For years and years and years I thought the only purpose Oregon had was to keep Washington State from sliding down into California.

Then Kent Couch took his balloon trip, I heard this interview with a woman who lives somewhere in the wilds of Oregon who kept a rifle above her door to protect herself from ‘bears and those drug kids from Seattle’ and  I happen to know now for a fact that the best Salt Water Taffy in the world is made down there.

I’ve been seduced.

 I totally fell in love with Oregon.

God, thank you for Oregon- I’d have to say it’s your best work yet.

What follows is a news report that proves it.

I’m going ahead and reprinting a story  from the Associated Press here  for fear that one day the link will go down and this great story will be lost forever.

DeFazio wants ‘investigation’ into Vermont’s Simpsons win

By Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Springfield is still piqued that his hometown wasn’t chosen to host the premiere of the upcoming animated film “The Simpsons,” particularly since “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening is an Oregon native.

In fact, he smells a rat, and has asked U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to investigate – sort of.

In a spoof letter from DeFazio’s office to Gonzalez, he points out that Springfield, Ore., with around 52,000 residents, lost out on the right to hold the premiere to Springfield, Vt., which won a contest sponsored by 20th Century Fox, despite having only 9,000 residents.

“Unless they passed a law giving cows the right to vote, this smacks of election fraud,” DeFazio writes, tongue planted firmly in cheek. “It also once again highlights the need for electronic voting with a valid paper trail. Was Diebold in any way involved in tabulating the results?”

DeFazio continues that he’s well aware that many will dismiss his concerns, saying that the Oregon Springfield was simply “rolled” by the giant pink doughnut of Homer Simpson’s dreams, featured prominently in the winning video submitted by Springfield, Vt.

“But I believe there were significant voting irregularities,” DeFazio writes. “Knowing how passionately the Bush Administration feels about counting every vote, I’m sure you will want to investigate this matter.”

Gonzalez’s office could not immediately be reached for comment on the spoof letter.

The letter concludes in true Simpsons fashion: Instead of signing off “Sincerely,” or “Yours Truly,” DeFazio concludes with an “Okiliydokily.”

Despite DeFazio’s efforts, on July 21, Springfield, Vermont’s 100-seat movie theater is slated to play host to the movie, which opens July 27.

ORIGINAL STORY HERE

and of course…here’s a Promo: