Phillips Speaks of Importance of Uncontested Primary

Tim Phillips, the co-chair of the Oregon Leadership Council, a group of Republican heavyweights hoping to help reverse the GOP’s fortunes in the state, spoke today of the importance of uncontested Republican primaries.

“I think that it’s important at this time. Republicans in Oregon are a little gun-shy from a financial perspective after a very expensive governor’s race, and are less inclined to fund contested primaries,” Phillips said.

The Roundtable, due to its status as a tax-exempt nonprofit, cannot endorse candidates. Phillips did say, however, that “one of our goals is to find a way to avoid contested primaries.”

Yet a contested primary seems likely at this time, and the roundtable co-chair speculated on the “usual suspects” who might jump in, including Jim Zupancic and State Sen. Jackie Winters, both of whom have sought the seat in the past.

“And then there’s Kevin Mannix,” said Phillips, “who likes to run for these races.”

Phillips also noted that if Mike Erickson—who lost in 2006 to Rep. Hooley, and is currently the only Republican candidate who has filed—can run a different type of race this time, his chances will improve dramatically.

“Last time his approach was to discredit the opponent first and then talk about why he should win, and this time he should reverse that, and talk first about why he should win,” Phillips said.