Political science professor weighs in as political celebrities eye tight Oregon races | News

EUGENE, Ore. – As Election Day approaches, more political figures from across the country are turning their attention to Oregon. On Thursday, Vermont Senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders showed his support for Oregon Democrats during a rally at the University of Oregon.

“I’m here this morning to make sure we send Tina Kotek to the governor’s office,” Sanders said. “And that we send Val Hoyle to Congress.”

Sanders’ visits follow visits from President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who also expressed support for Kotek while in Oregon.

On the Republican side, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin traveled to Oregon last week to show his support for nominee Christine Drazan.

In response to Sanders’ visit, Drazan’s team released a statement.

“The DC political class is in full panic to save Tina Kotek’s failed and struggling campaign. Oregonians are ready for change, and Kotek is dying to talk about something other than her allegiance to Kate Brown and the agenda they pushed that has led to massive homelessness, rising crime and higher expenses. They know that Christine Drazan will win this race and there is nothing they can do about it,” said her campaign’s communications director.

Independent contestant Betsy Johnson also released a statement.

“While my opponents are flying in political celebrities from the East Coast, I just finished a two-day, ten-city tour of Oregon to meet and speak to Oregonians where they live and work in every corner of the state,” Johnson said .

Oregon State University political science professor Christopher Stout said Oregon is usually a safe bet for Democrats, but recent polling results show an extremely close race. He said it’s one of the reasons Oregon is being put in the national spotlight.

The enthusiasm is expected to lead to an above-average voter turnout. Stout said one of the deciding factors in this election could be turnout.

“On the one hand, high turnout should benefit Democrats because Democrats make up the majority of registered voters in the state, but we don’t know if that high turnout will be even or if Republicans will participate at a much higher rate.” said Stout.