Oregon Education Association

Salem- Question: What do you get when you throw together a bunch of candidates, approximately four hundred educators, hours of conversation and a pina colada machine?

Answer A: The Oregon Education Association's political action conference.
Answer B: Educators gone wild (for politics.)
Answer C: Nominations for every statewide race.
Answer D: All of the above.

The OEA-PIE convention this weekend bore testament to the true nature of grassroots campaigning. Delegates had direct access to candidates, both on the convention floor and at parties hosted by each candidate on Friday night. Candidates and educators roamed throughout the conference center and the hotel; the latter group peppering the former with questions and comments, which more often than not cut through the sound bites and spin.

In the race to replace retiring Rep. Darlene Hooley, the following are a few key endorsements to watch for in the Democratic primary as the candidates line up their support. The top GOP endorsements are to follow.