Politics Apr 22, 2010 at 11:53 am

Jesse Cornett Defends Use of Paid Door-Knockers

Sarah Mirk
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Comments

1
I think it is fine as long as the canvassers disclose they are paid and not volunteer, or at least do not infer that they are volunteering... It is just like with signature gatherers, they should have to wear a big button that says I am being paid for this.
econoline on April 22, 2010 at 12:41 PM Report this
2
Also, from what I gather, the Bus would rather not get involved in this race.
Matt Davis on April 22, 2010 at 12:41 PM Report this
3
I am shocked, SHOCKED I tellsya, to find out that politicians spend money to get elected.
Blabby on April 22, 2010 at 1:03 PM Report this
4
There should be no rational objection to "paid canvassers". Political campaigns mail out piles of material, buy TV, cable and radio ads and pay for contacts with voters. All of those methods are non-interactive. At least this way you get an individual that is educated to some degree on the issues and candidate positions. You can ask questions and get answers or at least a direction of where to go to learn more. Plus, I'd bet that for the most part the canvassers probably support the candidate. If for no other reason than their getting paid...if I was looking for a job AND liked the candidate I'd sign up now!
Wilbur Hornswaggle on April 22, 2010 at 1:10 PM Report this
5
This is news to me too Blabb. What has happened to Democracy??? Does it go to the highest bidder? I leave my cave for a few minutes and look what happens.......sob........sob
Abusive on April 22, 2010 at 1:22 PM Report this
6
I'm perfectly fine with this, and actually like this approach better than snail-mailed flyers. This way, when someone comes to my door, I can ask questions.
Jackattak on April 22, 2010 at 1:38 PM Report this
7
Probably a good call, since I'm sure Team Saltzman is hoping to avoid a runoff and skate by on incumbency.

Cornett making this move is likely an attempt to simply get through to November. Volunteers are definitely less active in May than in November, so it is the right move in the primary.
Bronch O'Humphrey on April 22, 2010 at 1:40 PM Report this
8
Yeah, I'd prefer that they be volunteers, but having managed volunteers for political campaigns, I know how flaky they can be. The last thing you want to do is depend on people to go door to door, and then get the typical "oh, yeah, sorry, my girlfriend's parents are in town and invited us out to brunch" excuses at the last minute. Besides, if his Facebook status updates are any indication, he's using volunteer canvassers in addition to the paid folks, so it's not like he's refusing to accept volunteers.
Dave J. on April 22, 2010 at 2:43 PM Report this
9
Television advertising is dead, and riddle me this, do you read the political junk mail you get? Plus we are making jobs! Go Jesse.
R on April 22, 2010 at 3:19 PM Report this
10
Well said, R. Political campaigning on the rare amount of TV I actually do watch gets turned the fuck down, anyway (no matter who it is, except Obama...I always listen when that dude speaks).
Jackattak on April 22, 2010 at 3:30 PM Report this
11
Glad he's using that voter owned money effectively instead of just killing trees and feeding the election media machine.
Sue Hagmeier on April 22, 2010 at 7:54 PM Report this
12
Newsflash Sue...

His paid "grassroot like volunteers" will be leaving literature at ever door they "knock on".

This entails them being printed on... wait for it... paper.

Sorry to be the wet blanket on your Cornett orgy... but the paid "grassroot like volunteers" also have things called walking lists with names and addresses printed on... can you guess?

At least it is not baby seal skin.

Anyhow, most Mercury readers will not even get a visit from his paid "grassroot like volunteers" because they will only being "knocking on doors" of people who actually vote in primaries. FYI, those are the names and addresses that the election media machine uses to contact voters that matter.
on April 22, 2010 at 10:50 PM Report this
13
Well, at least it's more civilized then Jeighsunn Weursuhter's internet bj for Mary Volm.
Alexjon on April 23, 2010 at 8:49 AM Report this
14
Looks like Alexjon really has a hard on for politicos
on April 23, 2010 at 9:34 AM Report this
15
This speaks volumes about Alexjon:

"Former prolific commenter on Blogtown, but now I live in Seattle."



on April 23, 2010 at 10:40 AM Report this
16
While the incumbent continues his "rose garden" strategy avoiding Portland voters, I find it refreshing that Jesse wants to talk directly with voters. As long as people know they are not volunteers, this is a very good use of public financing and more in line with the goal of public financing - valuing all Portland voters as much those who have a bank account large enough to cut a candidate a personal check.
Pat MObley on April 23, 2010 at 2:08 PM Report this

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