As a brand, Oregon has ended up a tough sell

In his first term, Gov. Ted Kulongoski launched an ambitious plan to put Oregon on the world map, to brand it as the place where berries taste better, businesses thrive and sophisticated tourists come to play.

Three years later, the effort has fizzled after Brand Oregon officials failed to sell it to the Legislature.

Lawmakers refused to give Kulongoski's pet project any of the $1.6 million requested, saying that schools, colleges and construction were "more important, if you will, than expanding a label," said Sen. Kurt Schrader, D-Canby, who with Rep. Mary Nolan, D-Portland, led the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee. Read more here.