Sleeper race surfaces in Oregon senate

Senate Democrats drew a great sigh of relief last March when the filing deadline for legislative candidates came and went and no opposition appeared for any of their vulnerable candidates, particularly Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson of Gresham.  However, that sigh may have been somewhat premature when Republican Dave Kim won a GOP write-in nomination in May.

Most of the legislative talk this campaign season surrounds House candidates and whether or not Majority Leader Dave Hunt and his Democratic slate will pick up enough seats to garner a super majority.  There is clearly no concern the 19-seat senate Democrat majority will erode into a minority, but it does appear the party of Senate President Peter Courtney will lose at least one and now possibly two seats this November.

There is little doubt among those watching legislative races this election that the senate seat in Bend currently held by Democratic state treasurer candidate Senator Ben Westlund will likely go to Republican accountant Chris Telfer.  She raised nearly $250,000 and campaigns regularly throughout the district, while Democrat Maren Lundgren raised only $11,000 this year, she has a mere $3100 in her bank account and no help from the majority caucus appears to be on the horizon.

As the 2008 campaign season approaches, Monnes Anderson’s seat was not initially considered vulnerable, and the Gresham Democrat rested comfortably in her new leadership role as Deputy Majority Leader.  Up until a month ago Kim’s campaign was largely viewed by many insiders as a long shot, however, in recent weeks his fundraising has surged and rumors of poll numbers within the margin of error have circulated throughout the Oregon political community.  

Both caucuses are now paying close attention and have donated $30,000 to their respective candidates. Kim is hitting the local cable airwaves with a new television ad attacking Monnes Anderson on taxes.  Monnes Anderson’s campaign continues to play catch up by raising cash from her caucus colleagues and the Oregon lobby.  It is likely Monnes Anderson began paying attention soon enough to save her seat, however, with Telfer a likely pick-up and no other challenges to distract them, the Republican caucus would be smart to put all their eggs in this basket.