The Reverend Chuck Currie, a prominent blogger and minister with the United Church of Christ, has posted a blog on his endorsement choices for the city and state's primary election cycle. Who is he supporting for Portland Mayor? Sam Adams:

Sam Adams has earned my vote. Let me tell you something about Sam: he worked, as everyone knows, for Vera Katz when she was mayor. Katz was about as mean as they get and she never forgave anyone who crossed her. It got to the point that our arguments over housing policy were so heated that she wouldn’t talk to me and had this firm habit of having to go to the bathroom every time I got up to testify at council.

But here's the money quote. It shows exactly what Sam's made of:

But Sam kept the communication lines open with me and other advocates. As a city commissioner out on his own, Sam has been a strong supporter of affordable housing and homeless programs.

This is a strong endorsement with a focus on the ever-important topic of housing and homelessness. When lines of communications were in trouble, Currie praises how Sam Adams extended his hand and help to keep them open. When votes were in question, Currie notes how Sam was always a fighting for the right causes. This re-affirms exactly why I loved working for Sam back in 2005: he always listened; he worked hard and with a passion; and he fostered discussion on important issues like this.

Issues of affordable housing are going to be near-paramount in the city's upcoming planning process, as we work to ensure that working, everyday Oregonians can survive and thrive in Portland. Moreover, it's always important to follow in the footsteps of Erik Sten as we work to end severe poverty and work to end homelessness.

And what does Currie have to say about Sam's opponent, Sho Dozono?

Sho Dozono hasn’t given me a reason to vote for him but has offered several reasons not to (including negative statements he made about homeless people during the KGW debate).

That's the difference, plain and simple. Sam has worked hard to bring people into the discussion on housing and homelessness. Sho, in his KGW debate, famously insulting the plight of the homeless and destitute, saying "Please do not give money to the panhandlers. If you quit feeding them, they won't be as aggressive." Enough said.

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