Portland mayoral candidate Keith Wilson experienced an unexpected setback during his campaign when he was bitten by a dog while canvassing. The incident occurred on Saturday morning as Wilson and his campaign partner, Mark Johnston, were engaging with voters in Southeast Portland.
Key Takeaways
- Keith Wilson was bitten by a dog while campaigning.
- The incident occurred on Southeast Mill Street.
- Wilson received 10 stitches for his injury but continued campaigning the next day.
- He filed a dog bite report with local authorities.
The Incident
On Saturday, around 10 a.m., Wilson and Johnston were canvassing in a neighborhood when they approached a home on Southeast Mill Street. As they knocked on the door, four dogs unexpectedly burst out, with one labrador mix biting Wilson on his right arm just above the elbow.
Wilson described the moment as chaotic, stating, "All four of them hit that door at the same time, and it popped open." Despite the owner's attempts to call the dogs back, one remained undeterred and lunged at Wilson.
Immediate Aftermath
After the bite, Wilson and Johnston quickly moved to another house to continue their canvassing efforts. However, Wilson soon realized the severity of his injury when he pulled up his sleeve to inspect the wound. They decided to head to Portland Adventist Medical Center for treatment.
Upon arrival at the emergency room, Wilson humorously handed a nurse his campaign card instead of an ID. He received 10 stitches to close the deep wound but maintained a positive attitude throughout the ordeal. He later shared a photo on social media from his hospital bed, expressing gratitude that no one else was hurt during the incident.
Resilience in Campaigning
Despite the injury, Wilson was determined not to let the dog bite hinder his campaign efforts. He stated, "It’s been a tough day, but I’m doggedly determined to get back to meeting more incredible people in every corner of our city." The very next day, he was back on the campaign trail, continuing to knock on doors and engage with voters.
Official Response
Following the incident, Wilson filed a dog bite report with Multnomah County. The county responded by ordering the dog's owner to quarantine the animal at home. Wilson humorously remarked, "They always told me politics was a blood sport, but this kind of takes it to another level."
Conclusion
Keith Wilson's dog bite incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of campaigning. His resilience and commitment to his campaign, even after such an unexpected event, highlight his determination to connect with the community. As the election approaches, Wilson's experience may resonate with voters, showcasing his tenacity and dedication to public service.
Sources
- Portland mayoral candidate bitten by dog while campaigning, OregonLive.com.
