What were the big stories of 2006?

Kari Chisholm

It's nearly the end of the year, and it's always interesting to look back at the year that was.

Inspired by a post over at NW Republican (really!), I've been thinking about the Top 10 most important political events in Oregon this year. Later this week, I think I'll ask for more quantitive feedback - but right now, I'm hoping for some brainstorming help.

What do you think were the most important political events of the year in Oregon? My initial thoughts...

There are, of course, some obvious ones: The re-election of Governor Kulongoski and the takeover of the Oregon House by the Democrats.

On the governor's race, I'd point more specifically to the disclosure of the Saxtonville migrant labor camp - which some Republicans believe cost Ron Saxton the election. I'd also add the Governor's decision to bring in three heavyweights to his team - Tim Nesbitt, Josh Kardon, and Jim Ross - as a turning point in that campaign.

Looking back to the spring, there's also Kulongoski's huge primary win over challengers Jim Hill and Pete Sorenson, despite lots of early crankiness from the Democratic base. I'd also add Kevin Mannix's loss in the Republican primary; after four straight failed runs for statewide office, I hope we've seen the last of that guy.

Speaking of candidates for Governor, how about the evolution of Ben Westlund from Republican to independent to Democrat? This story isn't over yet, but it was a big one in 2006.

My list certainly includes the election of Ginny Linder to the Supreme Court. In the primary, she beat out the well-funded and respected Gene Hallman and in the general, she beat Jack Roberts -- the very well-funded former Labor Commissioner. I think it also means something that she's the first out lesbian on any state supreme court in American history, and Oregon became the first state with two openly gay justices -- and it wasn't really big news.

Digging into the legislature, there was the hard-fought Minnis/Brading race - more money, more mail, more TV, and more vitriol than has ever been seen in a legislative race in Oregon. Of course, there's also the massive smackdown (61% to 39%) that was Brian Clem's victory over Rep. Billy Dalto in Salem. Has any incumbent legislator ever lost that badly?

Thinking a bit more broadly, you'd have to take note of the rise of a new generation of young legislators in Oregon. Next session, we'll have six new legislators under the age of 35: Sara Gelser, Chris Edwards, Brian Clem, Tobias Read, Tina Kotek, and Ben Cannon.

Over in the State Senate, I'd include the re-election of State Senator Vicki Walker over Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey. Not many folks thought she could pull that off. He didn't win the primary, but I'd have to include Jesse Cornett's seven-week State Senate sprint - that took him from zero to 49% against Rod Monroe, who had won something like 12 elections over 20 years. Hopefully that won't be the last time Jesse runs for office.

Speaking of the legislature, my list of notable events includes the Lobbyist Luau in Maui - and the rise of ethics as a major political concern. Those revelations clearly helped tie the corruption among national Republicans to Oregon Republicans - and helped juice the Democratic takeover. (Acknowledging, of course, that there were some D's involved.)

The loss of right-wing ballot measures on term limits, parental notification, judge districting, taxes, and TABOR was a big story in 2006. While it doesn't appear that Bill Sizemore, Don McIntire, Loren Parks, Jason Williams, and Russ Walker have quite gotten the message yet - 2006 was a tough year, and it might just be a little bit harder for them to raise money next time.

Speaking of ballot measures, the rise of Our Oregon as a permanent umbrella organization pulling together disparate communities to fight bad initiatives bodes well for the future. They were also instrumental in the special session on payday loan reform. It will be interesting to see that happens in 2007 and 2008 - and what progressive legislation and initiatives will be next.

In Portland, you'd have to talk about the first run of the Voter-Owned Elections system in the two city council races. VOE had a few glitches, of course, but it mostly seemed to work -- bringing down the cost of campaigns; reducing fundraising time by candidates; and making campaigns about organizing and message, not money. It would have been nice to see how a run-off election would have worked - but oh well.

Speaking of the Portland City Council, Commissioner Erik Sten's win over Senator Ginny Burdick was a big event. Some might disagree with me, but I think it proves that Portlanders don't just consider themselves social liberals - they also consider themselves grassroots progressives and economic populists. The Sten team successfully made it a campaign about downtown and corporate interests trying to exert power over regular folks - and Portlanders responded by giving Sten a big win.

And finally, there's a handful of 2006 events that will have big implications for 2007 and 2008. I mentioned Ben Westlund's transformation above - but a related one is the convenient change-of-heart from Senator Gordon Smith on the war in Iraq. The echoes will be heard in two years, when the Senator will be fighting for his political life.

National Republicans have been desperately trying to install Jim Feldkamp as the GOP heir-apparent to Congressman Peter DeFazio. But in 2006, Oregonians started learning about Feldkamp's campaign finance shenanigans - magic money that appears and disappears (more on that later) and the convoluted explanations he offers up. Hopefully, 2006 was the last of Jim Feldkamp -- but maybe not.

And speaking of Congress, let's include this: the sudden rise to power of Oregon's Democratic congressional delegation. In addition to all four members gaining influence as part of the new majority, Earl Blumenauer will join on the Ways & Means Committee, Darlene Hooley on the Energy & Commerce.

I'm sure I missed a few big political events, incidents, and trends in 2006. What would you include? When you look back on the year, what makes your list?

By Kari Chisholm Dec. 26, 2006