Jack Roberts

After a bitter primary in the spring with sensational abortion allegations in May, there was perhaps some wishful thinking among Republican Party insiders who were hoping to pick a replacement candidate for Mike Erickson (R-Lake Oswego) as the nominee in CD-5.

A poll released Wednesday showing Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) and Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley (D-Portland) in a virtual dead heat revealed that a large portion of Democratic voters that previously supported the Republican incumbent are now supporting the Democratic challenger.

Now that Kevin Mannix is widely expected to enter the GOP primary for the 5th congressional district, the Democratic candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General can stop using him as their potential general election straw man opponent. Although, it was the Attorney General race Mannix was seriously considering prior to Rep. Darlene Hooley announcing her retirement.  read more »

With Darlene Hooley out of the 5th CD race, the Republicans see a clear opportunity to rekindle some party strength in what many view as a solid blue state. The opening of the most competitive district in the state now gives the national Republican party some incentive to step into the state and save their party from drowning into the blue abyss.  read more »

Craig Campbell, the only prospective statewide candidate that has surfaced in past weeks, has told his lobby buddies he’s only “contemplating” the treasurer’s race until the party organization can find a different sacrificial lamb to take his place, as he has no interest in that position (or pay cut).