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Oregon Legislature: Democrats see big gains in House
By Ryan Kost, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 | No comments posted.
PORTLAND — The much-talked-about Blue Wave delivered for the Oregon House Democrats, increasing their caucus by at least five seats and giving them the supermajority to pass taxes and fees without Republican support.
The Oregon Senate, meanwhile, saw a one-seat loss for the Demo-cratic caucus — but it will have no appreciable effect on the Democrats’ strong grip on that chamber.
House Majority Leader Dave Hunt said the Democrats’ gain, which gives them at least 36 seats in all, came at a time when the state is facing a variety of problems, from the economy to global warming. He said the majority would let them tackle those big issues in big ways.
“I think we’ve actually got the ability to take bold policy positions and implement some long-term policy,” Hunt said. “I’m very hopeful that the Republicans will work with us to make the legislation and be able to bring votes to it.”
Previously, the House had been nearly evenly divided with 31 Democrats to 29 Republicans.
Hunt said the close margin had stymied the Democratic majority during the 2007 legislative session, preventing them from passing a substantive transportation package among other things.
A strong surge in Democratic registration throughout Oregon had buttressed the Democrats’ march into traditionally conservative districts.
Add to that a number of districts that were left vulnerable by departing Republican incumbents and a flood of special-interest dollars and the Democrats had what one lobbyist described as a “perfect storm” of change.
In all, that allowed Democrats to make strong challenges in 10 districts and unseat two incumbent Republicans, Reps. Linda Flores of Clackamas and Chuck Burley of Bend.
What remains to be seen is whether a number of these newly elected Democrats can hold onto their seats in two years.
Paul Romain, a Salem lobbyist, called the supermajority the Democrats’ “worst nightmare.”
As he explains it, the Democratic base will be expecting a lot out of the upcoming legislative session. If legislators doesn’t deliver, that base may be eager to vote them out. He also wonders whether, without Barack Obama, there will be anybody around to energize the Democratic roots.
The Senate Democrats’ one loss came in Senate District 27, which was formerly held by Democrat Ben Westlund who left the post to run for state treasurer.
Overall, the Democrats still maintain a strong lead in the Senate with 18 caucus members to the Republican’s 12.
The Oregon Senate, meanwhile, saw a one-seat loss for the Demo-cratic caucus — but it will have no appreciable effect on the Democrats’ strong grip on that chamber.
House Majority Leader Dave Hunt said the Democrats’ gain, which gives them at least 36 seats in all, came at a time when the state is facing a variety of problems, from the economy to global warming. He said the majority would let them tackle those big issues in big ways.
“I think we’ve actually got the ability to take bold policy positions and implement some long-term policy,” Hunt said. “I’m very hopeful that the Republicans will work with us to make the legislation and be able to bring votes to it.”
Previously, the House had been nearly evenly divided with 31 Democrats to 29 Republicans.
Hunt said the close margin had stymied the Democratic majority during the 2007 legislative session, preventing them from passing a substantive transportation package among other things.
A strong surge in Democratic registration throughout Oregon had buttressed the Democrats’ march into traditionally conservative districts.
Add to that a number of districts that were left vulnerable by departing Republican incumbents and a flood of special-interest dollars and the Democrats had what one lobbyist described as a “perfect storm” of change.
In all, that allowed Democrats to make strong challenges in 10 districts and unseat two incumbent Republicans, Reps. Linda Flores of Clackamas and Chuck Burley of Bend.
What remains to be seen is whether a number of these newly elected Democrats can hold onto their seats in two years.
Paul Romain, a Salem lobbyist, called the supermajority the Democrats’ “worst nightmare.”
As he explains it, the Democratic base will be expecting a lot out of the upcoming legislative session. If legislators doesn’t deliver, that base may be eager to vote them out. He also wonders whether, without Barack Obama, there will be anybody around to energize the Democratic roots.
The Senate Democrats’ one loss came in Senate District 27, which was formerly held by Democrat Ben Westlund who left the post to run for state treasurer.
Overall, the Democrats still maintain a strong lead in the Senate with 18 caucus members to the Republican’s 12.
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