It’s a Sweep in Oregon!

SALEM, OREGON. Tax and spend politicians in Oregon, regardless of political affiliation, are slowly learning their lessons.

Under the leadership of Russ Walker, Oregon CSE and Oregon CSE PAC targeted multiple campaigns at the federal and state levels with a goal of reporting the facts to Oregonians about where these candidates stood on critical economic issues. And when the results of yesterday’s primary election came in, the impact of these efforts was readily apparent. Every candidate that supported CSE and our issue agenda won.

State House: Oregon CSE PAC targeted and won 6 state house races. All were clear-cut examples of “tax fighters” verses “tax increasers.” The highest profile of these was the Kim Thatcher vs. Vic Backlund race. Oregon CSE PAC spent over $40,000, and grassroots efforts ran ceaselessly with activists walking neighborhoods, distributing literature, and making phone calls. Vic Backlund has represented a thorn in the side of CSE’s school choice and tax cutting efforts for years. As Chair of the House Education committee he has attempted to dismantle Oregon’s charter school law and was the deciding vote on the largest tax increase in Oregon history (Measure 30). Kim Thatcher on the other hand, is a long time CSE member and loyal supporter. And while it was believed by the lobby and political elite in Oregon that Backlund was untouchable, thanks in large part to the efforts of CSE, Thatcher beat Vic Backlund 60.28%-39.72% even though she was outspent 2 to 1.

In other targeted house races: Brian Boquist, longtime CSE member and donor, Al Shannon and Mac Sumner, reliable CSE activists, and Susan Gallager and Rep. Bill Garrard, two proven crusaders for policies of limited government, all won. Much like the Thatcher race, Oregon CSE and Oregon CSE PAC conducted extensive campaigns that featured literature drops, mail, email, and auto-dial phone calls.

State Senator Gary George stated, “CSE has solidified its positions as the most powerful conservative grassroots Organization in the state of Oregon, winning all their targeted campaigns and defeating entrenched tax and spend rhino Representative Vic Backlund.”

Congressional Races: Oregon CD 5 and CD1 were two races being watched around the country. Both featured a tight primary race between true fiscal conservatives and ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’. Jim Zupancic, running for the Republican nomination in CD5, ran district wide mailings highlighting his close relationship with CSE and his firm belief in CSE’s issue agenda. Meanwhile, Goli Ameri did two sets of autodial calls and multiple district wide mailings communicating the same message in her quest to win the nomination for CD1. Again, on Election Day both Zupancic and Ameri, the true friends of Oregon taxpayers, emerged victorious.

Russ Walker commented: “The trend is encouraging but there is much work to be done. Tax and spend politicians need to get the message—we don’t need you in Salem.”

For more information please contact Russ Walker, Director of Oregon CSE PAC, at (503) 463-9457.

*Paid for by Oregon CSE PAC