While Democratic power-brokers consolidate behind failed governor Tina Kotek, Republicans will have a vigorous primary with multiple qualified candidates
I no longer live or vote in Oregon, but I was very involved in state and local politics for almost 40 years and was a registered Democrat all that time. I was a big supporter of Betsy Johnson, and still am.
The last two Democratic governors have been toxic, particularly on the issue I care about the most - criminal justice. If Johnson had not been on the ballot in 2022 I would have likely not cast a vote in that race, and I suspect I would not have been alone.
Measure 11, first passed in 1994 and its repeal was rejected by 76% of voters in 2000 brought a modicum of fairness to criminal sentencing and meant that a 17-year old rapist would receive a real prison sentence (8 years) although they would likely never leave the Oregon Youth Authority (because despite constant lies from the criminal lobby, felons under 18 when convicted of even murder did not get transferred to the adult Department of Corrections until they turned 26)..
But that all ended in 2019 when the Oregon Legislature betrayed victims and voters and repealed all the juvenile provisions of Measure 11 with Senate Bill 1008, and also effectively made all juvenile criminal proceedings secret - one reason you never read about crimes or their trials committed by felons under 18. Only two Democratic legislators voted against SB 1008 in 2019 - Betsy Johnson and Brad Witt.
The repeal just barely passed with the necessary 2/3rd vote required to overturn constitutional provisions passed by voters. Christine Drazan - for reasons unknown was "excused" and did not vote.
"Dudley ... [is] more moderate than the bulk of the party, especially on abortion which still matters in the primary."
The Oregon Republican Party has fatally pitted itself for decades now against social issues (abortion, same -sex marriage) which long before Trump guaranteed their losses in Oregon. They have been unable to understand or accept that if they want wins on business and the economy they need to let that go. Trump may be guaranteeing another win for the latest and worst iteration of the state's provenly incompetent Democratic Party.
The thought of another four years of which is almost literally painful.
One might reasonably conclude both parties prefer symbols over substance.
There is no need to like my comment, thank you though for your consideration.
I appreciate the platform to make opinions and comments. Not everyone agrees, which is fine. I stated my guiding principles and I look for similar principles in a candidate that could be in a position to change or influence law. The Republican platform more closely represents my way of thinking, thus I typically support Republican candidates. I am unable to vote in the primary election for either majority party, which I think is correct, however I will work for my candidate of choice through contributions and shoe leather, just as I did with the transportation referendum.
As you pointed out, the best person for the job seldom wins, this is a national problem. The more the lines become blurred between liberal and conservative, the more discouraged voters become and stay on the sidelines. The NAV in Oregon is the largest voting block in the state, a 'wobbly' conservative will not change that demographic.
"Bottom-line: Drazan has a strong legislative record as a conservative who is willing to stand up to Democrats, best illustrated by her role in the 2020 Republican walkout when she was House minority leader." This is an interesting take. Drazan's "role" in the walkout was to stall until the Senate walkout forced her hand. She has voted over and over and over with the Democrats on some of their worst bills, including many to hamstring the police which she did when things were really rocking in Portland. She voted not once, but twice, for tampons in little boy's bathrooms and then denied it. She voted to protect a Kotek staffer who was arrested at an antifa riot. She voted to change the state song because it contained the words "Free Men". She voted to ban "ropes with loops on the end" because they were racist. She tweeted "Guilty Justice is served" after the kangaroo court convicted Derek Chavin of the "murder" of a violent, resisting, felon. She channeled big bucks to Cheri Helt who was anti-gun, pro-abortion and a mandatory vaxxer. And the list goes on... If THAT'S a "strong conservative" Oregon should just throw in the towel and declare itself a collective. Sheesh what are some people thinking?
Having read Helen Andrews' essay, The Great Feminization, I am voting masculine for Governor. With a possible exception given for a women candidate emulating the characteristics of Golda Meir or Margaret Thatcher.
Sad thing is, Norma Paulus should have been elected governor, and the most recent appointment from Kotek — as head of the Department of Forestry — looks disastrous.
Kotek is meaner than a pit viper but she’s not stupid. Unless, a la Kitzhaber, she is in her personal life. Someone has to know Aimee’s role? Recall some mass staff exoduses early on attributed to precisely that.
This breakdown of the continued pattern in Oregon politics is incredibly insightful. I've wathced my state decline for years and this captures exactly why we need a real choice, not just resistance theater. The framing of continued failure versus new direction resonates deeply.
There is no doubt in my mind that the democratic bloc will bankrupt Oregon, and until they don't have Trump to disparage, they will never lose their fiefdom. The question is: will the serfs wake up in time to repair the damage?
I no longer live or vote in Oregon, but I was very involved in state and local politics for almost 40 years and was a registered Democrat all that time. I was a big supporter of Betsy Johnson, and still am.
The last two Democratic governors have been toxic, particularly on the issue I care about the most - criminal justice. If Johnson had not been on the ballot in 2022 I would have likely not cast a vote in that race, and I suspect I would not have been alone.
Measure 11, first passed in 1994 and its repeal was rejected by 76% of voters in 2000 brought a modicum of fairness to criminal sentencing and meant that a 17-year old rapist would receive a real prison sentence (8 years) although they would likely never leave the Oregon Youth Authority (because despite constant lies from the criminal lobby, felons under 18 when convicted of even murder did not get transferred to the adult Department of Corrections until they turned 26)..
But that all ended in 2019 when the Oregon Legislature betrayed victims and voters and repealed all the juvenile provisions of Measure 11 with Senate Bill 1008, and also effectively made all juvenile criminal proceedings secret - one reason you never read about crimes or their trials committed by felons under 18. Only two Democratic legislators voted against SB 1008 in 2019 - Betsy Johnson and Brad Witt.
The repeal just barely passed with the necessary 2/3rd vote required to overturn constitutional provisions passed by voters. Christine Drazan - for reasons unknown was "excused" and did not vote.
I hope all voters dwell on your last statement, Mr. Marquis.
Thank you for your continued interest and concern for Oregon.
Nice little indictment of Drazan. I also just don’t think she can win. How often is “anybody but” a strong enough draw?
"Dudley ... [is] more moderate than the bulk of the party, especially on abortion which still matters in the primary."
The Oregon Republican Party has fatally pitted itself for decades now against social issues (abortion, same -sex marriage) which long before Trump guaranteed their losses in Oregon. They have been unable to understand or accept that if they want wins on business and the economy they need to let that go. Trump may be guaranteeing another win for the latest and worst iteration of the state's provenly incompetent Democratic Party.
The thought of another four years of which is almost literally painful.
One might reasonably conclude both parties prefer symbols over substance.
Sally, I will never compromise on my Biblical principles for a mark in the win column. Never.
One might think you already are, by living here.
And that you want no wins instead of some.
I should thank you for your comment. There it is. Exactly why Oregon will never have a Republican Party willing to compromise ~~ and win (something).
Enjoy the smug satisfaction of four more years of Kotek.
Its been this way since 1990. The purity test that created the OCA and guaranteed Barbera Roberts the Governorship.
Definition of “weak sister,” that one.
There is no need to like my comment, thank you though for your consideration.
I appreciate the platform to make opinions and comments. Not everyone agrees, which is fine. I stated my guiding principles and I look for similar principles in a candidate that could be in a position to change or influence law. The Republican platform more closely represents my way of thinking, thus I typically support Republican candidates. I am unable to vote in the primary election for either majority party, which I think is correct, however I will work for my candidate of choice through contributions and shoe leather, just as I did with the transportation referendum.
As you pointed out, the best person for the job seldom wins, this is a national problem. The more the lines become blurred between liberal and conservative, the more discouraged voters become and stay on the sidelines. The NAV in Oregon is the largest voting block in the state, a 'wobbly' conservative will not change that demographic.
“I am unable to vote in the primary election for either majority party, which I think is correct.”
Most states have open primaries. Why are all Oregonian taxpayers paying for party primaries that only registered party members can vote in?
This is one law you might agree could and should be changed.
“the economic peril of four more years of free-fall under Democratic policies?”
Without question
"Bottom-line: Drazan has a strong legislative record as a conservative who is willing to stand up to Democrats, best illustrated by her role in the 2020 Republican walkout when she was House minority leader." This is an interesting take. Drazan's "role" in the walkout was to stall until the Senate walkout forced her hand. She has voted over and over and over with the Democrats on some of their worst bills, including many to hamstring the police which she did when things were really rocking in Portland. She voted not once, but twice, for tampons in little boy's bathrooms and then denied it. She voted to protect a Kotek staffer who was arrested at an antifa riot. She voted to change the state song because it contained the words "Free Men". She voted to ban "ropes with loops on the end" because they were racist. She tweeted "Guilty Justice is served" after the kangaroo court convicted Derek Chavin of the "murder" of a violent, resisting, felon. She channeled big bucks to Cheri Helt who was anti-gun, pro-abortion and a mandatory vaxxer. And the list goes on... If THAT'S a "strong conservative" Oregon should just throw in the towel and declare itself a collective. Sheesh what are some people thinking?
Having read Helen Andrews' essay, The Great Feminization, I am voting masculine for Governor. With a possible exception given for a women candidate emulating the characteristics of Golda Meir or Margaret Thatcher.
Sad thing is, Norma Paulus should have been elected governor, and the most recent appointment from Kotek — as head of the Department of Forestry — looks disastrous.
Kotek is meaner than a pit viper but she’s not stupid. Unless, a la Kitzhaber, she is in her personal life. Someone has to know Aimee’s role? Recall some mass staff exoduses early on attributed to precisely that.
Where’s a deep throat when you need one.
This breakdown of the continued pattern in Oregon politics is incredibly insightful. I've wathced my state decline for years and this captures exactly why we need a real choice, not just resistance theater. The framing of continued failure versus new direction resonates deeply.
“My state”
Yeah … once upon a long-ago time.
It’s unrecognizable.
excellent analysis. can Oregon survive until Trump is gone?
That’s not in question. The question is, for better or for worse.
Would you dare to make a wager? (I don’t think I would.)
There is no doubt in my mind that the democratic bloc will bankrupt Oregon, and until they don't have Trump to disparage, they will never lose their fiefdom. The question is: will the serfs wake up in time to repair the damage?
Not in my lifetime.
one must always maintain positive attitude. the alternative is suicide.
The alternative is resignation, or moving. We are seriously looking at that second option.