There’s a reason for this. I’m thinking of Stacey Abrams right now. She lost her race, but she had a much bigger role to play, as it turned out. One she may not have been able to manage had she won. But I believe we have her efforts to thank for Biden’s win, along with the two senate races. Nick, I don’t know you personally but I know your heart. I’ve been in McMinnville 35 years and I am an Oregonian, too. You are SO not finished with this mission. Thank you and Sheryl for your tireless dedication to making life better for all of us who live here. Oregon led the way with recycling and we can lead the way with compassion. 💖
What a thoughtful and respectful concession statement. The problems you have identity are true in Oregon and to a lesser or greater extent in Canada where I live. The frustrations and problems must be addressed or we risk much more division and dangerous and unwanted consequences. Carry on with your efforts and please continue your insightful writing.
These are words that I wish every person running for a state, local or federal office would mean and say. And, perhaps more importantly, pledge allegiance to implementing as part of their platform . I hope very much that you remain in Oregon and, in due course, run for and win the governorship. The people of Oregon would be inspired to do the right things under your leadership. All best wishes, Nick, to you, your family, your team and your supporters one of which I have been proud to be.
I feel the same way about my home in Michigan as you do about Oregon, Mr. K. Even though I spent half my life living outside of Michigan - in the US and overseas - and even though I'm currently spending a year (post-retirement!) on a teaching assignment in Houston, Michigan has always been and will always be my home. Any time I was not in Michigan I longed to return, and when I'm there I never feel the longing to pick up and move somewhere else. And while I'm nowhere near the status of running for governor (and even if I were there would be no need to do so, since our current governor is doing a great job) I definitely understand your desire to help make things better for your state and the people in it.
I don't know what drives you other than a genuine desire to help others, but I'm sure you're aware by now that the Universe, or God, or whatever you believe in, is guiding you in a different direction. And if we collectively trust that Wisdom, we can certainly continue to pursue the cause of a better life for those we care about. So while I join you in your disappointment with the decision, I will continue to eagerly follow your journey and derive whatever lessons I can absorb in the process.
To put it simply, in the language of my youth - "Keep on Truckin'!"
Thank you for all you have done and will do. You have my support in whatever you do next, because I know from experience you care about others and work to help them. This was a tough break, but just the start of your next chapter.
I have felt all along that you would be the best governor, and that you are currently not legally qualified. I'm reminded how the best governor in my lifetime, McCall, had no political experience but lots of experience in describing Oregon's problems and potentials to Oregonians. Keep at it, please!
A sad day for Oregon. He would have made a great governor. Having grown up there and spent much effort during his years as a journalist, I believe an exception to the residency requirement should be made.
Hi, I live in NJ and have been a reader of your column in the NYTimes for years. I was disappointed when you left the Times but was looking forward very much to your run for Gov. of Oregon. It is so sad for it to have worked out this way, both for Oregon as well as for those of us elsewhere in the country. I am quite happy that you're "not going away" and look forward to following you in Oregon. David A. Lawrence, Morris Plains, NJ
Even though I am not a resident of Oregon, I am sorry to read your campaign was halted. Oregon is the looser in this decision. I know you’ll keep fighting for our Democracy and equal rights and I hope you will continue writing. Our Country needs you and more like you!
Dear Nick, I have lived in the US for many years. I returned to Europe, because the support for Science was not what I had expected. The one point, which you put at the end of your list, is the one which I would put at the top: improve the schools at each level. Have good schools everywhere, not only close to regions, which have a University or rich neighborhood. Pay teachers well to get the best. Include in improved education the kindergarden to help to equalize the start conditions for all children. A child (or teen) who experienced the joy of knowledge will be proud of itself and solve better the problems, which it may encounter. It will have better judgement and be too proud of itself to allow to be destroyed by drugs. It will be able to help to solve the problems of our society instead of increasing them. It may be a long way, maybe several generations, but it is the a step which is needed first.
I, too, see this as an opportunity. Our country needs you and, in the final analysis, you may be able to follow your head and your heart without the trappings of public office. We are cheering you on.
There’s a reason for this. I’m thinking of Stacey Abrams right now. She lost her race, but she had a much bigger role to play, as it turned out. One she may not have been able to manage had she won. But I believe we have her efforts to thank for Biden’s win, along with the two senate races. Nick, I don’t know you personally but I know your heart. I’ve been in McMinnville 35 years and I am an Oregonian, too. You are SO not finished with this mission. Thank you and Sheryl for your tireless dedication to making life better for all of us who live here. Oregon led the way with recycling and we can lead the way with compassion. 💖
What a thoughtful and respectful concession statement. The problems you have identity are true in Oregon and to a lesser or greater extent in Canada where I live. The frustrations and problems must be addressed or we risk much more division and dangerous and unwanted consequences. Carry on with your efforts and please continue your insightful writing.
Keep working; keep writing, Nick. We all need you.
These are words that I wish every person running for a state, local or federal office would mean and say. And, perhaps more importantly, pledge allegiance to implementing as part of their platform . I hope very much that you remain in Oregon and, in due course, run for and win the governorship. The people of Oregon would be inspired to do the right things under your leadership. All best wishes, Nick, to you, your family, your team and your supporters one of which I have been proud to be.
Nick, I am saddened but still hopeful for your political future. You speak for more than Oregonians. Keep up the fight!
Peggy, Washington State
I feel the same way about my home in Michigan as you do about Oregon, Mr. K. Even though I spent half my life living outside of Michigan - in the US and overseas - and even though I'm currently spending a year (post-retirement!) on a teaching assignment in Houston, Michigan has always been and will always be my home. Any time I was not in Michigan I longed to return, and when I'm there I never feel the longing to pick up and move somewhere else. And while I'm nowhere near the status of running for governor (and even if I were there would be no need to do so, since our current governor is doing a great job) I definitely understand your desire to help make things better for your state and the people in it.
I don't know what drives you other than a genuine desire to help others, but I'm sure you're aware by now that the Universe, or God, or whatever you believe in, is guiding you in a different direction. And if we collectively trust that Wisdom, we can certainly continue to pursue the cause of a better life for those we care about. So while I join you in your disappointment with the decision, I will continue to eagerly follow your journey and derive whatever lessons I can absorb in the process.
To put it simply, in the language of my youth - "Keep on Truckin'!"
Thank you for all you have done and will do. You have my support in whatever you do next, because I know from experience you care about others and work to help them. This was a tough break, but just the start of your next chapter.
I have felt all along that you would be the best governor, and that you are currently not legally qualified. I'm reminded how the best governor in my lifetime, McCall, had no political experience but lots of experience in describing Oregon's problems and potentials to Oregonians. Keep at it, please!
When one door closes, another opens. Keep on.
Thank you for all you do! I am disappointed in the ruling, but trust you will continue to find ways to make a difference. Irene - St. Louis
How long does it take to establish residency? Meet the rule requirements and try again. I think you’d make a fantastic governor.
A sad day for Oregon. He would have made a great governor. Having grown up there and spent much effort during his years as a journalist, I believe an exception to the residency requirement should be made.
Hi, I live in NJ and have been a reader of your column in the NYTimes for years. I was disappointed when you left the Times but was looking forward very much to your run for Gov. of Oregon. It is so sad for it to have worked out this way, both for Oregon as well as for those of us elsewhere in the country. I am quite happy that you're "not going away" and look forward to following you in Oregon. David A. Lawrence, Morris Plains, NJ
Even though I am not a resident of Oregon, I am sorry to read your campaign was halted. Oregon is the looser in this decision. I know you’ll keep fighting for our Democracy and equal rights and I hope you will continue writing. Our Country needs you and more like you!
Dear Nick, I have lived in the US for many years. I returned to Europe, because the support for Science was not what I had expected. The one point, which you put at the end of your list, is the one which I would put at the top: improve the schools at each level. Have good schools everywhere, not only close to regions, which have a University or rich neighborhood. Pay teachers well to get the best. Include in improved education the kindergarden to help to equalize the start conditions for all children. A child (or teen) who experienced the joy of knowledge will be proud of itself and solve better the problems, which it may encounter. It will have better judgement and be too proud of itself to allow to be destroyed by drugs. It will be able to help to solve the problems of our society instead of increasing them. It may be a long way, maybe several generations, but it is the a step which is needed first.
I, too, see this as an opportunity. Our country needs you and, in the final analysis, you may be able to follow your head and your heart without the trappings of public office. We are cheering you on.