Is the Oregon Republican Party any better off with Saxton instead of Mannix as its standard bearer against Gov. Kulongoski? How much of a difference would it make in the upcoming election?
Ron Saxton has wider appeal to Independent voters, and several conservative to moderate Democrats. The media also seems friendly to Saxton (they hated Mannix). Then once you add Ben Westlund into the race, I think Saxton will beat Gov. Teddy K pretty soundly (when your base is 33% it is not exactly difficult) this November.
Saxton will also help GOP candidates down the ticket, making most "risky" legislative races safe, and also increasing the chances of a deadlocked State Senate.
Still, many conservative grassroots GOP activists in Oregon are very bitter towards Saxton and do not trust him. If the conservatives stay home, or a there is a serious conservative third-party candidate, the race is totally up in the air, but barring that, Saxton and Legislative GOP candidates are in a very strong position going into the election.
