Ron, Thanks for your comment. I personally believe Tina Kotek will grab the opportunity to narrow the urban-rural divide. It will take careful listening (a trait she possesses) and specific actions (a skill she demonstrated as House Speaker). There are many opportunities in Eastern Oregon that are consistent with her politics – offering incentives for students to pursue behavioral health professions at Eastern Oregon University; investing in environmental remediation projects, ensuring access to high-speed internet and assisting public transportation providers expand intra-community and intercity routes at low or no fares. These are examples of good policies that also are good politics. As a former Oregon Coast resident, I wouldn't forget that region's special challenges and opportunities.
Well said and mirrors much of what I've been thinking. But how do "we" make the things you suggest actually happen? It is obvious a move to the right (or toward Trump) is not working for Republicans and a move to the left is not working for Democrats (McLeod-Skinner beating Schrader and then losing a seat that was winable for the Ds; Johnson nearly causing Kotek to lose by pulling moderates away). Keep the drums beating!
Thanks for pointing out the number of Oregonians who voted for a QAnon Senator. It's now over 700,000. I would be interested in your take on why, in the only other statewide race, a pragmatic Republican like Cheri Helt only pulled in 540,000 votes. Stephenson drew fewer than Wyden, so is it just undervote or a rejection of pragmatism?
J-Dub, I don't have any insider information on the Labor Commissioner. My view from the outside is that Christina Stephenson was very well organized and ran a smart campaign. Down ballot races don't always command the attention of voters, especially when one of the candidates has a strong campaign.
Ron, Thanks for your comment. I personally believe Tina Kotek will grab the opportunity to narrow the urban-rural divide. It will take careful listening (a trait she possesses) and specific actions (a skill she demonstrated as House Speaker). There are many opportunities in Eastern Oregon that are consistent with her politics – offering incentives for students to pursue behavioral health professions at Eastern Oregon University; investing in environmental remediation projects, ensuring access to high-speed internet and assisting public transportation providers expand intra-community and intercity routes at low or no fares. These are examples of good policies that also are good politics. As a former Oregon Coast resident, I wouldn't forget that region's special challenges and opportunities.
Well said and mirrors much of what I've been thinking. But how do "we" make the things you suggest actually happen? It is obvious a move to the right (or toward Trump) is not working for Republicans and a move to the left is not working for Democrats (McLeod-Skinner beating Schrader and then losing a seat that was winable for the Ds; Johnson nearly causing Kotek to lose by pulling moderates away). Keep the drums beating!
Thanks for pointing out the number of Oregonians who voted for a QAnon Senator. It's now over 700,000. I would be interested in your take on why, in the only other statewide race, a pragmatic Republican like Cheri Helt only pulled in 540,000 votes. Stephenson drew fewer than Wyden, so is it just undervote or a rejection of pragmatism?
J-Dub, I don't have any insider information on the Labor Commissioner. My view from the outside is that Christina Stephenson was very well organized and ran a smart campaign. Down ballot races don't always command the attention of voters, especially when one of the candidates has a strong campaign.