According to an anonymous source, former FuturePAC guru Jon Isaacs appears to be heading at least the development of Merkley's initial team, if not the entire campaign. While the prospective candidate mulls the final decision over with his family this week, Isaacs was reportedly lining up folks to begin the campaign. The source said Isaacs had selected three people to join him in assisting Merkley: former Arnie Roblan (HD-9) aide Nick Batz to do field operations, former Bradbury 2002 operative John Valley in the policy shop, and former FuturePAC fundraiser Ivo Trummer to shake the trees for money.
Not trusting anonymous sources, we went to THE source...Jon Isaacs. Isaacs confirmed that Merkley's announcement was "imminent," although it would not necessarily surprise him if the ultimate decision was not to run after talking with family. As far as political ambition, the timing and the decision to leave the Speaker's gavel behind however, Merkley is "highly motivated" to run.
As for Isaacs' own position in the nascent campaign, he would only say that he'd likely play a noticeable role in any candidacy. However, his ability to confirm and deny the reports above strongly suggests a leadership role for the talented political operative. Isaacs did confirm that Trummer would be doing fundraising for Merkley should he enter, and very possibly would become Finance Director.
Batz was also reportedly on board, although also in finance and not on field operations or policy--positions likely not to be filled for some months. Isaacs also agreed that Valley's name had been running through the rumor mill, but marveled at the thin gruel on which the rumor was based, and said it was unlikely Valley would be joining the campaign.
Typically the emergent selection of campaign staff suggests that a run is definitely on--but I believe Isaacs' presentation in this case that arrangements and discussions are happening only to be ready when the time comes...if it comes, rather than as abject proof Merkley is running.
Incidentally, Isaacs took pains to point out that the AP story on the announcement (and I wouldn't be surprised if he was the unnamed "strategist") was an accurate portrayal, but that the Willamette Week's firm reportage that Merkley was in, was not. "Clearly don't understand how Jeff works" is the phrase I recall Isaacs using to describe WW in this case. Ouch--but point well taken.
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