You might've made a viable argument, but the last sentence invalidated the whole thing. Comparing Mannix to a "little Hitler" is the kind of over-the-top rhetoric we'd expect from DU'ers and not respected FReepers. Remember, Mannix WAS the Conservative candidate for Governor last time over liberal RINOs like Ron Saxton and Jack Roberts, and it was the Libertarian candidate that denied Mannix an outright victory in the general. I believed that Mannix deserved one last shot at the job given the closeness of that contest, and Kulongoski is damaged goods and VERY defeatable this time.
Mannix is damaged goods, he burnt bridges with many in the republican party trying to make them pay for his failed campaign, ran 3 unsuccessful times for state office... get the hint Mannix the state doesnt want you. Atkinson is the only true conservative!
It is a reasoned statement that I don't think is over the top at all. Compare to Hilary Clinton. Yes I believe he is that bad for Oregon, and a poor example to be held up as the standard bearer of the state party.