Congratulations to Jefferson, Steve, and Mary. We can only hope and vote that these three people get to work together to help move our city forward! Thanks AFSCME for making the best decision possible!

Hmm, an interesting slant to the author's commentary. The PBA provides money and an endorsement by the monied interests, but AFSCME is a much more boots-on-the-ground kind of endorsement, that will translate much better into retail electoral support. And on the cash tip, Brady may have outraised the others but she's also outspent them, such that they all have about the same cash on hand at the moment. I also wonder whose concerns of unelectability were spoken to the Merc? For a late entrance, he's rapidly closing on Brady's extra-months contributor lead, up to nearly 1200 in just over four months. It's true being in session in Feb will cost him some, but he made a point NOT to quit his current job and leave his constituency (and Democrats) shorthanded or with a quick appointee at best. I like that kind of dedication.

I think they made three strong choices. Proven track record is right!

Agreed Joe, and while in session he may further impress with his abilities in governance. I personally am glad that we still have him in Salem and think it will be a loss for the state on some levels his becoming mayor. But as a resident of Portland, I am so happy that he chose to lead us here!

Weak mayor form of government? We have a commission government. Those are not at all the same thing. A weak mayor doesn't oversee any bureaus.