ENDORSEMENTS & SUPPORT
Endorsement Quotations
“Our law firm (Kafoury & McDougal) represented James Cleavenger at trial in his lawsuit against the University of Oregon (US District Court Case No. 6:13-cv-01908-DOC). James filed the lawsuit in 2013, and handled the case himself until retaining our firm for trial in 2015. He remained directly involved in all of the legal work and decisions throughout trial, and his input was very helpful in winning the case.
Our firm’s relationship with James continued after his trial and we have consulted him on a few of our cases and he has referred several cases to our firm. James Cleavenger is an excellent lawyer and an even better human being. We’re proud to support James in his candidacy for Lane County District Attorney.”
Jason Kafoury & Mark McDougal, Attorneys
“I practiced law in Eugene for 20 years and was a Judge for another 7. Ask any lawyer what it means to be a “Judicial Clerk”. Judges select from the best law school graduates to work for them. Cleavenger clerked for the Honorable Michael McShane twice, once in State Court, then again when McShane was appointed to the Federal Court. That Judge McShane would select him twice speaks volumes about Cleavenger’s competence as a lawyer. Since announcing his candidacy for DA, there has been an outpouring of support for him in Oakridge; a unanimity rarely seen in this community. He is well known for his compassionate and selfless attitude as a police officer, which is why he is so well liked and respected here.”
Hon. Gary Carl, retired Judge
“With his extensive experience in the criminal justice system, James Cleavenger is hungry and excited about serving our county. Cleavenger’s integrity and commitment to transparency and fairness are unsurpassed and resolute. He is a keen attorney, is on the frontline as a police officer, and he stood up to corruption as a plaintiff and won. He will bring vigor, transparency, and progressive change to the DA’s Office, while balancing compassion and common sense with a toughness on crime.“
Michael J. Kello, retired state Court officer, owner of Kelldog Enterprises
"I have worked with James Cleavenger in law enforcement, and I know his work is first rate. He shows good character, and he is trustworthy and fair. I believe he would bring integrity and intelligence to his role as District Attorney."
Ken Jackson, retired Junction City Police Officer & SRO
“James Cleavenger cares about people and has been an excellent police officer in several communities, and he’s an experienced attorney. His Medal of Honor was well-deserved and heroic, but he even does the little things, like digging folks out of their driveways during the 2019 ‘Snowpocolypse.’”
Ken & Jan Hooker, retired Junction City 911 Dispatcher
“Strength and courage are easy to feign when you are just a politician. However, Cleavenger is more than a politician. He is well versed and knowledgeable in many aspects of the criminal justice system, having worked as an officer, lawyer, and even for the Court, he has shown great courage in all of these facets. Proof of his courage was evident in his successful whistleblowing and retaliation lawsuit against the powerful and well-funded University of Oregon. Very few people have the courage and stamina to stand up for what is right and take on “the establishment,” but Cleavenger does. His Medal of Honor for life saving award is yet another example of his courage and heroism.”
Kyle Lakey, real estate agent and former Junction City police officer
“I support James Cleavenger for DA because his integrity and dedication to the community has been proven in his actions. From patrolling our streets, delivering food to the homeless, donating his own time and money to help people in need, and serving on the Board of Directors of my Animal Rescue Center, Cleavenger is always willing to help make the community better.”
Trudy Hammond, Executive Director of Mountain Respite & Mission Animal Rescue Center
“Electing James Cleavenger District Attorney would greatly benefit ALL of Lane County. He’s
already known for being a whistleblower on corruption. His fight against a corrupt police department a few years ago nearly cost him everything, yet he kept fighting because it was the right thing to do. Cleavenger is taking-on another huge battle in running against the current DA, whose “good ole' boys” roots run deep. I’d encourage everyone to vote for James Cleavenger for DA if we want to finally see some real change. He’s also a darn good skier.”
Brock Butterfield, professional snowboarder & Bus Fair founder
“James Cleavenger is truly in touch with the people and has an ethical sense of being that I believe Lane County needs.”
Stephan Ball, Lead Writer for The Oregon Conservative News
“I am no angel. When I was younger I was into drugs and got arrested all the time. So I did not really like or trust cops until I met Officer Cleavenger. He even arrested me once a few years ago but he treated me respectfully and fairly, like a human being. He also listened to me when I was a victim in a crime instead of ignoring me because of my criminal record. One time when I was homeless living in the woods, Officer Cleavenger found me and gave me 20 pounds of joe-joes and a camp stove to cook them on. I was out of food and starving and he did not have to do that. He’s helped a lot of other people too, and everybody likes and respects him, even the people he arrests.”
Alan Colley, Oakridge