12 November 2008

Oregon 1st

In America’s Pacific Northwest

Fisherman on the Willamette River in Oregon

The Oregon 1st Congressional District is in the northwest part of the state and includes part of Portland, the state's largest city. In a region where both high-tech companies and older industries like logging thrive, the district's people are diverse in their backgrounds and political views. Although there are more Democrats than Republicans, both parties are well represented in the Oregon 1st.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT

• Democrats’ Success in Oregon Highlights Shift in Electorate

• Oregon’s Close Senate Race Sharp Contrast to House Contest

• Nation’s Economy Might Trump Local Issues for Oregon 1st Voters

• Is Direct Democracy in Oregon Too Much of a Good Thing?

• Small-Town Newspapers Reflect Local Concerns in the Oregon 1st

• Congressional Candidate Fights on Two Fronts in Oregon 1st

• Oregon Voters Increasingly Part of Wired World

• Oregon’s Wu Wins Renomination for Congressional Race

• Oregon Congressional Incumbent Faces Challenge Within His Party

• Campaigns for National Offices Often Rely on Outside Expertise

• Senate Race Is Heating Up in Oregon

• A Democrat Makes Himself Comfortable in Republican Territory

A Portland, Oregon family

• Local and National Issues Vie for Oregon Voters’ Attention

• Decades of Stability and Waves of Change Shape Oregon District

• Wealth and Hard Times Mingle in Northwest Oregon

OVERVIEW

Population: 684,351. Although the majority of the population is white, a sizable population of Hispanics and Asians live in the district. In 2006, there were 150,447 registered Democrats and 136,020 registered Republicans. 11,625 were registered members of other parties and 92,371 voters were not affiliated with any party.

Geography: The 1st District is in the northwest part of the state and includes part of Portland, the state's largest city. The district also includes the towns of Hillsboro and Beaverton, areas whose populations have doubled since 1990.

Major industries: Electronics and computer manufacturing are major industries in Washington County, which is home to 65 percent of the population of the district. Nicknamed the “Silicon Forest,” this area's major employers are high-tech companies, but wine production, agriculture and nurseries are prominent in neighboring areas.

Congressional leaders: Representative David Wu, a Democrat, is serving a fifth term in the House of Representatives. Oregon's senators are Ron Wyden, a third-term Democrat, and Gordon Smith, a second-term Republican.

Local newspapers: Beaverton Valley Times, Hillsboro Argus, Portland Tribune and Portland Oregonian

POLITICAL HISTORY

Democrats historically do well in Multnomah, Clatsop and Columbia counties, while the Republicans are favored in Yamhill.

In 2004, each county supported its traditional party favorite and Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry won the district with 55 percent of the vote.

Congressman Wu and Senator Smith are running for re-election. Smith likely will face a tough challenge from Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley.

KEY ISSUES

With several international companies based in the 1st District, international trade issues are important. The district has sizable logging and fishing industries, which means environmental issues that affect these businesses are important. Iraq policy is likely to influence many district voters.

INTERESTING FACT

The Nike sportswear company is headquartered in Beaverton.