Welcome to Oregon, a bible-thumping right-wing conservative state.

No? That was definitely an exaggeration, but a Willamette Week article explores the fact that over the past several years, the needle measuring Oregon’s voting preferences is trending towards the conservative side of the scale. The article explores that while Oregon tends to avoid electing Republican candidates to statewide office, conservative ballot measures (such as outlawing gay marriage) have easily passed.

Looking at recent Republican candidates, one could surmise that Oregonians just haven’t found one they can get excited about… and that would probably be right. Much like John Kerry’s “I don’t have a campaign message other than I’m not Bush” failed presidential bid, recent Republican candidates in Oregon have not been able to rally behind any loud and clear agenda or theme.

Another factor which can’t be ignored is the California connection. Oregon has thousands of residents who have moved from California, and while I don’t have any statistics to back this up, I would surmise that the folks moving up here are likely affluent and engaged in technical or professional careers, which would put them in the demographics of the Republican party. Democrats would feel right at home in California’s flood of immigrants and entitlement programs, while those opposed to such a state might leave and head north, even though Arnold has helped to temper the liberalism of the left coast.

Let’s talk how Oregon might matter in the national scene: I’ve often talked with Democrats and left-leaning independent voters who say they could get behind the fiscally-conservative, pro-choice, and pro-gay rights Rudy Giuliani. Would Oregon vote for Rudy? Would he be the moderate profile to fit a moderate state, or could he actually be too socially liberal?

Related posts:

1. “Red Oregon” On The Way?” Perhaps Not
2. Oregon GOP wants to deny citizenship to children of immigrants
3. Iranians in Portland, Oregon
4. Local News Varies
5. Overheard at the Gym