Capital-I Independent Frohnmayer Quits Oregon Senate Race
John Frohnmayer, a one-time chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts under George H. W. Bush, has ended his Independent candidacy for the Oregon U. S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Gordon Smith. Frohnmayer cited difficulty in fundraising and his lack of desire to be a "spoiler" in the upcoming race between Smith and Democrat Jeff Merkley.
Frohnmayer has traditionally been a registered Republican, but his positions in the campaign have been decidedly left-of-center, including strong support for the impeachment of President Bush. Portland pollster Mike Riley says that Frohnmayer's decision "definitely helps Merkley" and as an Oregonian and Merkley supporter, I completely agree. The relatively-new, 20,000 member Independent Party has publicly positioned itself as a moderate force, but I can say from personal knowledge that its founders, and current chairwoman, are quite progressive in their political views, somewhat to the left of most Democrats.
Recent Senate polls show Democrats on track for 58 Senate seats, with Oregon and Minnesota the closest races still showing in the Republican column. A boost for Merkley is a major boost for Democrats in the quest for a filibuster-proof Senate majority.
Frohnmayer has traditionally been a registered Republican, but his positions in the campaign have been decidedly left-of-center, including strong support for the impeachment of President Bush. Portland pollster Mike Riley says that Frohnmayer's decision "definitely helps Merkley" and as an Oregonian and Merkley supporter, I completely agree. The relatively-new, 20,000 member Independent Party has publicly positioned itself as a moderate force, but I can say from personal knowledge that its founders, and current chairwoman, are quite progressive in their political views, somewhat to the left of most Democrats.
Recent Senate polls show Democrats on track for 58 Senate seats, with Oregon and Minnesota the closest races still showing in the Republican column. A boost for Merkley is a major boost for Democrats in the quest for a filibuster-proof Senate majority.
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