2008 has been a good for the Dems in Oregon.
Since December 07, total Democratic registration is up 113,000 or 15%, Republican registration is down 9,000. The Democratic registration advantage over Republicans increased from 71,000 to 193,000 or a percentage advantage increasing from 39%-35% up to 43%-33%. This is really good news as we look forward to November and the opportunity to replace Gordon Smith, our Republican Senator.
The greatest percentage of growth was seen in the state house districts located in close-in Portland neighborhoods, Eugene (University of Oregon), Corvallis (Oregon State University), Ashland (Southern Oregon) and Bend (Central Oregon). These areas are considered the most progressive in the state. A lot of college kids, young families, professionals, well-educated. Every district in the state saw increases but each of the areas noted here grew by 20%-27%, again compared to 15% statewide.
Democratic voter registration advantage in state senate districts improved from 17-13 in December to 20-10 in April and in house districts, the registration advantage grew from 33-27 to 40-20. Considering that between November 2004 and December 2007, Democratic registration advantages in senate and house districts increased by only one in each chamber, this most recent development is great news.
Republicans held registration advantages in two of our five congressional districts in December, today it is down to just one.
Portland's two suburban counties (Washington and Clackamas) both switched from red to blue as did Salem (the state capital). Today, each of the five largest counties in the state are blue. A few months ago, it was just #1 and #4. We added #2, #3 and #5. Not bad for 120 days worth of work.
And finally, the first house district with a Democratic majority has appeared east of the Cascades, an area where Republicans have traditionally dominated. The fastest growing city in the state, Bend, a recreational mecca, is now a small oasis of blue.
Kudos to those involved with the Oregon voter registration efforts, or anyone in any state for that matter that is volunteering to make our country a better place.
|
|
|
Permalink :: 2 Comments :: Post a Comment
|
In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.
If not, you can make an account right here. It's quick and free.
