Democrats break GOP legislative grip

Democrats break GOP legislative grip
Power shifts in the state Senate, and the balance could change in the House once all votes are counted
Harry Esteve -- The Oregonian
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
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Democrats wrested control of the Oregon Senate for the first time in a decade Tuesday, and they maintained a slim chance of grabbing the majority in the House as well, giving them the potential for vast new leverage in the upcoming legislative session.
According to partial returns, Democrats had picked up three Senate seats for an 18-12 majority. In the House, Democrats appeared to gain three or four seats, with another four seats up for grabs.
It's been 14 years since Democrats controlled the Oregon House.
However the final results shake out, Democrats will wield considerably more sway when the Legislature convenes Jan. 10. The shift in power could give Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski more clout as he enters the second half of his first term.
If Republicans end up keeping their House majority and if the Legislature deadlocks along party lines, lawmakers may look to the governor to negotiate compromises -- a role he relishes.
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Senate Democrats won hard-fought races in Southern Oregon, on the coast and in east Multnomah County. All three seats had been held by Republicans, giving Democrats a six-seat edge in what has been an evenly divided, 30-member Senate.
In the House, Democrats were looking at upsets throughout the state. They appeared to be on the verge of shrinking the once-commanding 35-25 Republican majority to 32-28 with a slight chance of taking control. A handful of races remained too close to call late Tuesday.
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A spokeswoman for House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, R-Canby, said Republicans remain confident they will be in control once all the votes are counted.
"Early election results always stay with the Democrats," said Fawn McNeely. "In the end, they'll all even out."
Rep. Dan Doyle, R-Salem, said Democratic voter registration efforts gave the party an edge. "The Republicans were not prepared for that," Doyle said. "It doesn't take much to tip the scales."
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In Gresham, Democratic Rep. Laurie Monnes Anderson was beating Republican Ron Sunseri. In Ashland, Democratic Rep. Alan Bates appeared headed for a victory over GOP challenger Jim Wright. On the coast, Democratic Rep. Joanne Verger of Coos Bay held a substantial lead over Florence Republican Al Pearn.
Democratic leaders attributed the Senate gains to experienced candidates, heavy spending on advertising, Republican attrition and aggressive efforts to get Democratic voters to turn in ballots.
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Read the rest here.

immigrants from Texas? I may be looking for a new home....:argh:

we accept and welcome everyone here in Oregon. My neighbors came here from Texas. I say--come on up! At least we went for Kerry!

I'm feeling mighty discouraged about this election and what the next four years could bring right about now, so I'm a bit concerned about what will be our "punishment" if bushie pulls this one out. You can help here--we need all the progressives we can get!

Tired Old Cynic

Mind the unemployment, tho.

But there'll be a slight cost to relocate here.

About a year ago we passed an emergency tax to help cover the costs of the local schools & services, & as a result a number of folks wrote the Oregonian & stated that they were leaving Portland.

This year, we turned back a measure that would have repealed this tax, & I expect to read another crop of people threatening to move out of Portland. Only this time, I think it would be proper to offer to help them pack.

Geoff

The federal government is broken, perhaps beyond repair. Any improvements to our way of life are going to come from our state gov't. This is complicated considerably by the brand new property value compensation laws, but at least we may be able to save some public services and schools, and maybe even the OHP.

Improvements at the municipal, county, and state levels could be the silver lining on an otherwise gray and dismal day.

Virtually everything I voted for yesterday went down.