Oregonian endorses Lim, Nelsen, VanOrman

The Oregonian editorial board endorsed two Republicans and one Democrat in three of the states most competitive house races Sunday.

In all three races, the Oregonian urged readers to elect who they say as the more experienced candidate. That led to the paper giving the nod to Rep. John Lim (R-Gresham) in HD-50, to elect John Nelsen (R-Wood Village) in HD-49, and to elect Suzanne VanOrman (D-Hood River) in HD-52.

Lim has been facing a challenge from firefighter Greg Matthews (D-Portland), but the paper backed Lim for his third run at the Oregon House, saying that he brought wisdom and balance to the state legislature.

“Lim has been a refreshingly independent voice who votes his conscience, even when that puts him out of step with party leadership,” the editorial board wrote. “He's not always a predictable vote, but he is an honorable man who has given District 50 voters no reason to eject him.”

In the traditionally Republican HD-52 seat, the paper backed VanOrman over ultimate fighter Matt Lindland (R-Eagle Creek) as the candidate to fill outgoing Rep. Patti Smith’s (R-Corbett) seat.

“If statehouse politics were hand-to-hand combat, we'd support Republican Matt Lindland, but until that day, we urge voters to send Democrat Suzanne VanOrman to Salem,” the editorial board wrote. “VanOrman ran the Mid-Columbia Children's Council as executive director for 22 years, expanding Head Start services throughout the council's territory. That's experience that will serve her well in Salem.”

The Oregonian also picked Nelsen to replace former House Speaker Karen Minnis (R-Wood Village), who is stepping down. The editorial board wrote that Nelsen had the experience and independent thinking necessary to serve in Salem.

“Nelsen's deep roots in the district, his call for reasonable bipartisanship, and even his willingness to use what he calls the s-word when talking about revenue reform make him a far different type of Republican than Minnis was,” the editorial board wrote. “Nelsen himself says Republicans can no longer operate the way the caucus used to, and he says he resented the sliming of Democratic challenger Rob Brading in the 2006 cycle.”

Nelsen is running against law student Nick Kahl (D-Portland) for the seat.

 For the full editorial, click here.