Dethroning Democrats' hold on governor's seat, Buehler says he can do it
PORTLAND, Ore. — You have to go back to the 1980s to find the last Republican governor in Oregon, when voters elected Vic Atiyeh to two terms.
Since then, however, Oregonians have elected Democrats: Neil Goldschmidt, Barbara Roberts, John Kitzhaber, Ted Kulongoski and Kate Brown.
In Tuesday's primary elections, Knute Buehler secured the Republican nomination for Oregon's gubernatorial race set for this November. He will face current governor, Kate Brown.
Buehler, a doctor by trade and freshman legislator, represents House District 54, which encompasses Bend. He says he believes he has a clear path to victory.
"I represent the city of Bend in the Oregon Legislature, the most Democratic district in the entire state, held by a Republican," Buehler told KATU's Chris Liedle in a one-on-one interview. "We know how to attract a broad coalition of voters."
Buehler will have to do just that.
Among Oregon's registered voters, 36 percent are Democrat and 26 percent are Republican, while approximately 30 percent say they have no party affiliation.
Portland State University professor Dr. Richard Clucas believes the majority of unaffiliated voters lean to the left.
"A lot of people see themselves as non-affiliated, they register that way, but actually studies have typically found that people who call themselves independent or non-affiliated, actually feel the same way strong partisans do," Clucas said. "My presumption is that within that non-affiliated [group], that we see a majority of Democrats."
Clucas says Buehler's battle is steep, because of the current national political climate. It's called surge and decline.
"Traditionally, the out-party nationally tends to see a surge in the election after the presidency," Clucas told KATU's Chris Liedle. "We have a Republican president. Probably a lot of his supporters are going to end up staying home. We can clearly see nationally that the Democrats are highly motivated, and we’re going to see it here in Portland."
Buehler considers himself a moderate Republican, looking to tackle several big issues plaguing the state. He wants to rescue and repair the state's public education system, balance the state's budget and end political divisiveness.
"After 30 years, I feel strongly that we need a change of direction," Buehler said. "My term of governor will be focused on all Oregonians, no matter how they are registered to vote, no matter where they live or even who they love."
Buehler pointed to a recent women's health bill he authored that received bipartisan support.
"I’m about people, not about party," Buehler said. "I lead with an open mind and an open heart, and independent thought."
Gov. Kate Brown spoke to reporters after Tuesday's primary.
"I know Knute Buehler, I’ve run against him before," Brown said. "Last time the result was decisive. I look forward to seeing him transform from critic to candidate.”
Brown says she's seeking another term to continue to fight to make Oregon a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“We need to continue our progress on making sure that everyone has access to the health care they need, a high quality education and a good job,” she said.
Brown looked at her successes as reason enough. She passed the largest transportation package in Oregon’s history, the nation’s first coal to clean energy bill and ensured steady funding for the Oregon Health Plan.
Buehler has called on Brown for 10 debates. Brown has agreed to at least three prior to the November election.