Political Desk

Good morning, it’s April 23, and I’ve got some news to report. Quickly, I attended last night’s talk by political commentator Kathleen Hall Jamieson at Linfield, which focused on this year’s presidential race, with a bit of good old-fashioned media-bashing. Also: I’ve just learned that Obama’s campaign is opening an office in Yamhill County, if you can believe it. Check back in later today for details. Also: the News-Register’s coverage of local political races begins Saturday in the print edition, kicking off with the 4-way race for Yamhill County Clerk. Stay tuned …

Wednesday, April 23: Rep. Donna Nelson, running for a seat on the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners, continues her string of town hall meetings tonight at the Dayton Fire Hall, 416 Ferry Street in Dayton, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, April 25: Yamhill County Board of Commissioners candidate Kris Bledsoe will have a fundraising event from 5-8 p.m. at Currents Gallery, 532 NE Third Street in McMinnville. For more info, visit www.krisbledsoecommissioner.com.

Saturday, April 26: Another town hall for Nelson, moved from a previously advertised date to today at Yamhill-Carlton City Hall, 1-3 p.m.

Tuesday, April 29: 5 p.m. is the deadline to register to vote in the May primary if you are a) not already registered to vote or b) you are registered, but want to change your party affiliation. Voter registration cards are available at post office branches, and, of course, at the Yamhill County Clerk’s Office, 414 NE Evans Street in McMinnville. Or, you can download one here.

Monday, May 5: A candidates’ forum — traditionally one of the biggest voters can count on during election season — will once again be sponsored by Friends of Yamhill County, the Yamhill County Farm Bureau and the Small Woodlands Association. It’s at the McMinnville Senior Center on McDaniel Lane, 7 p.m. Candidates, political parties and groups: If you’ve got something you want listed, send the info to me at dbates@newsregister.com, or call: 503-472-5114, ext. 245.