Oregon City house race could get interesting

One of the few contested races for the state legislature is turning out to be a non-starter.  The Oregon City open seat being vacated by retiring State Rep. Wayne Scott was supposed to be a take back opportunity highly coveted by House Democrats, however, their candidate Toby Forsberg is proving to be less "energetic" than they had hoped.  Another potential moderate Democratic ally, getting Forsberg elected was to be the pet project of Majority Leader (and likely Speaker) Dave Hunt.  But insiders are less enthusiastic with Forsberg having difficulties building a campaign team and raising little money in the primary.  Some see his young family and full time job as a credit union marketing director as the largest obstacles to mounting a serious challenge.  Forsberg's one saving grace?  Future PAC, the House Democratic political caucus, has over $500,000 in their bank account.

Forsberg's Republican opponent, Clackamas County Commissioner Bill Kennemer, is considered to have the edge in this race.  A former state senator and big advocate for landowner's rights, Kennemer is doing all he can to use his quirky singing style to build support in an area he already has considerable support since first running for the commission in 1997.  He has a solid bank account heading into the general election and enough name recognition to maintain his lead for now.  His one potential downfall?  No one knows how high the blue wave in Oregon will grow this fall.