Last week General Wesley Clark gave his endorsement to Paul Evans. Paul is running for Oregon State SEnate in the 10th district. Paul was also the youngest elected official when he first got into polictics when he was 18 running for Monmouth City Council.

Paul was deployed to Afghanistan yesterday leaving it up to his supporters in Oregon to finish out his campaign.  Paul Evans will accompany the 116th Air Control Squadron to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Paul will be deployed for 60 days returning in time to serve when he wins.

 I went to Paul's farewell gathering at Governor Ted Kulongoski's campaign headquarters on Saturday night.  The room was filled, the weather outside was dismal, pleasantly people were in a good mood.  Congresswoman Darlene Hooley gave a resounding speech, as well as Senator Ron Wyden and, Congressman David Wu and former Gov. Barbara Roberts.  Governor Kulongoski was on fire at the podium energizing the crowd to get out the vote and support Paul.  All cheered Paul on as a true American hero.  Finally it was Paul's turn to talk, the most resounding thing he said was that he wants so much for America to be as proud of the Peace Corps as it is the Marine Corps.  He talked about his love for our country and how much he wants the children of today to once again have the 4th of July be the biggest holiday, for them to get shivers down their spine when they see our flag waving in the air.  He wants so much to bring honor and respect back to our nation. 

Afterwards I went to introduce myself, we've only conversed by phone tag and emails.  Paul is a big guy his personality matching his body, I felt like I was a 7 yearold, he's quite tall.  I introduced myself to him and was met w/ a big hug and we talked about Clark's endorsement and what it meant to him.  He was elated that WesPac was able to arrange for the "robo calling" in his district and that it was "a very cool message from the General" I was most impressed at how calm he was, with all the things going on in his life, leaving his wife and daughter for a war torn area of the world, running for state senate.  But I could tell none of that was about him, he said it best about what type of person he is that night "I'm going to Afghanistan and my job is to make sure those soldiers come home with all their fingers and toes, that's my promise."

Please read more about Paul and consider helping his campaign out by giving a contribution http://www.paulevans2006.com/

Rachel Fox