It seems clear that Tom Potter has pulled a stunning election night victory by drawing even (if not ahead) of his business financed opponent in the Portland mayor’s race. A run-off in November will finish this off. Tom brought back the grassroots coalition of community leaders who worked so hard to elect Bud Clark, Gretchen Kafoury and Erik Sten. Even being here in Cleveland hobnobbing with John Edwards and Jesse Jackson doesn’t take away the sting I feel not being able to attend this victory party. My advice to Tom now: raise your contribution limit to $100. I’d send in my $75. Tonight Tom Potter has proven that the politics of hope can still fight back against the politics of big money – and maybe even win come November.

Here's the KGW showing Potter in the lead.

I'd write more, but Cleveland is suffering some kind of massive power outage and I can hardly see what I'm typing. My battery won't last much longer either. I blame Bush for this.