As if we didn't know, the race is going to be a tight battle
If campaign cash was the only thing determining the outcome of elections, both the Democrat and Republican parties would find themselves on the outside looking in this Fall. Betsy Johnson (I-Scappoose) is leading the pack, while Tina Kotek (D-Portland) and Christine Drazan (R-Portland) have similar financial performance. Drazan has raised a little less and spent a little more than Kotek.
Johnson has collected some large checks from some big names, including Phil Knight of Nike fame, Tim Boyle of Columbia Sportswear, Sidney DeBoer of Lithia Motors in Southern Oregon and timber giant Robert Freres, Jr., as well as from a diverse array of industry, including the heavy equipment supplier, Eugene-based Pape Group, and lumber producer Sierra Pacific Industries and Portland's Schnitzer Properties.
Interestingly, the Association of General Contractors -- the road building industry -- has hedged their bets in a large way, sending $100,000 to both Johnson and Drazan, and nothing to Kotek -- perhaps indicating that they don't trust her to effectively spend money on large transportation projects.
Kotek is heavily dependent on labor money, especially government employee unions. Among her largest contributors is the Service Employees International Union, representing most state workers, and the Oregon Education Association, representing public school teachers.
As if we didn't know, Oregon's gubernatorial race is going to be a tight battle. Both the National Democratic and Republican Governor's associations have taken notice. The Democratic Governor's Association has donated $878,850 to Kotek, while the Republican Governor's Association has propped up Drazan to the tune of over half a million dollars.
Johnson leads the cash race by a 2:1 margin over Kotek and Drazan with a little over $10 million, but she has a way to go to beat Republican Knute Buehler's record haul of $19,382,866.93 in the 2018 Oregon Governor's race.
| Kotek | Drazen | Johnson |
| Cash on Hand | $1,393,296 | $1,713,603 | $4,532,864 |
| Spent | $4,125,888 | $3,287,689 | $5,568,153 |
| Total Raised | $5,519,184 | $5,001,293 | $10,101,016 |
--Staff Reports| Post Date: 2022-08-08 10:11:55 | Last Update: 2022-08-08 11:56:27 |
