Today, through Jack Bog, I learned that the Republican Party had made an endorsement in the race for Portland mayor. Their choice? None other than Sho Dozono.

Here's the text of their endorsement:

A man of proven leadership in increasing society’s wealth. Sho is respected around the State. He creates jobs, met payrolls, saved schoolteacher jobs, and brought industry to Oregon. He has a sound plan for our future economy, a sensible attitude toward spending, a rational concern for housing working people in Portland and an understanding of the role of schools in Portland’s prosperity. MCRP strongly endorses Sho.

Progressives, take heed and let there be no further confusion: Sho Dozono is the Republican choice for Portland mayor. Their endorsement, however, is just as flimsy as his talking points and is little more than propped-up campaign rhetoric.

They say Sho's a man of "proven leadership" when it comes to "increasing society's wealth." Please. He's a businessman, sure, but I guess the facts of his rent and tax delinquencies plus how he improperly took over $1 million from a child's trust fund are irrelevant. But I guess we can't expect a good definition of fiscal responsibility from modern-day Republicans under George W. Bush and John McCain.

He has a sound plan for our economy? You mean, more than a rainy day fund? If he has it, he's never articulated it. Specifics, anyone? And the same goes with the idea of "sensibility" in spending. Ah, for the love of campaign rhetoric and vague promises. Sound like anyone we know? (hint: it's Mayor Tom Potter, another nice guy who just wasn't up to the challenge).

As for Sho's "rational concern for housing working people in Portland," that is a good concern. But, again, the devil is in the details. Namely, where are the specifics of how this will get done. Seems like more rhetoric.

And, of course, Sho "gets" how "the role of schools in Portland’s prosperity." Is that why he wants to combine all of our school districts into one horrendous pig pile of a district? Sure, Sho supports education. But, when he finally gives us a specific (combining all the districts into one), it's a weird idea that just won't work.

I thought that Sho Dozono was a registered Democrat, but when the local Republican party comes out "strongly" in his support, it really makes you wonder. After all, they're the ones promoting 100 more years in Iraq, zero healthcare reform, and have lead us into our current economic quagmire. Not the sort of guys I'd want backing my candidacy, but that's just me.

Want a real progressive in the Mayor's office? Vote for Sam Adams for Portland mayor. I did.

[UPDATE]:

First, the blog BlueOregon has taken note of these endorsements.

Here's the statement issued by the Adams campaign on this endorsement:

“In every neighborhood, Democrats are passing out their party’s endorsement literature to voters, and at the top of the ticket is their sole endorsement of Sam Adams for Mayor,” said Jennifer Yocom, Adams’ campaign manager. “I believe that sole endorsement of Sho Dozono by the Republican Party – and his solicitation of that endorsement – shows a clear contrast between Mr. Dozono and Sam.”

“Oregon used to have a strong tradition of progressive Republicans and I’m proud to have the support of icons of that age like Norma Paulus,” Sam Adams stated. “Sadly, today, this state’s Republican Party is controlled by the right wing. I’m proud to have the Democratic Party’s endorsement—the endorsement is recognition of the work that I’ve done in the progressive community and their support of my vision for Portland’s future for all people. ”

Sam's comments are right-on. Today's Republican party is not of the mold of years past. The planks I mentioned on the Multonmah County Republican's website dispel any notion that these are moderate or progressive individuals. Sam refused to interview with the county's Republican party (in part) because of their opposition to civil unions, basic rights, and choice.

Disclaimer: I worked for Sam Adams' office in 2005 and I'm an ardent support, but I speak and write only for myself.