Confusion has been growing this year among Oregon Republicans, complicated by a lack of strong candidates. But one Republican Congressional candidate is following his conscience, to the consternation of his party's leaders.
You have probably read by now about Senator Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) trying to sidle towards the Democrats in his race against Democrat Jeff Merkley. Smith will not attend the Republican Convention, and cites his cooperative relationships with Barack Obama and John Kerry, both of whom endorse Merkley. (mcjoan article)
Other Oregon Republicans are also having a hard time steadying their political and moral compasses these days. Mike Erickson, running against Dem. Kurt Scrader in OR-5, is in trouble with Oregon Right to Life, who
called on Erickson to drop his congressional bid after allegations were made public that he may have paid for an ex-girlfriend’s abortion. (Link)
In more trouble for the Republicans, The Oregonian’s David Sarasohn observed in an op-ed piece yesterday that "In statewide races, there is no GOP candidate for attorney general, and two long-shot novices running for secretary of state and treasurer."
Sarasohn then stuns us with the news of a Republican congressional candidate who, in candidate Joel Haugen's words, "is following his conscience with regard to what is best for the country." Haugen won the Republican primary to oppose incumbent Democrat David Wu in OR-1. Sarasohn writes:
"Joel Haugen supports Barack Obama for president and Jeff Merkley for the U.S. Senate, backs gay marriage and strongly opposes the Iraq war. [emphasis added]"
Haugen’s stances have gotten him into hot water with local Republicans, per Sarasohn:
As you might expect, [the conflict between Haugen's positions and those of his party] involves a certain awkwardness.
At the Washington County Republican committee meeting, "I got a pretty frosty reception. That's probably a mild way to put it," recalls Haugen.
At the Multnomah County GOP meeting, after he explained his support for Obama -- "I didn't talk about Merkley. Why pour fuel on the fire?" -- a member said to him, "Notice nobody's applauding."
Haugen responded cheerfully, "I'm used to that, speaking to Republicans."
That's pretty much how his party outreach efforts have gone -- except with the Yamhill County committee. They wouldn't talk to him at all.
"At this point," Haugen says of his ties to his party, "I've been basically cut off from communications."
Joel is a registered Republican and is planning to remain a registered Republican. He is also incredibly grateful to the 70% of Republican voters in District 1 who supported his candidacy in the primary, and he is pleased to be their nominee! With that said, many of you are probably also aware that Joel is not being supported by Republican Party leadership because of his public endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama. –snip- As for why Joel has endorsed Sen. Obama, we certainly understand why people are so surprised to see this, because it's fairly unheard of for candidates to cross party lines with their endorsements. But for Joel, political party ranks lower on the hierarchy than the nation's interests, and his first priority is following his conscience with regard to what is best for the country. Joel has a huge amount of respect for John McCain, but believes that McCain has more of a Cold War mentality, and that Obama is better in touch with the kind of broad, inclusive governing (and particularly foreign policy) that globalization demands in the 21st century. Joel is also against the deficit spending that has gone on in the Bush years, and has deep concerns that a McCain administration would continue with similar economic and tax policies.
Of course, Haugen is a long-shot candidate in his race against Wu (whom I support), but I applaud this Oregon Republican with the courage to put conscience ahead of party. Here's hoping that others will soon display the same courage!