Every once in a while, you still hear someone arguing that Ron Saxton is some kind of moderate. Well, take a listen to what right-wing Oregonian columnist David Reinhard had to say back in May:

But the Saxton-Mannix differences on abortion were then, and are now, more hypothetical than real. Whatever their overarching views on the issue, both will act the same way in office. If Roe v. Wade were gone tomorrow, Mannix won't sign a bill outlawing abortions, because the Legislature won't pass such a bill, at least not in the next eight years.

But Saxton would sign almost any abortion limit -- parental notice, informed consent, a partial-birth abortion ban -- that Oregon Right to Life can get through the Legislature. He's made that clear this time.

Which is one reason many Portland liberals are increasingly uneasy with him. And why this Portland fiscal and social conservative is picking my ballot off the kitchen counter and voting for Ron Saxton.