As someone who actually lives in Oregon, I can tell you it looks like the ORGOP WILL pick up the governor's seat this November. The Republicans have three good candidates to choose from, and Governor Kulongoski has a tough primary. Add a dash of Independent liberal candidate, with a pinch of unsatisfied liberal voters and you have a recipe for Republican victory this November.
The independent is a libertarian, not a liberal. He's a former Republican who deserted the party over social issues.
What exactly has Kulongoski to deserve such horrible approval ratings? They go beyond the pale of mediocrity.
By the way, if I may ask, what part of Oregon do you hail from? Portland 'burbs?
Libertarians' do not believe in a "right to medical care" or basic coverage paid for by the state. Libertarians also do not support more regulation of business, the environment, or small business; Ben Westlund does.
Ben Westlund is a liberal, plain and simple.
And the Governor has such horrid ratings because he has accomplished nothing in three years, the economy in Oregon is not getting better (beyond the $7.25 hr service economy), and things are all around worse than they have been since the '79 recession. Kulongoski failed the left, annoyed the right, and disappointed the middle. He has just been an all around failure for Oregon.
