Welcome to the Blogtown Election Vulture's Lair! In this post? Everything you need to know—and a bunch of stuff you didn't—about tonight's election results.
Will marijuana prohibition die in Oregon—saving people trips across the Columbia to pay stupidly exorbitant prices for legal weed? Will we put labels lacking context on our food? How tightly will Oregonians hold their noses by voting for Governor John Kitzhaber (and saying no to State Representative Dennis Richardson). Will Senator Jeff Merkley fend off Doctor Monica Wehby by a little or a lot? Will it even matter if Republicans sweep a bunch of other states to take the Senate under their dark wings? And how sad do you think we are that the people urging you to vote against Measure 88, which would give driver's cards out to people who can't prove their immigration status, didn't invite us to their party? (Are they even having one?)
Stay tuned! The latest updates start at the top of the page! For up-to-the second news and results follow us on the Twitter @portlandmercury and share the crap out of our posts on Facebook. STATE RESULTS ARE HERE! LOCAL RESULTS ARE HERE!
Signed,
The Mercury (Psalm) 23rd Election Battalion (nickname: The Nightmare Shepherds)
11:38 Oregon's Senate was nominally controlled by Democrats for the past two years—although the party's 16-14 edge was dulled significantly by not-so-liberal Betsy Johnson of Scappoose, who often bucks her party on major initiatives.
Michael Andersen, news editor at BikePortland.org, has shrewdly noted that the Democrats likely managed to pick up enough seats today to grow their majority to 17-13 and marginalize Johnson's contrarian streak. That margin, he notes, could be good for policies like a gas tax increase and inclusionary zoning.
That means Oregon, in reducing Republicans' hold on the system, did something the nation didn't.
"The rest of the country lost but Oregon won because you've got women in charge who are willing to stand up," Democratic House Majority Leader Val Hoyle said at one point in the evening, standing with House Speaker Tina Kotek.
That was echoed by Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.
"We are not going to be overtaken by the tsunami that's swept the rest of the country because we are Oregon." DCT and CG
11:15 Kitzhaber, after coming out to the strains of the Jackson Five, said his campaign was built on this principle: "It won't be a good place for us to live unless it's a good place for all of us to live."
"We fight for the belief that we can hold up the whole community, and we don't have to leave anyone behind." CHRISTOPHER DAVID GRAY
10:43 By the way, everybody, we asked the Portland Police Bureau yesterday how it would handle marijuana enforcement if Measure 91 passed tonight (it won't be legal until July 1). The response, from spokesman Pete Simpson:
"We'll wait for the City Attorney to give us guidance on how the law will affect our law enforcement efforts if it passes on Tuesday. In all likelihood, our focus will be on public education of what is legal and what is not, similar to what we did after Washington passed their law." DVH
10:42 Richardson took the stage to a standing ovation and spoke for nearly 18 minutes during what he called "neither a glad-I-won or "sorry-I-lost" speech.
"I want you to know I'm going to sleep peacefully tonight," he said. "Win or lose, each of us in life is only responsible for our actions. If you've done your very best, you can't control the outcome. And I think the plan, the vision we have for Oregon is what's best for Oregon—and we're still waiting to find out if we have the vote that agrees with that.
He jumped between stump-speech-subjects from there, pressing particularly on education, Oregon's pioneering spirit and "the fraud, waste, and abuse of power that has taken place at the highest level and has been disclosed in this last month."
Richardson also asked his daughters in attendance—seven of nine were here—to stand up before jabbing at Kitzhaber: "When you say I don't understand smart, modern women, they will take you to task."
And although he didn't officially concede, Richardson attempted to bring a bit of levity to the two outcomes.
"A message to Governor Kitzhaber if he loses: 'Thank you for your years of service. I hope that you and Cylvia get married and have a long and joyous honeymoon. But not in Mahonia Hall.'"
That drew a big laugh from the crowd, but not as big as the next line.
"If I lose and he wins, then I say congratulations, John Kitzhaber. you've done it again y'know? If you don't get it right for three terms, then by golly, another four more years." BG
10:35 The speech is pretty standard and then everyone else in the hall crushes to the front to shake the returning governor's hand. Grown men hold their hands in the air and skip after their handshake. A woman squeezes past me in the shuffle and I take photos of the top of the governor's head.
"Y'all acting like- jeez. It's not fucking Springsteen!" she says.
Someone with a deep voice says, "Tina, congratulations." And I think I am getting close to the governor to possibly ask him a question but then I realize I am close to some other mustachioed guy in a blazer and I have no clue where the governor went. SS
10:24 Multnomah County Commissioner, Jules Bailey takes the stage. Maybe I missed Kitzhaber? I wander around and ask people. Help poor Suzette. I think every man with a mustache is the governor.
Bailey's speech is mostly about Governor Kitzhaber so maybe this is just a warm-up.
"We showed that bat signal and Governor Kitzhaber answered" he shouts and Kitzhaber finally takes the stage to the Jackson 5's I Want You Back.
"Fucking finally!" I shout but it is dulled by the roar if the crowd. SS
- Suzette Smith
- At last, Kitzhaber appears.
10:14 Just when you think the speeches couldn't possibly continue, they do, although at this point in the night it seems like the speakers are mainly addressing a crowd of die-hards and reporters at the front of the room. Everyone else is responsible for a dull roar. Oregon Speaker of the House Tina Kotek hushes the crowd for long enough to say, "I have a feeling that nobody is listening," then gets some loud cheers in an over-long program as she lauds environmental groups, labor organizations, and Oregon's pro-choice advocates for their help in tonight's wins for the Democrats.
Outside the ballroom, beside the politico-flanked bar where a house wine will set you back $9, I overhear a Kitzhaber-stickered man shout, "We're getting our asses kicked nationally. We're just getting murdered!" MB
10:13 Richardson takes the stage to a standing ovation.
"We do not have results yet," he says. "We're still waiting for Clackamas. So I'm sticking around." BG
10:12 It is now a full scale war on the people in the back if the room who are loudly mingling. A little old lady comes back to where I am typing on my phone and yells at everyone around me for talking too much.
Some campaign commercials play and we are told that if we "sit tight a moment" a special person is making his way down. This is hopefully Kitzhaber because a lot of people are still here and rattling their Kitzhaber signs. SS
9:47 Merkley is talking about taking on wall street and people are starting to leave, presumably because now they know he's cool and he won.
Merkley asserts that "the carpetbaggers came to Oregon and you kicked'm out!" I'm angling around, wondering how I'm going talk to any if these guys.
Someone who looks like Axel Rose keeps making eye contact with me and winking. He's wearing some sort of peasant blouse. This does not reflect the predominant uniform of navy blue blazer but is also not totally exceptional as this is Portland.
The room has deflated to being nearly three quarters full but it is still too loud to hear the actual speakers. The director of Basic Right Oregon shouts,
"Clap three times if you can set your drinks down and listen to me for a second," before launching into a short but passionate speech explaining that her heart is torn in two because she's so proud of Oregon for giving same sex partners the right to marry last election but failing this time around to pass measure 88. SS
9:43 Charlie Pearce, Richardson's campaign manager, takes to the mic and reports there are three counties and 600,000 votes yet to be counted—and his man is only down 35,000 votes.
"As we've known all along, this is going to be a close race," Pearce says. "And Republicans tend to hold their ballots pretty late—they don't trust [Oregon Secretary of State] Kate Brown that much."
Pearce heads to a nearby table to take a look at a laptop while Richardson takes the stage and invites everyone to the other side of the conference room for a little dancing. BG
9:17 Senator Ron Wyden announces Jeff Merkley as the victor against the loathed Wehby, and there is much sign waving and rejoicing. "He's there for Oregon," says Senator Wyden. And he's here literally, taking the stage to a Tom Petty backing track (gentle PSA to campaign managers: are Tom Petty and Bruce really the only choices?). It's the Merkley fan club over here. Senator-again Merkley's trying to tell a childhood anecdote—something something do your best—but the Merkley fan club is too loud!
He does mention that Monica Wehby was "gracious" in her concession call, and mentions the Koch brothers for an easy boo. Another villain of the night? Student loans!
I'm definitely photo bombing someone's victory photo, but it's inevitable in such a large sea of humans. And his speech is over. Cue more strains from the American campaign songbook. Merkley out. MB
9:15 There is no No on 92 party. There are no GMO snack platters, and there are no clutches of skeptics or scientists talking about how neato technology is. The "party" is a single room for media only that is presently inhabited by me, a bored looking Willamette Week reporter, and the dull hum of fluorescent lights. We've been told that the campaign will make a statement at some point. We wait. JS
(No on 92 has pulled ahead by several thousand votes in the latest state accounting—DCT)
- Joe Streckert
- The empty media room at the No on 92 campaign.
9:11 Oregon Republican Party Executive Director Greg Leo grabs the mic and tells the crowd: "We're not going to say anything until we know for sure" just as screen the behind him displays Fox 12's feed and big check mark for Kitzhaber.
Richardson jumps on stage, takes a dig at The Oregonian for calling the race and rallies the crowd: "It ain't over 'til it's over!"
Yeah, it's over. BG
- Brian Gjurgevich
- If only Oregon's electorate were more swayed by watermelon sculpture. Republicans OWN that issue.
9:08
- Dirk VanderHart
- New Approach Oregon chief petitioner Anthony Johnson, center, basks in Measure 91's victory.
9:06 Earl Blumenauer, who also won tonight, holding court at Measure 91 victory party. "This means that the failed policy of prohibition is over not just in Oregon," he says. "You are going to help is change the national policy. The train has left the station. It's gonn a pass California in 2016."
Blumenauer, a constant foe of prohibition, pauses: "I have to be careful. I'm gonna be doing a Howard Dean imitation." DV
9:04 There are now one jillion people here. I'm not being very scientific about that but we're having a hard time hearing speeches, even using microphones. They keep shushing us.
Ron Wyden enters the stage and they actually play rock music for a second so we can all know this is a rock and roll guy.
I take a moment to investigate a little corded section that is limited to Presidents Council members. I don't know what that is but it is explained that they are special doners.
Senator Merkley comes on stage and they start playing Tom Petty's Won't Back Down. Because he's a senator they play a whole verse and chorus. SS
9:03 Someone who looks like Rudy Giuliani is at the Measure 90 party. Unrelated, the campaign's concession speech stays positive.
"We've sparked an important conversation," says "chief petitioner" Jim Kelly. "And this conversation won't go away." Kelly reminds the audience that it took six election tries to allow women to vote in Oregon.
"Justice, equality, and inclusion do not come easily." AZ
8:54
"A year ago, I knew my mom would succeed," says Wehby's oldest son. "Maybe not in the literal sense. And today I know she did."
"A few minutes ago I called Senator Merkley and wished him well," starts Wehby after finally kicking off her concession speech. Speaking about her kids, standing behind her, she tears up on stage. "We know this is not just about me. This is much bigger."
"My message to you tonight is never give up." On cue, "Don't Stop Believin'" blasts from the speakers. AZ
8:49 There are actual tears flowing at Holocene, where Measure 91 supporters are watching a large lead on a giant screen and the air smells too normal.
"We've won it!" Campaign spokesman Peter Zuckerman shouts when I approach. He's surprised it was this easy. "Our exit polls weren't that good."
People are hugging and saying things like "thirty fucking years, man." Mostly it's a lot of wooing. DV
8:47 The speeches have begun in the Ballroom, which means it's now full-on elbow to elbow, and that Jeff Merkeley yard signs are being foisted on practically anyone who looks up from their smartphone. I chat with Dylan Wright, a volunteer on the coordinated campaign for Jeff Merkley. "Once Monica Wehby started getting interviewed, it was clear who was going to win," he says, referring specifically to Wehby's views on income inequality.
As we wait for more speeches, a volunteer from Measure 88 tells me that it didn't pass. But the Dems' Twitter feed is projected huge on a screen, and the crowd is audibly enthused to see a Tweet announcing that the marijuana legalization measure is projected to make it. MB
8:43 A RECAP OF CONFIRMED WINNERS/LOSERS IF YOU'RE LATE TO THIS BUSINESS...
WINNERS:
Kitzhaber
Merkley
Legal pot
The Equal Rights Amendment
LOSERS:
Wehby
Richardson
Drivers' cards
Ted Wheeler and college students
The top-two primaries
UP IN THE AIR?
GMO labeling
8:43 Someone just looked at me and made a kissy face or maybe they made a kissy face at someone behind me or maybe they have a piece of candy in their mouth.
On the big viewing screen we're looking at a twitter page and I don't get it.
"Why are we looking at the Oregonian twitter page?" I say obnoxiously.
"Oh! Marijuana passed!" Megan says.
I ask two people who may or may not be teens who is speaking right now and they start making up names.
"Okay. Go away from me now." I say. SS
8:42 Fox 12 is puts a check next to Kitzhaber's name, and the crowd here is less than pleased.
"That's not possible!" says a woman in the crowd amid boos. BG
8:41 Another wave of updates at the Secretary of State's results site puts Kitzhaber up convincingly over Richardson now, almost eight solid percentage points. Merkley's lead, meanwhile, has swelled to 22 points.
Other big deals? Pot is up 11 points now. Really. Holy shit. Almost as much as the Equal Rights Amendment.
GMO labeling, meanwhile, is up by fewer than 12,000 votes out of 631,000 or so counted for this update.
Still getting a shellacking? The top-two measure, driver's cards, and Wheeler's tuition plan, which every newspaper liked. DCT
8:36 Pioneer Courthouse Square has a small indoor theater. Did you know that? Most people don't seem to. "I've never been in here!" said several participants as they entered the hidden space in one of Portland's best-known landmarks to cheer on 25-159, Portland's ballot measure to fund parks.
Most of the attendees (which included the entire city council except for Saltzman) were generally optimistic about the bond passing, and their optimism was justified when council member Amanda Fritz announced to the room that 26-159 had passed by a whopping 71 percent in early returns. "Get out your phones," said Fritz, "we need to wait for our opponents to call and concede." The crowd in Pioneer Courthouse Square exploded with cheers.
The bond will fund ongoing parks maintenance and repairs for substandard equipment. When I talked to Fritz she singled out Couch Park's playground and Grant Pool as immediate examples of park infrastructure that could be immediately improved, and emphasized expanded park facilities for East Portland. "All over the city," she said, "there are projects that need to be done." JOE STRECKERT
8:35 A big cheer as CNN (they switched one of the screens!) projects Republicans will take control of the US Senate.
Earlier, Caleb Huegel, a senior at U of O, chair of Oregon Federation of College Republicans and Students for Dennis Richardson coalition, took the temperature of the room:
"I think its really exciting," he said. "It's the most grassroots campaigned I've ever worked on."
On a personal note, I was approached by what I assume was a State Police detail assigned to Richardson/security. He asked if I needed any help as I scoped the bar to see if there were any punny political-themed cocktails on the menu (sadly, there were not). Told him I was a reporter, and he politely suggested I get a name tag since pretty much everyone else in the room is wearing one. And since I typically comply with men with curly-chorded ear pieces, my cover is blown. BG
8:34 KPTV has veteran Portland pollster Tim Hibbitts calling their shots tonight, and he's called, so far, for Kitzhaber, saying he's shrugged off the Hayes scandals (for now), and also for Merkley and Measure 91.
8:30 The driver card campaign has sent out a concession statement by CAUSA leader Andrea Miller:
"We have known from the beginning that this was going to be a very difficult campaign. While victory is out of reach for us at the moment, we also know that this is just the beginning. Nothing that happened tonight has eliminated the very real and very urgent need for driver cards in our state. Oregon is still in need of a driver card law, and we will secure a driver card law. During the campaign, we built an unprecedented coalition, one that included law enforcement, faith leaders, elected officials, community leaders, small and large business owners, labor unions and advocacy organizations. So while we are disappointed tonight, we are far from discouraged. The need for action is real, and the need continues. Measure 88 proved that there is a new and emerging voice in Oregon politics, a proud voice that can bring diverse groups together in ways never seen before in this state."
The No side, I'll remind you, didn't let us come to their party (if they even had one) because they didn't appreciate that we called some of their supporters bigots and racists. DCT
8:25 I caught up with John Lee, the Clackamas County Republican chair. He said the mood of the room—and the electorate—feels apprehensive.
"It's a really low voter turnout," he said, citing with frustration with government at the federal level trickling down to the state. "People really don't seem to give a damn."
Clackamas County may be the exception.
"Our statement has always been, a red Oregon starts in Clackamas County," he said. "After tonight, we can say a red Oregon started in Clackamas County." BG
8:23 Speeches have begun and now the room has a good crowd roar. Signs are circulating and occasionally blocking Brad Avakian's impassioned speech.
"It means something to be a progressive Democrat!" He shouts and everyone rips themselves away from conversation to clap and cheer.
I ate the cheese thing but I'm still awake because the room is popping off. There are hotties everywhere. Hotties are speaking both Spanish and English loudly into phones. I'm really proud of everyone. Congresswoman Bonamici steps to the mic and people lose their minds. I can't believe I spelled that right the first time, truly a testament to Bonamici's fame. SS
8:22 Things got sad at Wehby's party before the results emerged. Campaign secretary Carol Pressler took the mic and made a speech: "I admire Monica for her courage and dignity during this campaign." ( An obvious reference to Wehby's earlier stalker controversy). "We may have not won the senator position," says Pressler. Someone's Cricket ringtone goes off like clockwork. "But we have made a stand." AZ
8:18 And now the state results have updated themselves. We're getting ready for concession speeches, from the likes of Wehby and others.
Merkely's up by 13 points in the latest accounting.
But Kitzhaber, interestingly, is still down in state numbers, but just by a couple of thousand votes.
Other reversals from that first few thousand votes: 92 is up, 91 us up by a lot. And 90 is getting pantsed almost as badly as 88. Weirdly, Oregonians also don't much like Ted Wheeler's idea for a tuition investment fund, Measure 86.
8:14 But never mind the early state results, because things are looking mighty different in Multnomah County—with 148,000-plus ballots already counted.
Measure 92 is up big, and so are Kitzhaber and Merkley.
8:13 Before the results first emerged, Tootie Smith takes the stage, starting her speech by playing (and singing along a bit to) "I am Woman" by Helen Reddy, calling the song "something very important for my development." She closed her speech with: "I am here to stay as a political force in Oregon."
Then John Lee kicked things up a notch! The Clackamas County Republican chair fires up the crowd just before the results start to roll in. Unfortunately for this room, the second result they see is that Fox News has projected Jeff Merkley will maintain his seat. This brings boos. No Boo-urns as far as I can tell.
A few more results roll in before some more boos rise. "It's probably just Juan" says someone leaning against the wall next to me. He's right—Juan Williams of Fox News is talking. BG
8:12 FINALLY, THE FIRST (SUPER EARLY, NON-PORTLAND) STATE RESULTS!!!
WINNING SO FAR:
Wehby
Richardson
Measure 91 (pot)
Measure 89
LOSING SO FAR:
Merkley
Kitzhaber
Measures 86, 88, 90, 92
8:06 STILL NO STATE RESULTS!!!
Honestly, given the amount of vitriol the Mercury attracted for coming out against Measure 92, I’m surprised there aren’t more people at this party. The Left Bank Annex feels cavernous.
"The rest of our people are going to roll in later,” Campaign Director Paige Richardson tells the crowd. "That’s the same thing that’s going to happen with our votes. They’re rolling in late. If they’re down, don’t sweat it.
"Let’s get ready for a happy, and possibly long night.” DVH
8:04 WE HAVE MULTNOMAH COUNTY RESULTS!!!!
The parks bond is killing it. And so is Portland Public Schools' tax renewal. DCT
8:01 WE DON'T HAVE RESULTS YET!!!! AAHHH!!!!
7:58 Paige Richardson, campaign director for Yes on 92, says the campaign won’t be surprised if the early numbers are up or down.
“We are pinning our hopes on late voters,” she says, specifically those in Multnomah County.
A best case scenario tonight may be uncertainty, Richardson thinks. If there is a clear outcome this evening, she says it’s likely it’ll be for the GMO measure’s failure. And predictably, she grouses about the late-game expenditures by the No on 92, who mounted the most-expensive campaign in the state’s history with more than $20 million in contributions. I haven’t checked this, but Richardson says the No on 92 people spent more in the last two weeks—$8.3 million—than the Yes folks spent the whole campaign.
I ask about the lack of labeling on the party spread, and Richardson laughs, and confesses each member of the campaign has their favorite GMO product. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are mentioned prominently. DV
7:57 We won't be the first place tonight legalizing dope. Washington DC has gone for it, NPR reports. (Florida also went for medical pot, but didn't have the 60 percent super-ish majority needed to pass ballot measures in the state. DCT
7:54 At the Kitzhaber-Merkley camp in the cavernous, cell-reception-free Hilton Ballroom, Democrats mill around a TV tuned to—what else—MSNBC, as the sad returns come on from our nation's redder-than-Oregon states. The crowd tuning in is a somber one, sporting that Pacific Northwest signature mix of biz casual and multicolored hair. As the smug face of Scott Walker, projected winner of the gubernatorial race in Wisconsin, shows up on the screen, a woman with pink and blue hair shouts, "Oh my god, are they stupid?!" Her sentiments are reflected on the faces of those around her. Scott Walker's face pops up again. He keeps on grinning. MB
7:52 We've moved on to Stevie Wonder at the pro-Measure 90 party. For being catered by the same staff, over at the Sentinel, this spread has nothing on Wehby's downstairs cornucopia. Where are the cups of bacon?! Most folks are mingling with their microbrews, watching CNN's Senate and House results. Well, let's be honest, no one is really watching. Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On" just started playing. Priorities are skewed. AZ
7:49 Bill Currier, vice chair of the Oregon Republican Party, has the first speech of the night.
"This year, we're seeing the grassroots come alive," he said with a bit of a long pause. "What's amazing is they've accomplished so much with so little. You should be proud of your accomplishment. You're paving the way for 2016."
He closed by applauding Richardson for his "honestly, integrity, and doing things by rule of law." Currier is followed by Donna Cain, the ORP's Republican National Committee member, who delivers the first dig at Kitzhaber's scandal-snared fiancée, Cylvia Hayes, by saying she'd be a "real first lady." Snap. BG
7:48
- Dirk VanderHart
- As promised, the weird turnip fish car at the Yes on 92 party.
7:46 Going into the Democratic lair of the ballroom downstairs at the Portland Hilton, I've been warned I will not be able to communicate with the outside world. Cameras are poised like a Borg monument in the center of the room and there are signs everywhere testifying this, so there are no persons under the witness protection program in attendance.
There's an air of tension and people are standing around eating off paper plates. The room is much larger than the room that contained the party for Measure 88. SUZETTE SMITH
7:45 We're several minutes from the first returns, and the people who'd like Oregon to label our genetically modified organisms are quiet. Thirty or so people are gently bouncing to the Steve Miller Band's "Abracadabra" (almost positive it's on repeat) in the Left Bank Annex.
There is a plentiful spread of cheeses and breads and crackers and vegetables in the back with not even a winking allusion to whether GMOs are present. (Wifi password, if any of you are passing through: Labelgmos.)
Oh, and there's a car bearing some sort of awesome turnip fish out in the parking lot. DIRK VANDERHART
7:43 The bluegrass(?) band is taking five and tables are filling up with freedom-loving folk toting plates of shishkabobs. Overheard an older gentleman in a yarmulke say "Obama is praying tonight!" Which is probably true, since the president is clearly Muslim and probably already prayed multiple times today. Duh!
Richardson has made the rounds, handing out firm handshakes and hugs to beaming supporters. He was ushered toward a table one handler dubbed "a table of Clackamas ladies" and Richardson exclaimed "Movers and shakers!" as he greeted each one. The emcee is getting things started, but not before the invocation (liberty was mentioned), pledge of allegiance (I shit you not, people stumbled over the "under God" part) and national anthem. BG
7:41 Rich Baranzano is circling the food table at Wehby's party. "She doesn't have a chance!" He says with a hearty laugh.
"I'm just here to watch the Republicans take the Senate." (see below) But he still has a lot to say about Wehby. "It comes down to... well, women are just never the right kind of Republican," he says. And he doesn't really explain. Baranzano didn't vote this year—he didn't think it would make a difference.
"I'm really here for the free drinks—but they aren't even free! What a joke!"
Meanwhile, a bearded man nursing a beer stops one of Wehby's staff members. "Why did you say you aren't carrying a concealed weapon downtown? It's the most dangerous place in the state."
The blushing staffer says he wants to stay out of trouble. "That's a lousy excuse!" the older guy shoots back. More blushing. AZ
7:40 The crowd at the Yes on 88 party at the Hilton was excited and sizable, with folks from labor unions and Basic Rights Oregon in attendance. Behind the complimentary wine station, an entire wall was covered in stars recognizing the campaign's volunteers—2,000, all told.
"We put on the state's first bilingual campaign ever," said Andrea Miller, executive director of CAUSA Oregon, describing Measure 88, which wants to ensure driver's cards for undocumented immigrants, as a movement-building initiative. Regardless of tonight's outcome, Miller says that plans are in the works to build on support for Measure 88 to push for administrative relief for immigrant families at the federal level, "a temporary protection from deportation" as one step of many towards immigration reform. MEGAN BURBANK
7:39 Yesterday, I called up Josh Marquis, Clatsop County district attorney and a lead spokesman for the law-enforcement-heavy campaign opposing Measure 91, which would legalize pot in Oregon. He said he wouldn't rule out anything—but that he wouldn't be surprised if the "yes" side prevailed. I'd asked if there'd be a party. He laughed and grumbled about how the better (nationally) funded legalization campaign would be holding its party at a nightclub (Holocene), a luxury his side couldn't afford.
"We have no money." DCT
7:30
That chart on the New York Times home page is already old news. The paper's reporting the GOP has claimed five of the six seats it needed to pick up on its way to claiming its first Senate majority in eight years. Even if the Merkley-Wehby race was close in recent polls, it wouldn't have mattered. DCT
7:24
Lines of cars still dropping off ballots @MultCoElections. Polls close at 8pm. pic.twitter.com/rhuxov5pih
— Multnomah County, OR (@multco) November 5, 2014
Turnout in Multnomah County updated at 4:45 pm. Turnout now at 56.86% & climbing as ballots arrive from drop sites. pic.twitter.com/MDeIjFOlJH
— Mult. Co. Elections (@MultCoElections) November 5, 2014
7:20
So far, the hottest part of Dr. Monica Wehby's party is the food table. "Is that seafood?" Asks a man, to no one in particular. "Great!" I think almost everyone here is a journalist. Also, they're serving bacon in glass cups. Questionable. AZ
- alex zielinski
- This guy is so excited for everything. As I take the photo, someone adds "at least they can't put a spin on that."
7:18
- Brian Gjurgevich
- Richardson tells a table of supporters: "We've done everything we can do."
7:16 Of course the first person I'm told I should talk to at the Oregon GOP's election night party is a Democrat. Larry Barrett, a mortgage broker from Lake Oswego, chairs "Dems for Dennis" and has spent the election cycle calling up fellow Ds to chat about Republican gubernatorial candidate Dennis Richardson, who Barrett says he's known for 35 years.
"I just can't do Kitzhaber," he said. "In my party, if this was a Republican that had wasted a half billion dollars, we'd have his ears up on a flagpole the entire campaign."
The mood is upbeat (and the temperature warm) in the Monarch Hotel's conference center, whose stage is flanked by two screens projecting a live feed of Fox News. In the background, a quartet of old dudes is warming up their rendition of the national anthem as a cheer comes from the main entrance. Richardson has arrived. But will be win tonight?
"This is Oregon and Dennis is a Republican," Barrett said. "If he pulls off this upset, that's exactly what it will be. But if there's ever a chance in the last 20 years that I've been in Oregon, it's now." BRIAN GJURGEVICH
7:13 The party for the campaign pushing Measure 90, the effort to bring a top-two primary to Oregon, kicked off around six. But the crowd in the Sentinel hotel's Renaissance Room (there's some kind of hidden meaning there) is mostly made up of the young, hip-looking campaign staff. Bon Iver and the Black Keys set the tone of the evening.
"We've done everything conceivable," says campaign manager Maurice Henderson. "Our canvassers just arrived from working all day—now it's time to sit back and watch."
Henderson says he thinks Oregon voters' general apathy will help in the election. But are they apathetic enough that they didn't even vote? Time will tell... ALEX ZIELINSKI
7:10 Let's start with some nuts and bolts, eh? Voter turnout so far has been... okay. The O reports, as of Monday, that 195,000 ballots have come in from Multnomah County—that's a little less than half of the county's nearly 450,000 registered voters.
The daily's also checked in on some of the late donations, and it shouldn't surprise anyone that Monsanto, opposing Measure 92, which would mandate labels on food containing genetically modified ingredients, has been willing to burn even more cash.
Monsanto, the giant seed producer that has been such a big target for anti-GMO activists, contributed another $1.35 million to the No on Measure 92 campaign, bringing its total donations to just under $6 million. Another food company, Con-Agra, gave $100,000 to No on 92, bringing its total contributions to $350,000.
The opposition campaign to Measure 92 has now passed the $20 million mark in fundraising, while supporters have raised just over $8 million.
There's a joke here about cheddar. GMO cheddar. DENIS C. THERIAULT