www.mattfororegon.com

The primary election is over and against the predictions of all the “certified smart” people I won the primary by a margin of 59% to 41%. That was a whopping 19 point margin. Truly unexpected.

However, I could not have done it without the help of folks like you. Since I am not a “politician” the special interest groups were lined up against me and supported my opponent. I had to rely on the financial support of average folks to get the word out about my campaign and I am exceedingly grateful for your support.

Now the big work begins. We have to move on to the general election campaign and again I am up against your standard politician, and again I am counting on hundreds of supporters to help me out.

Your financial support is pivotal in helping me pay for mailings, radio ads and lawn signs. Your support will also help me in sending a strong message to the special interests that might want to get involved in this campaign. If they see that I am supported by hundreds of individuals then they will be more likely to stay out of the race on the side of my opponent.

This seat in Oregon is an “open” seat, which means there is no incumbent in the race. This particular district has traditionally been a Republican district and I am the Republican candidate with a strong independent streak.

I hope you will visit my website (http://mattfororegon.com/) and make a contribution to my campaign. It is easy to do. Simply click on the “Donate” button and fill out the information. Many of you have already done so.

If you reside in Oregon you can take advantage of the “Oregon political tax credit.” That allows you to deduct, dollar for dollar, up to $50 from your STATE income tax return. Or if you are married they will allow you to deduct up to $100 from your STATE return.

In essence, if you are in Oregon, your political donation is free.

I believe in limited government principles. I believe that the state of Oregon is taxing businesses too much and creating more and more road blocks to business expansion and job creation. My opponent is getting her marching orders from her caucus and will undoubtedly move the state in the wrong direction.

Once again I want to ask for your help. I have a strong stable of dedicated volunteers but I need to get them materials for distribution. In order to compete against my opponent I need to pay for mailings, radio ads, newspaper ads and lawn signs.

If everyone receiving this email were to respond with a contribution, of any size, it will shock, again, the “certified smart” people of politics.

Thank you for your help in the primary election and thank you in advance for your help in the general election.

Sincerely,
Matt “the law” Lindland.

Who will be left to give him serious competition? Has Michael Bisping been given an opponent yet for his first middleweight fight? If so, I haven’t seen it. Although I imagine the UFC will set up Michael Bisping to fight the winner or loser of Silva/Henderson, but other than that, are there any other light heavyweights that could move down to 185lbs to fight Anderson Silva? Or are there any welterweights that could move up to middleweight to challenge him? I know in the past, Matt Hughes has expressed interest in fighting Silva, but I can’t see that happening at all, and I don’t see Matt Hughes having a chance at victory in a fight like that. I don’t see Bisping being able to compete on the level of either Silva or Dan Henderson yet, either. Maybe one day.

I’m of course interested in seeing how Evan Tanner performs Saturday night against Yushin Okami. Circa 2004, Evan Tanner would have beaten Anderson Silva.

I’m sure Rich Franklin still fits in the middleweight picture somewhere, but I don’t think a 3rd time would be a charm for him. However, I do think Travis Lutter deserves another fight with Silva.

What about other organizations? Are there any prospects the UFC could throw some money at and bring over to fight Anderson? Paulo Filho? Chael Sonnen?

In my opinion, if Dan Henderson doesn’t beat Anderson Silva, the best chance anybody would have is Matt Lindland (which won’t happen), or Jeremy Horn… yes, I said Jeremy Horn. I know he just got his ass kicked by Nate Marquardt, but I’m not using MMA math. Depending on how he performs Saturday night, I might include Evan Tanner.

Check it out when Dan Henderson is weighing in, Matt Lindland is in the background standing next to Dana White. Last I heard, Lindland and Dana disliked each other quite a bit. It’s no surprise that Lindland would be in his Team Quest teammates corner at UFC 75, but knowing Dana White, I’m surprised he let Lindland in the building. Dana needs to let Lindland come in and be a middleweight contender again.

Could we see Matt Lindland back in the UFC some time soon? I hope so, I think Lindland would defeat current UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva right now.