It looks as if the economy is finally improving in Oregon -as long as this trend continues, Kulongoski may win reelection by a much larger margin than anyone is expecting at this stage:
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Stronger economy draws more residents to Oregon
Local News: Friday, November 25, 2005
The Associated Press
PORTLAND — People moved to Oregon, attracted by its perceived quality of life, when the economy was bad.
Now that the economy has improved, even more people are flocking across the state line.
The state's population jumped by more 46,000 in the past year, reaching 3,628,700 on July 1, according to estimates released Wednesday by Portland State University researchers.
The 2005 growth included 32,000 from out-of-state and a natural increase from births of 14,100.
"It doesn't surprise me a bit we would see our immigration go up," said Art Ayre, Oregon's employment economist. "We have had very rapid job growth over the last two years."
Portland's population increased by 5,088, to 555,648, while fast-growing Bend added more than 5,000 people, from 65,210 to 70,328.
The preliminary figures will be certified in March.
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