Preparing for the 2008 General Election

As we move ever closer to election day in November, I can't help but take a moment to reflect on all we have accomplished so far. During the primary we knocked on over 7,000 doors; we contacted countless other voters by phone and email; we walked into every corner of the district putting up lawn signs, and we attended numerous community meetings, fairs, and events in order to speak to as many people as possible. And, because of this hard work, I won the Democratic primary for Senate District 23.

However, we aren't done yet. The general election is just around the corner, and I am back on the campaign trail. You will probably see me knocking on voters' doors again very soon. Perhaps you will even see me at your door!

Since this election day is promising to be a very exciting one, I'm rather excited to get back out and start door knocking again. I'm looking forward to meeting and talking with you about what changes could be in store for us. Then, on November 4th, I'm looking forward to celebrating a great victory with you.

Until then,

Jackie Dingfelder

PS As a reminder, if you have a lawn sign please put it out for the general election.

Jackie Receives Endorsements from The Oregonian, The Skanner, The Willamette Week, and The Mercury

Why I'm running

Since 2001, I have had the privilege of serving as State Representative for House District 45, in Northeast Portland. I am now seeking the State Senate seat being vacated by Avel Gordly, who is retiring this year. The Senate district includes my current House District as well as a portion of Southeast Portland.

I currently serve as Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee. This is a very exciting committee because it is here that bills addressing a wide range of environmental issues start their legislative journey. Thanks in part to the work of this committee, Oregon is once again being acknowledged as a leader in sustainability. In my tenure in the House I have also served on the Transportation, Judiciary, Audits, Ways and Means, and Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees.

As a legislator I've been a vocal advocate for critical issues affecting Oregon's future, including health care, affordable housing, school funding, renewable energy, environment, and consumer protection. The highlight of my legislative service to date is the landmark 2007 session. With a Democratic majority for the first time in sixteen years, my colleagues and I passed legislation that created Oregon's first Rainy Day Fund, made health care more affordable and accessible, and increased funding for our schools so that all of Oregon's kids receive an excellent education.

In addition to my legislative experience, I have a long record of community involvement. Volunteering with such groups as the Hollywood Senior Center, SMART, the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force, Planned Parenthood, and the Oregon League of Conservation Voters has allowed me to meet many wonderful people and learn a tremendous amount about the issues that are important to our community.

We must do our very best today to ensure a bright and sustainable future for tomorrow. I am running for the Senate seat because I believe that I can do more for our community and our state. We have challenges and opportunities before us that I am ready to tackle as your Senator. We must:

* Build a seamless, well-funded, and innovative educational system, from Pre-Kindergarten through higher education.

* Ensure access for all Oregonians to health care, mental health services, and affordable housing.

*Continue to grow our economy through more family wage jobs.

*Make investments in our transportation system to reduce congestion and increase safety on our roads.

Protect civil rights for gay and lesbian Oregonians in public accommodations, services, and education.

*Protect our air, drinking water, and rivers so that we have a healthy place to live, work, and play.

*Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address global warming.

I believe we can accomplish these goals and that we can do it in a way that replaces the politics of division and partisanship with common purpose and respect. That was the Oregon Way at a time that we accomplished great things. It's time for a comeback. I look forward to working on these issues as your Senator.

-Jackie Dingfelder

Map of Senate District 23

View a Larger map of Senate District 23 by clicking on the image.