PORTLAND, ORE. — In an unusual twist in Oregon’s gubernatorial race, a candidacy has emerged that aims to draw attention to the state’s alarming education issues. J. Schuberth is campaigning as a giant talking pencil, a character designed not only to entertain but to address a serious concern: Oregon’s fourth-graders rank last in literacy nationwide.
This unique campaign kicked off at Portland’s downtown farmer’s market, where “Pencil” engaged with residents while handing out flyers detailing its mission. Sporting an oversized pencil costume complete with a cheerful face and an eraser cap, Schuberth delivered an unmistakable message: “I’m running for governor because we need to raise awareness about education.”
The whimsical persona raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity among constituents. “You’re running as a pencil or a person?” one surprised attendee asked. “As a pencil,” responded Schuberth, underscoring the campaign’s playful yet pointed critique of Oregon’s educational policies.
A Call to Action on Education
Schuberth, a former college professor and literacy advocate, has grown increasingly concerned over the state’s educational performance. With data revealing that Oregon’s fourth-graders exhibit the lowest reading skills in the country, they argue that the status quo in education is unacceptable. “This is an indictment of the people running our state,” Schuberth stated, highlighting the influence of the long-standing Democratic supermajority on educational policies.
As the campaign season heats up, current Governor Tina Kotek is also seeking reelection, framing education as a key issue. Several Republican candidates are vying for a chance to challenge her, but Schuberth’s unique approach aims to disrupt the traditional political narrative by urging voters to write in “Pencil” on their ballots in November.
“Our mission is not to win the governorship but to signal how important this issue is,” Schuberth explained. “If people are willing to write in an inanimate object, it suggests we might have a problem worth addressing.”
Awareness and Public Response
While the legality of a pencil holding office is questionable, the campaign serves as a provocative wake-up call to both elected officials and citizens. Schuberth has invested nearly $30,000 of their own money on campaign materials, which include custom postcards and flyers emphasizing the urgent need for educational reform.
At the farmer’s market, reactions have ranged from curiosity to outrage. Some attendees expressed frustration with the current state of education in Oregon. “It’s really a crime,” felt one resident, while another indicated they would consider a write-in vote for Pencil as a way to protest against current educational policies.
Even other politicians are taking notice; county judge candidate Joe Hagedorn suggested he might also support a write-in vote for Pencil based on the shared focus on educational issues.
While acknowledging the playful nature of the campaign, bipartisan support is growing. Governor Kotek admitted in a recent conversation that literacy and educational achievement are critical problems. Her administration has attempted to address these issues through new legislative measures and investments, but Schuberth argues that these efforts have yet to yield meaningful results.
As the gubernatorial race continues to heat up, Schuberth remains resolute in their campaign, equipped with merchandise and a catchy slogan: “Oregon’s education system is failing our kids, but together we can FIX it!”
Schuberth is committed to remaining in the spotlight through the November elections, utilizing the persona of Pencil to rally support for real change in Oregon’s educational landscape.
Source reference: Full report
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