So Ben Westlund is no longer a Republican, and will run for governor as an independent. So the question is: will he draw more votes from the Democrat or the Republican nominee?
It's a close call, but I think an argument can be made that Westlund would draw more votes from Kulongoski (assuming he's the nominee.) Here's the reasoning:
Westlund is neither a fiscal or a social conservative. He's been out front trying to raise taxes, he supports a sales tax, and he was a co-sponsor of SB1000, the same sex marriage bill.
Why would a bunch of Republicans flock to him? I could see some moderate R's vote for an independent who was fiscally conservative and socially liberal, but Westlund is liberal on both.
Democrats, on the other hand, are very disenchanted with Kulongoski, and are looking for some alternative. I think they would find Westlund's positions very attractive.
It could be that Westlund's defection will be good for the Republican nominee.
Anybody?
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4 comments:
I'll tell you who Westlund's candidacy hurts.
Westlund
Good riddance to fair weather scape-goaters.
Now I've got a question for you Mr. Kramer. Where the heck does Westlund expect to raise money from? OR - is this his stepping stone into a Democratic statewide office in a year or two. Or maybe he's looking to brake into the rough and tumble world of the initiative and his candidacy attracts a microphone for him to pursue initiaitves.
By the way, Westlund's coziness with Kitzhaber is suspect. Here's to shallow speculation and Clancyesque conspiracy theories.
I do not know where Westlund might raise significant funds. He's really running as a Democrat, and last I looked they already had a few candidates. So beats me.
if ted wheeler in multnomah county is any indicator, he'll hurt stupid democrats, of the type who react to hillary clinton being "too far right" by saying glowing things about john mccain.
lefty types who vote for westlund will be fools, but they will surely exist.
i say this all as a raging leftist. perhaps you could tell.
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