Defend Oregon

Defend Oregon claimed victory on Measure 64 race Thursday, as opponents of the measure narrowly pulled ahead with 92 percent of votes counted.

The measure, which would make it illegal for public employees to add automatic payroll deductions for union and charity dues, is losing by 13,000 votes. If the results hold, it means conservative activist Bill Sizemore, who put five measures on the Oregon ballot, did not get a single measure passed this election cycle.

John McCain reaches new national highs and lows while Barack Obama stays solid in Oregon.  DNC Chair Howard Dean swings through the state while Gordon Smith has a tough week.  Read all about it in this week's Winners & Losers.

We heard some good speeches from both national and local leaders in Denver, John McCain finally announced his veep choice and Oregon lobbyists are still restricted when it comes to spending on legislators.

While many Oregon Democrats are living it up in Denver this week, the main funders of the Oregon Democratic Party remain behind with several ballot measures they are trying to defeat this fall.