Document text
Late filers offer Democratic choice By DANI DODGE Neither Earl Calhoun nor Barbara Davidson wanted ballots to go out in their districts without a Democratic choice in state house races. So Tuesday, when no one else had filed as Democratic candidates, they took it upon themselves to do something. "I was going to be content to help on campaigns and watch birds in my back yard and relax," said Barbara Davidson, 62, of Medford. "There were other people that I felt had good credentials and would make good candidates for Democrats to vote for; but those people didn't step forward, and I said `OK, maybe its your turn.' " So Tuesday, Davidson grabbed a friend and made the drive to Salem, signing up at about 3 p.m. for candidacy in the 50th District. She returned to Medford just in time to catch a bit of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and watch a Medford man win $125,000. Davidson will face incumbent Rob Patridge, a Republican, for the seat in the general election in November. The other last minute filer in Southern Oregon was W. Earl Calhoun, 84, of Shady Cove, who will face incumbent Susan Morgan of Myrtle Creek in the 46th District race. Tuesday was the last day for candidates to file for the May 16 primary for county and state offices. Most of those who win in those races, or who run uncontested in partisan races, will go onto the general election in November. Davidson worked as an English teacher for 30 years at Crater High School. She's been active in the Oregon Education Association as well as the the Oregon Women's Political Caucus, where she is currently the president. She also has worked on numerous political campaigns and has been active with the local Democratic Committee. Davidson retired in 1999 and said she now has time to get even further involved in politics. "I'm a real patriot at heart," Davidson said. "I think we have a unique government in this country and it requires citizen participation, involvement and knowledge." Davidson has three adult children who have gone through Medford schools. She said she would like to focus on education if she gets to the legislature. Calhoun, a retired electrician, said he would like to represent his district to support the policies of Gov. John Kitzhaber, and Alan Bates, who he hopes will be elected elected to an open seat in District 52. Bates, a Democrat, is running against Jane Hunts, a Republican. "I want to give the governor, and Dr. Bates and Barbara Davidson greater support for a Southern Oregon team that needs bolstering," he said. Calhoun has served on the Democratic Central Committee since 1980. He is married with four children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. "I didn't intend to file if someone of stature filed ahead of me," Calhoun said. "But since the race was wide open last night, I went ahead." Both Davidson and Calhoun said they would concentrate on grassroots campaigning. Calhoun said he will knock on a lot of doors. Davidson said she doesn't expect to match Patridge in fund raising -- but will bring out volunteers to get her message out. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA