So it’s me. And about 400 Oregon progressive activists and politicians. And we’re in on hotel in Bend. All weekend. It’s Rebooting Democracy 2010, the Bus Project’s biannual statewide political conference.

I got in late last night and missed all of the actual “speeches” and “important keynote events” but I did get to hang out with some awesome activists and make fun of Representative Jefferson Smith’s bright orange rain gear. The walls are lined with tables littered with political schwag, people are discussing the tax reform, it's a good time.

Environment Oregons Brock Howell: Holed up workin in the swank hotel.
  • Environment Oregon's Brock Howell: Holed up workin' in the swank hotel.

Voting is done with Pogs here in Bend. (where did they find these?!)
  • Voting is done with Pogs here in Bend. (where did they find these?!)

Bill Bradbury’s campaign threw a party that was, no joke, shut down by hotel security when it got too loud. By the time I showed up at 11 pm long after the party had officially died, there were three kegs, a dog wearing a t-shirt and Bill Bradbury was zooming around the tiny room on his Segway. Word on the street is that Governor Kizthaber has sworn to throw a bigger, better party tonight (room 109, y'all). There is an even more recent rumor that Kitzhaber himself may shotgun a beer. Obviously the race is riding on this key issue.

I got back to my room after midnight and, over discount Miller High Life I bought at a gas station, discussed with my two roommates the possibility of taxing alcohol to pay for superb public transit. Anyone up for paying 50 cents more for each rum and coke to fund a late night MAX drunk train?

Check back here for updates throughout the weekend, but also follow on Twitter #reboot2010

More photos below the cut.

Puppies for Bradbury
  • Puppies for Bradbury

East Portland Representative Jefferson Smith: Sorry I made fun of your boots.
  • East Portland Representative Jefferson Smith: Sorry I made fun of your boots.