Former Mayor Tom Potter supports the recall of his successor Mayor Sam Adams, giving the grassroots effort its first high-profile supporter.

Potter made his support known in a comment he left Saturday morning on his wife's Facebook page. Potter's wife, Karin Hansen, posted a status update on her page saying she has petitions for the recall and directing people to a site where they can join the effort.

"We deserve a truthful City Council," she wrote.

A few minutes later, Potter wrote, "Please, please get your petition, sign a petition. Good government is what we make it. Thanks, Tom."

Hansen's Facebook profile picture is the logo from the Recall Sam Adams campaign.

News of Potter's support for the recall was first reported on Saturday on The Mercury's blog.

Reached at home this morning, Hansen said her husband isn't talking about the Adams recall. When asked why, she said she could not talk about it.

In a follow-up phone call, Potter declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Jasun Wurster, the chief petitioner behind the recall effort, said he welcomed Hansen and Potter's support.

"It speaks volumes to the credibility of our campaign," he said.

He said he has not spoken with Potter but has traded emails with Hansen who signed up as a volunteer.

"This was a total surprise," Wurster said. "We don't actively go after any former political people in Portland asking for their support. It was on his own volition. We are definitely elated that he supports the recall."



-- Noelle Crombie; noellecrombie@news.oregonian.com