The Liftoff: Surprising gubernatorial appointments; TV ad wars heat up
PLUS: A surprising resignation; dueling endorsements for Drazan and Johnson; an American hero in Bend; understanding the political divide; a podcast episode about crypto and blockchain; and more!
Welcome back to The Liftoff! Happy Labor Day to all our readers—we hope you have today off.
If you or an organization/company you’re part of are interested in advertising in OR360 newsletters (like this one!) or The Oregon Bridge podcast, we’d love to chat. Our products reach thousands of civically engaged Oregonians each week. We’re seeking two sponsors for the next calendar year. Email alex@or360.org to start the conversation.
1. TV ad wars are heating up
This week, we are starting out with content exclusively for paid subscribers. To the hundreds of you supporting our products and mission, thank you! If you’d like to join the community, consider subscribing today. In the next few weeks, we’ll have additional analysis and commentary on the top races of the cycle available for our subscribers. Click the link below to read and watch!
2. Dueling endorsements for Drazan and Johnson
Christine Drazan and Betsy Johnson continue to battle for space in the center-right lane in the gubernatorial election.
The Oregon Association of Realtors and the Oregon Farm Bureau both picked Drazan as their candidate; Willamette Week called it a “tough choice” between her and Johnson. Both groups have financial resources to support Drazan.
Johnson announced another round of prominent public safety endorsements, including 22 district attorneys and 4 former superintendents of the State Police. This list also includes Billy Williams, a former U.S. Attorney for Oregon appointed by then-president Donald Trump.
Finally, Christine Drazan was endorsed by Timber Unity, a grassroots conservative group.
In other gubernatorial news, a deep dive piece by Nigel Jacquiss at WW makes two findings about Betsy Johnson: “first, a genuine ability to get things done as a legislator and, second, a decadelong pattern of aid to large corporations and wealthy individuals—often at the expense of the environment.” The article includes some colorful quotes, like this one from Johnson: “If you’re suggesting a quid pro quo—that he bought his solution for a hundred grand—you’re full of shit.”
3. Notable gubernatorial appointments (and a resignation)
Last week, Gov. Kate Brown’s office released a new round of appointments to state boards and commissions. Here are some highlights:
Sen. Lee Beyer to the Oregon Transportation Commission
Douglas County Commissioner (and former lawmaker) Tim Freeman to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission
Former Rep. Margaret Doherty to the Oregon Racing Commission
Bend-La Pine School Board Member Shimiko Montgomery to the State Board of Education
OSU Professor and former Democratic primary candidate for CD4 John Selker to the Energy Facility Siting Council
Former Multnomah County Chair and current Metro Chief Operating Officer Marissa Madrigal to the Portland State University Board
Legislative advocate Iris Maria Chavez to the Southern Oregon University Board
Three experienced politicos to the board of SAIF: Hans Bernard, John Mohlis, and Johnell Bell
In another surprising leadership shakeup, former GOP candidate for governor and current Baker City Mayor Kerry McQuisten will be resigning later this year (she’s moving out of the city limits). Check out our podcast episode with McQuisten.
4. Ian Mair joins The Bridge and explains everything politicos need to know about crypto and blockchain tech
If you've ever wondered why cryptocurrency matters or why you should care about it, this episode is for you. This week on The Oregon Bridge, we talk about the origins of crypto, the practical uses for blockchain technology, what crypto can be used for, environmental concerns about bitcoin mining, "crypto candidates" (including prominent Oregon candidates), and the future of crypto policy and regulation in U.S. politics (with some insight into how both the Democratic Party and Republican Party talk about the issue).
Ian Mair is the Head of U.S. Policy for Blockchain.com. Previously, he worked as Vice President at The Smith-Free Group, a lobbying firm, where he advised fintech and crypto clients on legislative and regulatory matters—and advocated on their behalf with decision makers. As a (hopefully obvious) reminder, nothing in this episode should be considered financial advice!
5. Understanding the political divide
An enlightening example of the gap between how conservatives and progressives see the world: GOP congressional candidate Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was visiting border towns out-of-state last week, has a new political slogan, first reported by the conservative digital publication Oregon Catalyst (who cheered it). The slogan is: “It’s time to cut back not build back.”
The message struck us because Republicans might love it as much as Democrats despise it. To GOP voters, it’s a message of fiscal restraint and responsibility in challenging economic times. To Dem voters, it signals abandoning critical spending programs…in challenging economic times.
Meanwhile, throughout her primary with Congressman Kurt Schrader, Democratic nominee Jamie McLeod-Skinner touted her support of Build Back Better. This is a microcosm of the political divide.
6. An American hero in Bend (and how leaders responded to the shooting)
Three people are dead after a tragic shooting at a Safeway in Bend. Donald Surrett, a Safeway employee and Army veteran, was murdered by the shooter after bravely attempting to stop him. He is an American hero who likely saved many lives. From Bend Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Broadman: “Donald Surrett, Jr., is my hero. He had ample time to flee the scene. Instead he moved a produce cart into position to hide from the attacker. When the suspect approached, Surrett waited for the suspect to look away, then attacked the suspect with a produce knife he kept on his hip”.
You can contribute to a GoFundMe benefiting Surrett’s family.
Responses to the shooting from candidates and elected officials varied:
Tina Kotek and Rep. Jason Kropf (D-Bend) called for enacting gun safety measures.
Betsy Johnson also called for more action on gun control, including a stronger background check system and raising the age for purchasing some weapons.
Christine Drazan called for expanded mental health services and greater funding for law enforcement.
7. Which gun access policies do Oregonians support?
Thanks to our friends at the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center for this week’s tragically timely graphic. It demonstrates the broad popularity of several proposals to restrict access to firearms.
8. State and local leaders in the news
From WW: “State Treasurer Tobias Read Wants Distant Employees to Come to Salem—and Bear Their Own Travel Costs”
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum was targeted by scammers trying to steal from her. She’s using her experience to warn others to be on the lookout, telling the Capital Chronicle: “You feel embarrassed, like, how could I not recognize the signs of a scam? And here I am, I actually teach people about how to avoid getting scammed. And initially, it didn’t even cross my mind. I just want to get people’s attention.”
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Senator Ron Wyden all fully support President Joe Biden’s move to forgive some student loan debt.
Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan is joining his colleague Commissioner Mingus Mapps in opposing the charter reform proposal on the ballot. A PAC has been formed to oppose the measure, and it’s already received nearly $15,000. Former Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard is also opposed to the measure.
From WW: “Mayor Rebukes Portland Police Bureau’s Claims of Understaffing: ‘Bullshit’”
According to WW reporting, Rep. James Hieb has a history with the criminal justice system beyond his recent arrest at the Clackamas County Fair. He also apparently sprayed mace toward protesters “at a 2020 clash between right-wing militants and their left-wing adversaries”.
9. News Roundup: Ballooning kicker, a growing wildfire, and hospitals in crisis
From Josh Lehner in the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis: “The bottom line is that the unexpected revenue growth seen this year has left us with unprecedented balances this biennium, followed by a record kicker in 2023-25. The projected personal kicker is $3.5 billion, which will be credited to taxpayers when they file their returns in Spring 2024. The projected corporate kicker is $1.1 billion, which will be retained for educational spending.”
From OSBA: “ODE recommends permanently ending ‘essential skills’ graduation requirement”
From The O: “Record number of 1st-year students withdraw from University of Portland, contributing to $13.4M shortfall”
The Rum Creek Fire in Southern Oregon is growing, now exceeding 10,000 acres.
An update on the crises facing Oregon’s medical systems, both from OPB:
“OHSU social workers, respiratory therapists, others vote to authorize strike”. Workers are asking for a 24% raise over three years; management countered with a 12% raise over three years.
“St. Charles Health System no longer seeking repayment after claim that some employees were overpaid”. The mistake cost the system about $2 million.
Thank you for reading.
Tips? Feedback? Ideas? Corrections? We want to hear from you! Email benjaminwbowman@gmail.com.
If you value this newsletter, please become a paying subscriber today. Your support will help us grow and offer more opportunities to this community. It’s just $10 a month!
Interested in advertising with us? Get in touch!
About the Authors
Ben Bowman is the chair of the Tigard-Tualatin School Board and the Democratic nominee for Oregon House District 25 (Tigard and Beaverton). In his day job, he works for the Oregon Department of Education. Previously, he worked as a legislative aide for former Reps. Margaret Doherty and Val Hoyle. He also co-hosts The Oregon Bridge podcast. In the newsletter and podcast, he speaks only for himself.
Alex Titus is a small business owner and consultant to businesses, nonprofits, and associations. Previously, he served as an Advisor in the Trump Administration and as a Policy Advisor to President Trump’s Super PAC. His writing has appeared in National Review, Fox News, The Hill, RealClearPolitics, and other publications. He also co-hosts The Oregon Bridge podcast.