Oregon

Oregon Republicans
edited by Zachary Greenblatt

          From east to west Oregon extends 395 miles (636 kilometers), and from north to south, 295 miles (475 kilometers). The Pacific coastline is 296 miles (476 kilometers) long. Oregon's area is 97,073 square miles (251,418 square kilometers), including 889 square miles (2,303 square kilometers) of inland water.
Oregon has a wide range of climate. Warm, moisture-laden winds blow eastward from the Pacific. As they rise over the Coast Ranges and the Cascades, they drop much of their moisture. As a result, western Oregon has an even climate of cool summers and mild winters. Average monthly temperatures vary from nearly 40°F (4°C) to more than 60°F (16°C). Precipitation (rain and snow) is abundant over most of western Oregon, averaging 60 inches (152 centimeters) or more a year. Most of the region has a growing season of more than 200 days a year.
With the encroachment of white pioneers, wars and disease greatly reduced the Native American population during the 1800s. Today the state has about 27,300 Indians. Of these some 4,800 live on reservations, east of the Cascades. The largest of these reservations are Warm Springs and Umatilla.
          The first white settlers in the region were native-born Americans and French Canadians. During the great migration along the Oregon Trail, wagon trains of settlers represented every state in the Union. Some Chinese and Japanese were brought into the state to ease a labor shortage in the second half of the 1800s. From 1970 to 1980 the population increased 25.9 percent, much more than the national average. African Americans total about 1 percent of the population, concentrated mostly in the Portland area. About 108,000 Oregonians are foreign born. The largest number of these are of Canadian origin.
          The chief executive officer is the governor, who is elected for four years and may serve two consecutive terms. The state elected its first woman governor, Barbara Roberts, in 1990. The Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Supreme Court, with seven justices, heads the judiciary.
          Oregon usually votes Republican. In presidential elections it has cast all of its electoral votes for the Republican candidate in every year except 1868, 1912, 1932 through 1944, 1964, and 1988.
          GOP on Education:
          Education should be a matter of parental choice without government interference. Republicans support the parent's right to choose how their children are educated. Republicans oppose the "Education Act for the 21st century" and similar social engineering programs. Students must be competent in reading, language arts (including spelling), math, physical and sciences, U.S. and world history, and geography. Republicans believe education is best administered at the local level.
          GOP on Crime
          Swift and sure punishment is a deterrent to crime, including mandatory and severe punishment for those convicted of manufacturing, transporting, supplying, or dealing illegal drugs. Individuals must be held accountable for their actions. Criminals should receive sentences commensurate with the severity of their crimes, pay restitution to their victims, and pay for the cost of their punishment and rehabilitation.
          GOP on Taxes
          Republicans support a single tax rate and oppose attempts to redistribute income through a graduated tax code. Support the "2% Kicker" to refund overpaid income tax. Oppose a sales tax. Oppose unfunded mandates. Support reductions of personal and corporate income taxes. GOP on the Economy Cost-effective government, the elimination of unequal taxes, and the reduction of regulatory burdens is key to new business growth in Oregon. Government should create an environment encouraging to small businesses that does not impinge on business through excessive government hurdles and regulations, including licenses and fees.
          GOP on Health Care
          Republicans want to protect and preserve the world's best health care system. The centerpiece for the Republican health care plan is the Medical Savings Account. Like an IRA, the MSA allows for the creation of a tax-free savings account to fund medical care. Conclusion on the GOP The Oregon GOP continues to be the "Party of Ideas" producing a platform with specific, concrete propsals to deal with the real challenges faced by Oregonians.