Backbone to stand up to special interests will be key for next governor
Solutions to many of Oregon’s pressing problems require comprehensive solutions that could upset key supporters of each leading candidate
Oregon’s next governor will face many challenges, so much so that identifying the top priorities is difficult. Gary Conkling made the case in his column that competency is the most important trait to look for in candidates. While I agree that competency is vitally important, it will not be the primary determinant of who I vote for. Here’s why:
While there are significant easily identifiable differences in the three major candidates, there’s reason to believe that all three are qualified and could competently lead the state … if they have the resolve to govern the state for everyone and not for the donors and activists who power their campaigns.
Supporters and donors are one way to identify the differences in the major candidates.
Tina Kotek, like most Democratic nominees, is strongly supported by unions and progressive activists – especially environmentalists, who distrust the other two candidates.
Christine Drazan, like most Republican nominees, is strongly supported by conservative activists, especially social conservatives and those who focus on rural interests.
Betsy Johnson, a rare independent candidate who is both experienced and well-funded, draws her strongest support from business interests. This is the biggest variable in this race. Business traditionally has supported Republicans but has begun drifting toward Democrats in some races, especially nationally. Johnson provides a candidate who lines up with business sensibilities on more issues than either Republicans or Democrats do.
Each of these interest groups are powerful enough to sway a candidate elected with their support. So, my No. 1 requirement for next government is backbone.
Like Gary, I will identify some issues where my priority trait, backbone, will be essential.
Homelessness: There’s no shortage of interest groups with strong opinions about homelessness. The problem is that none of their preferred solutions will work – at least not in isolation. Making a meaningful dent in homelessness will require an “all of the above” approach. Multiple approaches are needed because there are multiple causes of homelessness. Those who say the cause is lack of affordable housing are right. Those who point to mental illness and substance abuse as contributors are right. Those who criticize policies that have enabled irresponsible behavior are right. How much to blame each of those causes is subject to debate. But here’s what shouldn’t be debatable: Each of those issues deserves attention. The next governor needs to have enough backbone to speak truth to those who want to focus on only part of the problem and to push through difficult, and likely expensive, policies to address all those issues.
Government performance: Gary elaborated on this issue. Too many government agencies have failed the people they served. Improving the agencies’ performance will require staffing changes, structural adjustments, training and in some cases new equipment. All of this will require a leader with backbone to ensure change takes place.
Climate policy: The superficial take on the governor’s race is that Kotek is more likely than Johnson or Drazan to take meaningful steps to address climate change. A more accurate take would be that Kotek is more likely to pursue paths preferred by environmental activists. But climate policy is full of tradeoffs – tradeoffs that activists on both sides of the issue are reluctant to acknowledge. For example, to transition to electric vehicles we need more lithium. But lithium mining, like most mining, is not an environmentally benign process. Acknowledging and managing tradeoffs like this will require backbone.
The three major candidates have shown they have the fortitude to make difficult decisions. That’s one sign of backbone. But the real test is a willingness to tell supporters that they are wrong, or at least that they must compromise. Which candidate has enough backbone to do that? I don’t know now. Hopefully, by Election Day at least one candidate will convince me that she does.
Mark, which of these Governor candidates will lead the charge during the 2023 legislative session to set contribution limits? That will show backbone! Because it may limit not only their opponents' wealthy donors but also their own favorite special interest group(s). Profile in Courage.