Jason Conger searches for footing in GOP Oregon Senate race as abortion, health care issues loom

oregonlive.com ^ | 3/28/14 | Jeff Mapes

[cotton1706]

In the Republican race for the U.S. Senate, Jason Conger is the candidate who thought he would be the front-runner but now finds himself metaphorically waving his hands and saying, "Hey, pay attention to me."

The state representative from Bend entered the contest in October with the support of many of his colleagues in the Legislature and an inspirational back story of his rise from poverty to Harvard Law School.

Instead, he was overshadowed by the later entry into the race of Portland pediatric neurosurgeon Monica Wehby. She captured the imagination of national GOP strategists who figured she had the right kind of profile to to run against Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley on health care. It helped that she could also raise a lot of cash.

"I totally understand her appeal, I really do," says Conger with a sigh. The problem, he adds in an interview, is that the inside-the-beltway pundits are taking a "superficial" view of the race that ignores his political experience, deep understanding of the issues and humble background.

"I believe the perception, right or wrong – and I think it is wrong – is that Republicans are for the rich," Conger says. "Well, I'm not. I'm for the people. And I think the ability to say that, and say it credibly...by being a real person and not kind of a carefully constructed marketing campaign."

Jason Conger talks about his strengths as U.S. Senate candidateJason Conger, a state representative from Bend, Oregon, is a Republican running for Jeff Merkley's seat in the U.S. Senate. As he struggles to regain the spotlight, Conger has sought to fashion himself into the real conservative in the race who is more appealing to the Republican grassroots – in large part because of his opposition to most abortions.

[cotton1706]

As usual, the establishment throws in a moderate to prevent a conservative from getting the nomination, for moderates always win elections against democrats, dontcha know!

[ken5050]

Wehby is pro-choice and pro gay marriage. That may well be the best we can do in Oregon. She does however, want to repeal Obamacare, no ifs, and, or buts. In that regards, she's ahead of some GOPe squishes who won't go that far.

Wehby DOES have what is easily one of the BEST campaign slogans EVER:

"Keep your doctor. Change your senator!"

[Theodore R.]

OR is a hopeless state; maybe it could change its name for starters.

[aimhigh]

The quality of a democracy will never exceed the press. And the press in Oregon is just another wing of the DNC.