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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 3, 2006 Chamber crowd sees up-close campaign view By greg stiles Mail Tribune For some it was a breath of fresh air, but for others it sounded like a broken record. Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Republican challenger Ron Saxton took their campaigns to the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County's monthly forum on Monday, leaving listeners with impressions as different as the candidates themselves. Saxton suggested leadership is lacking and costs aren't controlled in Salem, while Democrat Kulongoski, running for a second term, recited his administration's accomplishments. The candidates appeared separately before a packed chamber audience at the Rogue Valley Country Club. "It sounded pretty much like the same tactics and plans they've used in the campaign," said Jim Servoss of Medford. "Saxton sounded like he's still on the offensive about what the governor didn't get done and Kulongoski was defending. It's not anything different from what I've seen in the papers and ads." He said he appreciated seeing Saxton get excited about the things he would do if elected, such as privatizing some functions presently done by the state that could be put up for competitive bid. Advertisement "It would've been nice to hear Saxton's comments directed to Kulongoski," Servoss said. "Whether it's had to do with the governor's influences or not, a lot of good things have happened in the state the past four years. I don't think he addressed things Saxton brought up, other than to stay the course." Dean Wendle, a Grants Pass loan broker, Rogue Community College board member and chairman of the Oregon Student Assistance Commission, said he especially liked the governor's proposed shared opportunity grant for college students. "I think it's going to be a healthy way to have more students qualifying to receive grants for college than borrowing money or staying out of school a year or two to make money for school," Wendle said. Debbie Knutson was heartened that both candidates were backing education needs. However, she said she liked Saxton's demeanor and valued that his family had been in Oregon four generations. "He's passionate for the state," she said. Dick Moorman of Central Point said he hoped the governor would be successful in pushing for his education initiatives. "He claims he's doing a good job," he said. Chamber members asked Saxton questions about work-force competency, hiring more state police and immigration. The lone question for the governor was what he has done for businesses with small staffs and what he plans to do for them. "I felt that Ron Saxton really dealt with the issues at hand," said Ed Felan of Medford. "He had some positive direction for where I think Oregonians want to see their state. That's versus our current governor, who really honestly sounded like he was making just another speech riding the coats of what has happened in the past and not trying to change the position or opinions of Oregonians." Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 776-4463 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com