Joel makes international news with 9 days to go!
October 25, 2008

Friday's edition of The Guardian, one of Britain's oldest and most respected newspapers, features Joel Haugen as one of the prominent Republicans throughout the nation who choose to support Sen. Barack Obama in the presidential race. Joel announced his support of Obama prior to Oregon's May primary, and since then important Republican figures such as Colin Powell and Scott McClellan have joined him in the fight to bring change.

The paper quotes Joel's reasons for supporting Obama over McCain, stating:

"I believe in putting nation before party, and my first priority is following my conscience with regard to what is best for America," Haugen said in a statement issued by his office today. "I have a huge amount of respect for John McCain, but I believe that he has more of a cold war mentality."

As a member of RepublicansforObama.org, Joel's statement regarding what makes Obama a once-in-a-lifetime candidate is posted online and has been well-received across America. To check it out for yourself, click here!

 

Joel endorsed by McMinnville News-Register and Just Out
Oct. 20, 2008

In an article posted here, the McMinnville News-Register endorses Joel Haugen over opponent David Wu. The paper appreciates that "In his interview with our editorial board, Haugen stressed putting the nation first, with party politics 'back in the queue somewhere.'” The editorial board also goes on to say, "We need a few more politicians like Joel Haugen to elevate the bar."

Portland's gay and lesbian news publication "Just Out" also officially endorses Haugen in their Oct. 17th issue. Joel is thrilled to receive this strong gesture of support from Portland's gay and lesbian community. The folks at Just Out take the opportunity to applaud him for his traditional Republican belief in equal rights, acknowledging him for "his support on a wide range of civil rights issues, his homespun common sense, and for being an all-too-rare registered Republican who unabashedly affirms the importance of same-sex marriage equality."

In response to the endorsements, Joel offers his thanks to everyone at Just Out and at the News-Register, and to the readers of both publications. "Here we see people putting issues and integrity ahead of partisanship and money," he states, "and making the bold move to endorse a candidate based on principles. I accept these endorsements with deep gratitude and reaffirm my commitment to making sure every American, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, has equal rights under the law."

 

First District Congressional Debate
Oct. 19, 2008

On Thursday, October 16th, the First District Congressional candidates were invited to participate in a debate hosted by Pacific University's Politics and Law Forum and moderated by Dr. Jim Moore, Professor of Politics and Government. Along with Joel, Scott Semrau of the Constitution Party, Chris Henry of the Pacific Green Party, and H. Joe Tabor of the Libertarian Party also participated. David Wu was invited but did not attend the debate.

Dr. Moore and a panel of bright, engaged students from the Politics and Law Forum grilled the candidates on issues ranging from education to foreign policy. Surprising to many in the room were the number of points on which all four candidates agreed, including the intense need for America to take fast, decisive action on energy reform, the nation's wrong turn with regard to foreign policy, and the U.S. military's overextension.

Beyond just finding points of agreement between the candidates, those in attendance enjoyed a truly positive evening of civil discussion and mutual respect. If these four gentlemen from different parties and backgrounds were able to advance the conversation beyond partisanship, just imagine what great leaders like Joel and Barack Obama can do to change Washington, D.C.!

 

Why I'm supporting Joel
Oct. 13, 2008

 

Haugen vs. the Bailout
Oct. 4, 2008

Here at Haugen headquarters, we've gotten a lot of inquiries from concerned voters wondering what Joel thinks of the bailout. It's great to hear from so many people who are doing their homework! For those who are curious, Joel agrees with Oregon Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Peter DeFazio, as well as Sen. Ron Wyden, who all voted against both bailout plans. The following is a statement from Joel:

Congressman Peter DeFazio is spot on with his vote today to oppose this plan. I agree wholeheartedly with the proposal made by DeFazio, who states that we should legislate a small (e.g. 1/4%) surcharge or transaction fee on all securities transactions including money market and bond transactions to pay as a loan to the respective entities for these financial bailouts. I also suggest that once profitable again, these firms should have a liability to repay these loans with proceeds dedicated to paying down our national debt.

If the election was not a month away, do you think that Congress would be in such a rush on the bailout bill? Given the performance to date of the Bush Administration on a whole range of issues, and the fact that the chief architect of the bailout is Secretary Henry Paulson, the recent CEO of the now failed Goldman Sachs where he resided for 24 years before becoming its chief executive, is he really the guy you want as quarterback for this crisis? If the old adage 'haste makes waste' holds true, we are in for the mother of all taxpayer waste.

 

Joel visits Scappoose High School
Oct. 3, 2008

On Friday, Joel stopped by Scappoose High School to visit with students in the Leadership Class. Both of Joel's sons graduated from Scappoose, and a few weeks ago they were kind enough to let us attempt to drop a football into their field from a plane, so Joel was thrilled about this great opportunity to give back! The students were bright and engaged, and it was a pleasure meeting with them!

 

'Bama Bike Ride
Sept. 29, 2008

On September 28th, Joel accompanied the Columbia County Democrats on their 'Bama Bike Ride. The group pedalled around Yamhill County, stopping at a number of local wineries along the way. As you can see, they were easy to spot with all that Obama-wear on! Thanks to all who participated for a great day!

Joel and the Veterans for Obama
Sept. 21, 2008

On Thursday, September 18th, Joel had the good fortune to stop by Obama HQ and attend a very insightful Veterans for Obama event. Among the many engaging speakers was Obama campaign Co-Chair Gen. McPeak, a strong voice in the movement to reform our foreign policy. Thank you to all who made this event poignant and inspiring!

 

The Ball Drop: An epic saga
Sept. 20, 2008

The plan was to fly at 1000 feet and drop a game ball into Scappoose High School's first game of the season, landing it in the hands of waiting frosh football players at centerfield below. Below is the selected footage of the 10 practice drops, and the reason why the plan was aborted. Especially note the first video, in which a particularly anxious catcher makes his disdain for several consecutive misses known with some colorful exclamations.

Attempt 5: Failure

Attempt 7: Success!

 

The Unscathed Aftermath

Good try, Joel!

 

Joel Meets With Japanese Visitors
Sept. 20, 2008

Through his involvement in the World Affairs Council, Joel was able and privileged to meet with a Japanese delegation of great folks who visited to study U.S. elections. Pictured below are Misa Masuo, Legal Asst. to Rep. Goshi Hosono; Iwao Osaka, Asst. Prof. Rikkyo University; Joel; and Takekuni Kurosawa, Think Tank 2005 Japan.

 

Joel Invites Supporters to 'Bama Bike Wine Ride on Sunday, Sept. 28th
Sept. 20, 2008

*'Bama Bikeride: Obama supporters, please join Joel for the "Bama Bike" Wine Ride at 1PM starting in Carlton. Participants should wear an Obama T-shirt or some other prominent Obama gear on their bicycle or person, and bring a supply of $5 bills for the tasting stops. A campaign volunteer will be driving a support vehicle in case of mishap or exhaustion, and to provide temporary storage for any wine glasses collected en route. To make this activity manageable, enrollment will be limited. Sign up with Jolene by e-mail ASAP. If participating, please meet at the "Filling Station Deli," 305 W. Main Street, Carlton, OR at or before 1PM. If it is pouring down rain, the event will be re-scheduled. Check out the map with Carlton and the local wine-tasting LOCS (red dots).

 

Congress.org publishes "Power Rankings" with Wu low on list
Sept. 12, 2008

The congress.org website has put out it's "Power Rankings" list, and it makes for an interesting read. Joel's opponent, David Wu, is ranked only 324th, and he's ranked last out of the five Oregon representatives. We encourage you to check out the website, and to hold our elected officials responsible not just for having good ideas, but for using the authority your votes have given them to be active, effective agents of change.

 

Bipartisan Bikeride, part deux: The Wineries
Sept. 10, 2008

Continuing his journey around the district via bike, Joel will spend the day riding to several wineries to explore one of our favorite sides of the local economy. The group begins at the McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove at 1PM. The first stop at Montinore Vineyards will be about 1:15PM followed by Patton Valley Vineyard about 2:30PM. After the Patton Valley stop, the schedule is less predictable depending on how many subsequent wine-stops are made. The entire route is 49.1 miles if we include the last stop at Oak Knoll and about 35 miles if we connect back to Highway 47 near the Adea Winery. We'll wing it, and if you're interested in pedaling along, please e-mail us. Here's the handy event map that Geographer Joel put together!

 

Haugen Goes Back to School
Sept. 4, 2008

On Monday, September 8th, Joel visited Sheridan High School and had a wonderful talk with students. Thank you to everyone at the school who made this visit possible, and a special thanks to the students!

 

Joel will appear on the ballot as the Independent Party's candidate
Sept. 2, 2008

On Friday, August 29th, Joel announced that he will officially be listed as the Independent Party's candidate. Everyone here at the campaign is excited about this opportunity to push bipartisan reform and an end to the chokehold special interests have on our government! Joel's official statement follows:

SALEM -- As a Traditional Republican who follows in the centrist traditions of Oregon Governors McCall and Atiyeh and the great Republican Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, I am honored to have received the nominations of both the Oregon Republican Party and the Oregon Independent Party. While I feel that the most accurate representation of my candidacy and of the voters' judgment would occur with a dual-party listing on the ballot, the state's Elections Division requires that I choose either the Republican or Independent nomination, based on their current interpretation of Oregon election law. Therefore, I am faced with a dilemma.

This choice is distressing and one that is not made easily, as I feel deep gratitude to the 70% of Republican voters who supported me in the primary, and a similar appreciation for the support the Independent Party has given me. I want voters to know that my decision today is one based on my core beliefs about what is best for the state and the nation, and is in no way meant to diminish the support I have received from Republicans, Independents, and others.

Today, I have made the decision to have my name appear on the ballot under the Independent party's ballot line in the November 4th election. I make this decision with much humility and thought for my fellow Republicans and I reaffirm both my philosophical support and bond to traditional Republicanism. I remain a registered Republican and I trust that members of my party will understand my basis for choosing this course. This action reflects the core traditional Republican values with which I grew up, hold dearly, and from which some in the party have strayed in recent years. I believe deeply in conservation, fiscal responsibility, equal rights, upholding our Constitution, and achieving a balance between the interests of business and labor. I believe that most Americans embrace these same values. Support for independent thinking, regardless of party affiliation, is what I see as the urgent need for our nation, and choosing the Independent label at this time appears to be my best course given the constraints imposed by the Oregon election system.

 

JoelTunes debuts-- send your band's mp3s!
Sept. 2, 2008

In a place like the Pacific Northwest, it comes as no surprise that Joel has a large percentage of supporters with unique, creative talents. To celebrate the local musicians whose music Joel admires, we've started up our JoelTunes page, which you can visit for free access to mp3s. Have a band of your own? Please consider adding your music to the site! You can e-mail us for more info. And if you like what you hear, please consider making a donation to the campaign. After all, with iTunes you just get music, but with JoelTunes you get music and great leadership.

 

For past headlines, click below to view the archives:

May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
August 2008