Gilbert Goes for the Rural Vote

For now, Jim Gilbert ‘s campaign headquarters are at the small business he owns, Northwoods Nursery. He has yet to officially announce his candidacy for House District 18 (which he will do on February 14) or hire a campaign manager (he is currently looking for one.)

The last two times he ran for the seat—against Mac Sumner who passed away last May and was replaced by Vic Gilliam—Gilbert won almost every town in the district, save his and Sumner’s hometown of Molalla, so he’s hoping the name recognition will help him this time around.

What’s he’s also hoping will help him is the organizational prowess of the Oregon Democratic Party (DPO) and Future PAC. One of Gilbert’s goals is to work with the Party on focusing more resources in rural areas.

“Out in the country, it is challenging to get a good volunteer base. I want to work with the Party to improve this situation,” he said. “It bothers me that most of the good campaign managers work in the cities, on races that Democrats will already win. Folks in rural areas need expertise and don’t get it.”

As Gilbert sees it, his district has a Republican advantage, although he believes his background as a farmer and small business owner helps him to speak the language with members of both parties.

Marc Siegel, the DPO Communications Director, noted that the Party fights for votes in all 36 of Oregon’s counties, and that there is a real effort to make sure that every rock gets turned over and every vote gets sought.

“Our most important program, Neighborhood Leaders, emphasizes reaching out to your neighbors and talking about Democratic values in every part of Oregon. We are recruiting neighborhood leaders in all 36 counties,” Siegel said.