would withdraw their support if they were trying to reach out to workers in organized labor," he said.

Roberts said he was one Republican that labor could count on to veto any "right-to-work-for-less" bill that might pass the Legislature. He pointed to his vocal opposition to Sizemore's Ballot Measures 92 and 98 and how it cost him financial support for his gubernatorial campaign.

He said he opposes any rollback in the state minimum wage rate but he drew hisses when he said he would not support any increases and as governor would consider implementing a tip credit or training wage. "In rural areas, $6.50 (an hour) is too high a minimum wage," he said.

Transcript and videotaped excerpts of the interviews and copies of the candidates' responses to the AFL-CIO candidates' questionnaire are available by calling 503- 224-3169 or 503-585-6320.