Brent Barton

Republican State Rep. Linda Flores stated yesterday at a Round-Up for Republican women that voters need to stop the "blue tide" of Democratic control. A tide that could sweep her out of her seat if it grows too high.

Rather than doling out large checks from his personal (and quite large) bank account to various political candidates, liberal winemaker and philanthropist Eric Lemelson has become more politically sophisticated by creating the Oregon Climate PAC.

As lobbyists have the next few weeks to allow their wallets to fatten up for this years contested races, certain legislators may have an opportunity to use the session to position themselves nicely for some upcoming hotly contested races.

Certain law firms in Oregon are notorious hot beds of political activity. Stoel Rives produced retiring Attorney General Hardy Myers and the man who wants to succeed him, State Rep. Greg Macpherson. Former State Rep. Max Williams worked for Miller Nash during his days in the legislature. Tonkon Torp has lobbyist Jack Isselmann working the halls of the capital and Davis Wright Tremaine has lobbyist John DiLorenzo.

State Rep. Linda Flores (R-Clackamas), isn’t worried about her well-funded, energized young Democratic opponent at this point, according to campaign aide Dawn Phillips.

Flores’ opponent, Brent Barton has amassed over $50K so far, plus $12K in pledges, despite being entirely unknown and new to the 51st District. But Phillips said the campaign has not been surprised by Barton’s early momentum.

“Look, he’s got a primary to get through, and he’s new and doesn’t really have a name yet in the community, and this happens a lot on Oregon,” Phillips said. “And (Flores) is certainly no stranger to running races that reach $300,000 dollars, so it’s extremely early, and we’ve been fundraising and getting (Flores’) message out there,” she said, adding that constituents have been enormously supportive of Flores’ tough stance on illegal immigration.

There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Democrat Brent Barton’s candidacy for House District 51, and in some instances, even buzz about the buzz.

Republican State Rep. Linda Flores has represented the slightly Republican leaning district since 2002, (36% of voters are registered Dem, 39% GOP), and is renowned for her hard-line stance on illegal immigration. But many have been caught off guard by Barton’s fundraising prowess, and, in the midst of a political climate hostile to Republicans and in which there is a powerful hankering for change, Flores could have a fight on her hands.

According to the most recent campaign finance data, Barton, a young lawyer and first time candidate, reports having over $50,000 cash on hand, with $12,000 additional in pledges.