Practically Speaking w/ Julie Rubenstein
Julie Rubenstein
The Year of Living Relevantly: Register and Vote as a Democrat
I can’t think of a better time in our modern history to be a member of the Democratic Party. Even if you’re a lifelong Republican, and especially if you’re a resident of Southern Oregon, what have you got to lose? There are few contested partisan races among our state or federal officeholders. The Governor, both U.S. Senators, and U.S. Rep. Greg Walden will all keep their jobs, as will U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio. There are a couple of contenders to replace State Rep. Susan Morgan, who is retiring, and one challenger to State Rep. Dennis Richardson. But Ron Maurer, who represents Grants Pass in the Oregon House, and State Senator Jason Atkinson will both enjoy solo spots on the primary ballot.
You might notice that all of our state legislative offices are held by Republicans. It’s been that way for a very long time - the last Democrat to represent this district in Salem was the late Debs Potts, until 1984. Local Democrats take some consolation when their Republican Representative holds relatively moderate views, but are stuck with them either way as it’s always been difficult to find a “D” candidate willing to cast themselves into the void of a 15-point Republican registration advantage.
I’m one of those lost-in-the-wilderness Democrats myself. Like my party compatriots across the country, I’ve been enthralled with the great set of choices available at the top of our ticket. Even though the presidential primary campaign has been going on so long it feels like the second season of last year’s hit series, the big prize remains elusive thus far for either of the Final Two left standing. This is a good thing for Oregon voters, who for once have become “relevant” in the contest for President. Oregon Democrats now have the chance to be seriously courted by Senators Obama and Clinton, and we’ll declare ourselves for one or the other come May 19th.
So I say, if you’re a Republican, come on over! You already know that John McCain is going to be your man. Ditto for Ron Maurer, Jason Atkinson and Greg Walden. They don’t really need you this year, and they won’t be jealous if you temporarily break ranks to go messing with the other side. You may even be a little tired of the failing leadership of George Bush. Aren’t you just a wee bit disillusioned with the way the war is going? And how about that economy - not so sweet as it was eight years ago, is it?
Practically speaking, we are far more likely to end up with a Democrat in the White House next year; polls are showing Clinton with a 10-point lead over McCain, and Obama doing better than 12 points.
Therefore, if you really want to make your vote count this year, vote in the Oregon Primary as a Democrat. This is your historic opportunity to influence who will be the standard bearer and likely winner of the general election. I’ve heard from many Republican friends who have said they’d consider crossing over for Barack Obama, for instance. Obama must have an especially strong appeal to Oregon Republicans, a maverick breed born perhaps of the pioneering spirit, which prides itself on independent thinking over lockstep party loyalty.
Today’s Democratic Party embodies many of the virtues prized by independent-thinking Oregon Republicans - fiscal responsibility, preservation of individual freedoms, and developing a strong economy. There’s less difference than you might think. Once you’ve worn the “D” label for a while you might even find it’s a comfortable fit.
