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Democrat from Ashland to run against Walden By DANI DODGE Mail Tribune ASHLAND - Radio commentator and theater administrator Peter Buckley wanted to lend his writing skills and passion to help whichever Democrat would challenge Republican congressman Greg Walden in the 2nd Congressional District. But with the filing deadline on Tuesday nearing, no one had come forward. "I couldn't live with myself if I looked at an unopposed Greg Walden," Buckley said Saturday night in a phone interview from his Ashland home. "So I sent my (candidacy) materials in to the Secretary of State's office Friday." And Saturday, Buckley made his official announcement of candidacy for the Second Congressional District at the Oregon Democratic Party's biennial platform convention in Beaverton. Walden, from Hood River, is running for his third term in the seat. This is Buckley's first run for any political office. Buckley, 44, admitted he's got a steep uphill battle. Not only does registration in the largely rural 19-county district favor Republicans, but a Democrat hasn't been elected to the seat since 1978. "Walden has the money and the numbers, but I feel I have the issues," Buckley said. "There's always a chance of winning; but I'm also in this to have an impact, build the Democratic Party and expand the base, and to make sure that public discourse takes place." Buckley is most incensed about what he sees as Republicans silencing any political debate by accusing Democrats of wanting to raise taxes every time they face opposition. He said Republicans are using their power to favor large corporate campaign donors instead of the average person on the street. He said the Republican party's economic stimulus package, energy bill and lack of any true campaign finance reform prove his point. "Tax money should not go to campaign contributors, but to programs to help the American people" Buckley said. "The trickle down theory didn't work in the '80s and it's not going to work now." Buckley moved from Humboldt County in California to Ashland five years ago. Through tele-commuting, he continues to do marketing and promotion for Dell'Arte International, a theater company based in Blue Lake, Calif. He does a weekly radio commentary on Jefferson Public Radio. Prior to working at Dell'Arte International, Buckley worked as an actor, director and playwright on the regional theater circuit. Buckley and his wife, Joan Langley, the education director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, have three children aged 15, 12 and 3. Buckley said when he told his wife he was running for Congress there was a long pause. She asked, why not City Council first? Buckley has come to expect that question. "I feel the national debate has been hijacked and I really felt the need to try to address that in some way on the national level," Buckley said. "I really do believe when people focus on the issues in our district, they are much more likely to go with a progressive and Democratic agenda, rather than a Republican one. "I didn't think about running for City Council first, because I wanted to have the largest impact that I can." Buckley said he hopes to have the same ability to bring people together on the issues as Governor John Kitzhaber and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. "They come up with solutions that really work for all people involved," Buckley said. Buckley said he will give up his weekly radio commentary during the campaign, but will continue to work for the theater company. He said he will try to get word out about his candidacy by going on talk radio programs and speaking with every public group that will have him. "My dad was in the military from the age of 21 until he retired in his early 50s, and he was youngest skipper in the Pacific in World War II," Buckley said. "I love my country. My dad made his contribution and this is my way to make my contribution." Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.