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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (April 19, 1996)
P ortland, Oregon INSIDE: Portland lesbian carries (Olympic) torch, thanks to her family p a g e 13 9 9 6 PRIMARY PRIMER m ! Ju s t o u t takes an intimate look at the gay and lesbian candidates facing opponents in the May 21 primary I A." PHOTO BY UNDA KUEWER BIIBKIL j 1 •; .'ll X Gail Shibley t was time to play free association size of a congressional district.” “Frank Dixon.” with Barry Pack, executive direc “I think Big Man,” laughs Pack, refer tor of Right to Privacy, a statewide organization that supports gay, les ring to Dixon’s impressive 6-foot-6-inch, tree-like frame. “We could not have a bian and bisexual rights through educa tion and lobbying, and, through its politi more perfect match for the Senate. H e’s cal action committee, backs selected gay- thoughtful and well-spoken. He’s been friendly political candidates via cam walking the district and has been running a terrific campaign.” paign contributions and endorsements. “Bob Duehmig.” “I’m going to throw out a candidate’s “I’m very excited about Bob. H e’s name, Barry, and you say the first thing that comes to your mind,” I said to Pack, quiet but determined. H e’s not a grand- stander. He possesses a sense of civility who was totally game. “Gail Shibley.” “Extremely competent. Gail clearly that is needed, given the climate in the has broad-based public policy experi state Legislature last session. That’s just ence through her many years as a state one of the reasons it’s critical we have lawmaker, plus she has direct experi Bob in the Legislature.” “Chuck Carpenter.” ence with city government because she Pause. Pause. Even more pause. Fi works for the city. Her race is one of the most important because if she wins, her nally Pack responds: “You know, I’m constituent base would roughly be the not sure what to say.” More silence. “I I need to think about that one.” With the entire Oregon House of Rep resentatives and half the state Senate up for election this year— as well as city council and congressional contests to consider, to name a few— Oregon voters also have lots to think about. Next month, voters will make their first round of candidate choices during the May 21 primary. A handful of openly gay, lesbian and bisexual state legislative candidates are currently running for office. Two of those— Duehmig and Dixon— both first- time candidates for elected office, are vying for a House and Senate seat re spectively, and face challenges in next month’s Democratic primary. State Rep. Chuck Carpenter, meanwhile, is work ing to stave off an opponent in the GOP primary. Shibley is running for a place on the Portland City Council, a city wide, non partisan position. She faces two serious opponents from a total field of eight. Among the other sexual minority can didates who are running: state Rep. Kate Brown (D-Portland), who is seeking the Oregon Senate District 7 seat; state Rep. George Eighmey (D-Portland), who is seeking re-election in House District 14; and state Rep. Cynthia Wooten (D-Eu- gene), who is making another bid for her House District 41 seat. Brown is unop posed in both the primary and general election; Eighmey and Wooten are un opposed in the Democratic primary, but will face opponents in the general elec tion on Nov. 5. Continued on page 19