Multnomah County - Ted Kulongoski misses a meeting to win support AMY HSUAN The Oregonian Gov. Ted Kulongoski failed to win an endorsement Saturday from Multnomah County Democratic leaders, who voted instead to support opponents Jim Hill and Peter Sorenson in the party's primary. Gavin White, chairman of the Multnomah County Democratic Central Committee, said the biggest reason Kulongoski didn't receive an endorsement is that he failed to show up for a meeting at Portland State University, where about 35 candidates for various offices fielded questions. "Had he been in the room, he probably would have been endorsed," White said. "Pete Sorenson and Jim Hill both made powerful speeches that spoke to our values and our platform." The governor didn't show up because he was at a previously scheduled event, said Cameron Johnson, Kulongoski's campaign manager. "It's unfortunate, but not surprising," Johnson said of the vote by about 30 Portland-area party leaders. "It represents a small minority of Democratic activists." Neel Pender, executive director of the Democratic Party of Oregon, said county parties are often discouraged from endorsing candidates because of procedural inconsistencies. The Saturday meeting in Portland was poorly publicized and poorly attended, Pender said. "I do have some concerns over the process," said Pender of Saturday's vote. "I am one of the people who didn't get the notice in time." The committee's failure to endorse Kulongoski should not be taken as a sign of deep-rooted opposition, White said. "This is just the primary," he said. "When we get to the general election, we'll support whoever is the democratic candidate." Amy Hsuan: 503-294-5954; amyhsuan@news.oregonian.com Published Sunday, February 19, 2006 Original story can be read here.