WashCo Short report: Riley to challenge Starr, and Riley to replace...Riley?

By Miles Rost | 08/17/09

In the continuing dance of politicians moving upward towards higher representation, the Hillsboro area is now prime ground for challenges in 2010. Democrat Representative Chuck Riley has filed to run for State Senate against longtime Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro). District 15, which includes the cities of Hillsboro, Cornelius, and Forest Grove, has been under Starr's representation since 2003. But another twist comes into this race,... read more »

Washco Wrap-Up: Galizio, Brodhead, Winery Astroturfing, and...Strader For Gov?

By Miles Rost | 08/14/09

For the second time in as many months, a prominent state legislator has been elevated from their position making law, to a position implementing law. Tigard Representative Larry Galizio (D) is the latest victim, moved upwards by Governor Kulongoski to a position on the State Board of Higher Education. The appointment is being called by detractors as a "payoff" for his about-face vote on the Metolius River bill, which barred resort... read more »

National GOP targets 3 Oregon Seats in Massive Election Plan

By Miles Rost | 08/07/09

Republicans are seeing a lot of opportunities for 2010, according to a letter from staffers at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). The letter, issued to a variety of Republican PACs and reported first at AOL's Politics Daily website last week, states that over 70 different seats across the nation are being targetted for turnover. For Republicans that want to take over the House in 2010, they need 40 of those seats to... read more »

WashCo Wrap-Up: Recess Rally + David Wu; Kulongoski craters;

By Miles Rost | 08/03/09

- Whether Congressman David Wu (D-OR) spends time with his constituents at town halls during August or not remains to be seen. However, Red County - Washington County wants to remind folks that read this column that when if and when he does have a townhall meeting, don't be afraid to be like "Samurai Mom" and ask him hard questions.   A clearer video feed from the Washington County GOP can be found at this link:... read more »

DEVELOPING: Atkinson speculated to announce candidacy for Oregon Gov.

By Miles Rost | 07/21/09

In a developing story that is sure to have updates, rumours of another candidate's imminent announcement regarding the Oregon Governor's race are swirling. Sources close to Red County have hinted that State Senator Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point), a longtime Oregon legislator and former candidate for Governor in 2006, will announce his run for Oregon Governor in upcoming days. Atkinson, who made a strong third place showing in the 2006... read more »

Cornilles Enters 1st District Race against unpopular Wu

By Miles Rost | 07/18/09

              Washington County and the 1st District will be witnesses to a major showdown in the fall of 2010, as incumbent Democrat Congressman David Wu is being challenged by a Tualatin businessman for the congressional seat.             Sports consultant and marketer Rob Cornilles, a registered Republican, threw his hat into... read more »

Washington County Wrap-Up: OR-33 Primary? Clem for Governor?

By Miles Rost | 07/10/09

Longtime State Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-NE Washington County) may have his thunder stolen in a primary challenge for his 33rd District seat by Portland social worker Julie Young. According to records with the Secretary of State’s office, Young’s filing for the position is still listed as valid, with an accounting of nearly $17,000 in her reports. Attempts to reach Ms. Young were unsuccessful as of printing time. Greenlick,... read more »

Beer Tax Ends In Failure For Cannon, Democrats

By Miles Rost | 07/01/09

              Beer drinkers are able to breathe a sigh of relief, as legislation to raise taxes on beer was shelved at the State Capitol before the legislature adjourned. H.R. 2461, slated to increase the tax on 31-gallon barrels by just over 1900% from $2.60 to $49.61, was set aside despite last-minute efforts to get it heard and moved from the House Ways and Means... read more »

Move to Subvert Public’s Tax Referral Vote Exposed

By Miles Rost | 06/28/09

The Oregon Legislature returned a bill to committee on Friday that would have switched the definitions of “yes” and “no” in ballot referrals, after being called out by angry constituents and an angrier press corps. HB 2414, a bill that would modify elements of Oregon’s tax referral process, was referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Construction and Info Technology on Wednesday, where the change in... read more »

Bill that increases penalties on crimes against pregnant women passes Legislature

By Miles Rost | 06/27/09

A revised bill offered by a bipartisan team of lawmakers that would increase the punishment against criminals who willfully murder pregnant women cleared its latest legislative hurdle on Thursday, as the Oregon Senate passed H.B. 3505 unanimously. The Oregon House passed the measure by a vote of 58 to 1 on Wednesday. The bill, authored by Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) and Representative Jeff Barker (D-Aloha), would allow county district... read more »