Jules Bailey Rolls Out Campaign Endorsements
Thursday, February 04, 2016
GoLocalPDX Politics Team
Jules Bailey, Multnomah County Commissioner and candidate for Mayor of Portland, unveiled his official list of endorsements on Wednesday.
The list of endorsements, found on Bailey’s campaign website, is highlighted by endorsements from former Oregon state leaders, including former Governors, Secretaries of State, and other state officials.
Former Governor Barbara Roberts tops the list of Bailey’s Endorsements. The former leader of the state announced her endorsement last week.
"Jules was raised in a family that taught him two important values---hard work and shared responsibility. He has lived by those values as a citizen, an elected leader, and a father & husband,” said Governor Roberts in her endorsement announcement. "As Portland mayor he will continue his commitment to job creation, open government and a city that serves everyone. Jules will make us proud of Portland.”
Roberts will headline the campaign’s Field Campaign Kickoff this Saturday.
Bailey has also been endorsed by former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, fellow Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith, State Senator Michael Dembrow, State Representative Barbara Smith Warner, Multnomah Education Service District Board Member Stephen Marc Beaudoin, former State Representative Dick Springer and former Portland Public Schools Board Member Ruth Adkins.
Importance of Endorsements
Experts said that observers should not be surprised by Bailey’s focus on endorsements, particularly given his disadvantage in fundraising. As GoLocal reported, Bailey trails his opponent, State Treasurer and favorite to occupy the Mayor’s Office Ted Wheeler, by tens of thousands in campaign contributions.
Rebecca Tweed agreed she told GoLocal when Bailey announced his campaign that Bailey would have to move quickly in order to compete with months-long front runner Wheeler.
“Because Wheeler has done so well raising money and obtaining endorsements to this point, with no signs of slowing down, Bailey will still need to have a strong outpouring of support from the beginning of his campaign to show that he is taking this seriously, that he is not intimidated by Wheeler’s successes thus far, and that he has the backing necessary to win,” Tweed told GoLocal. “He will need to solidify some key endorsements and raise a lot of capital to show he has significant support in his campaign, right from the start.”