There's this "Barack" guy who's gathering a lot of news tonight, but here in Portland, there's quite a few of us celebrating the victory of Sam Adams - defeating a zillion (ok, maybe nine) other candidates to win Portland's mayoral race outright with over 50% of the vote.
He faced one serious competitor, a local businessman, but pulled away in the final stretch.
Something that's notable by its lack of mention in the coverage - Sam Adams is gay, and very much out. It's simply a nonissue, and absolutely freaking amazing.
Sam was just interviewed on our local NPR affiliate. Asked what he planned to focus on as one of his first issues as mayor, he replied that he intended to take on education in our schools immediately. The interviewer said "But that's not part of the mayor's portfolio." Exactly. Sam will take it on.
Very happy day here in Portland - lots of results looking good.