SD-27: Tooley confident Republicans will pick up seat

Oregon Republicans should be able to pick up outgoing state Sen. Ben Westlund’s (D-Tumalo) seat in the November election, Dennis Tooley said Thursday.

“I feel confident about that one,” Tooley said as he ate breakfast Thursday at the Oregon caucus meeting before the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. Tooley is a delegate for the 2nd Congressional District.

The seat, which Westlund is vacating to run for state treasurer, is being contested by Bend City Councilor Chris Telfer (R-Bend), and Maren Lundgren (D-Bend), who won an uncontested primary for the Democratic nomination.

Picking up the seat would be a step in the right direction for Republicans, who are looking to close a 19-11 gap in seats. Tooley, who is also the campaign chair for Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sun River), did not want to jinx it, but he did feel good about it.

“I’m always skeptical after working so many years,” Tooley said. “But (Telfer) should be just fine.”