Local candidates speak

A few comments from local candidates:

-- State Sen. Jason Atkinson told Congressman Walden that he was changing one political promise he made earlier. He said he told Walden that he "would take a bullet for you." Now, he says, he's decided that's not such a good idea. Atkinson is still recovering from an accidental shooting that occurred this summer, when he was shot in his leg.

-- State Rep. Dennis Richardson of Central Point: "America will wake up and find there's an idea of redistributing wealth and that government can take care of you cradle to grave. That's not an American principle. ... We must remind Democrats that we must have a government that is sustainable."

-- State Rep. Sal Esquivel of Medford: Democrats philosophy is to "build government, spend more money and tax you." He said the pendulum will swing again to the Republican side.

-- C.W. Smith: "Jackson County is financially solvent ... one of the most solvent counties in the state of Oregon. ... I'm very proud of that. ... That's an example that we can set for others who run for office, to run government that stays within its budget."