To whet your political appetite for 2025, here is a spicy goulash of quotations, anecdotes and other recent observations from Oregonians who hang around the State Capitol.

Rick Metzger, Pac/West Lobby Group blog: Decades ago when Metzger was a sportscaster for KOIN-TV, he received an early morning call from a Secret Service agent who said, “’Former President Jimmy Carter would like to have you take him fishing.’ …

“A few days later at about 5:30 a.m., we met on the boat ramp near Oregon City. The Secret Service was there with their own boat to ensure I didn’t accidentally dump the President in the frigid winter waters of the Willamette.

“Talking to Carter was like talking to your best friend. There was no sense of superiority or privilege. We would talk about our own fishing adventures. …

“Not surprisingly, he was the most truly environmental president since Theodore Roosevelt. His positions were not dictated by political expediency or consultants but by personal conviction. He was the first president to raise concern about climate change.”

Gov. Tina Kotek, end-of-year video: “I have been mission-focused, whether through executive actions, budget choices or policy decisions, and we’re seeing concrete results.”

Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, fundraising email: “Oregon’s Political Tax Credit allows you to spend some of your own tax dollars, instead of letting Tina Kotek and her special interests spend it for you.”

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan, Canby, press release: “Governor Kotek’s oppositional approach to the incoming Trump administration makes it even more unlikely she will work with them in pursuit of a much-needed transformational investment in Oregon’s economy.” 

Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, D-Portland, newsletter: “I want to acknowledge the uncertainty, fear, and anxiety that many of you are feeling following the re-election of former President Donald Trump last month. … We need to be both proactive and reactive to any federal threats against our Oregon values. For state leaders, that means shoring up our existing protections for vulnerable communities and identifying any gaps. For all of us, it means strengthening the community ties and civil society organizations that form the foundation of a healthy democracy.”

Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, newsletter: “Legislators, agency people, advocates, and many in the general public have been waiting with bated breath to learn the composition of the committees that will be doing the bulk of the legislative work in 2025. The makeup of the committees, particularly the choice of committee chairs, can really help determine the fate of individual bills.” (New committee chairs and vice chairs are listed in today’s “Who’s who in and around state government.”)

Rep. Cyrus Javadi, R-Tillamook, newsletter: “Funding ODOT to keep our roads drivable, ensuring healthcare reaches every corner of the state, protecting kids and seniors, tackling the overdose epidemic with more than just thoughts and prayer — these aren’t just line items on a legislative agenda. They’re moral imperatives.”

Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, newsletter: “Contrary to what local punditry has suggested, the 2025 Legislature will most likely evolve into one of the more colorful, interesting, and potentially significant sessions in recent history.”

Tracey Yee, Legislature’s human resources director, legislative email: An agreement was unlikely to be reached in time for union-represented legislative aides to be included in the Jan. 1 cost-of-living increase. “It is very important that (legislators) do not engage in conversations about pay, benefits, or other mandatory subjects of bargaining with their represented employees, especially to express sentiments of sympathy, frustration, or any other opinions that could undermine our negotiations at the table.” 

Rep. David Gomberg, R-Otis, co-chair of legislative wine caucus, newsletter: “Champagne can only legally come from French vineyards. Spanish tasting rooms pour cava. And prosecco is an Italian delight on its own or in spritzes. But the best sparkling wines might be made in Oregon.”

And from the U.S. Census Bureau: America’s population on New Year’s Day was estimated at 341,145,670. That would mean Oregonians make up about 1.25% of the U.S. population and .05% of the global population.