Linda Flores

Clackamas County Republican signs: Republican candidate signs in Clackamas county were sliced by vandals

A spokeswoman for the Republican Party of Oregon said Wednesday the party was saddened and disappointed about vandalism that ruined several Republican candidate signs off of Hwy. 212 in Clackamas County.

In the race for control of the Oregon House of Representatives, Democrats have a strategy of keeping targeted incumbent Republicans busy (who will likely win their respective re-election campaigns) so they can move in on the toss up races to stiffen their majority by possibly two to five seats.  Majority Leader Dave Hunt has recruited strong candidates and raised enough money to keep GOP Reps. Chuck Burley and Linda Flores on their toes this election season.

U.S. Sen. John McCain: Getty Images PhotoOREGON CITY -- The Oregon headquarters of Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) campaign opened its doors to Oregon volunteers Friday evening.

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.

The annual Dorchester conference kicked off on Friday night, led by a parade of Republican legislators and candidates, one by one running down the aisle, slapping enthusiastically upraised hands, and demonstrating that, in the words of Rep. Linda Flores,  the party is ready to be re-energized.  read more »

House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna announced the formation of a bipartisan task force intended to address student safety issues in Oregon’s schools.  read more »

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.

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.