Independent Party of Oregon

Summary

The Independent Party of Oregon (IPO) is a centrist political party in the U.S. state of Oregon with more than 140,000 registrants since its inception in January 2007.[6] The IPO is Oregon's third-largest political party and the first political party other than the Democratic Party and Republican Party to be recognized by the state of Oregon as a major political party.[7]

Independent Party of Oregon
ChairpersonLinda Williams
Secretary-GeneralSal Peralta
FoundedJanuary 24, 2007; 17 years ago (2007-01-24)
IdeologyBig tent
Social liberalism[1]
Political positionCenter[2][3]
Colors    Blue and red
United States Senate
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United States House of Representatives
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Executive offices
0 / 5
Oregon State Senate
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Oregon House of Representatives
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Local offices34+[4][5]
Website
www.indparty.com

Since 2009, the party has had multiple city and local officials elected as members.[5] In 2021 State Senator Brian Boquist, a former Republican, became the only Independent member of the state legislature.[8]

Positioned as a public-interest alternative for independent voters, the IPO has mostly cross-nominated candidates of different parties, in addition to nominating their own. As opposed to an ideological stance, the party's platform has advocated campaign finance regulation and elections reforms while also prioritizing issues such as the environment and the economy.

History edit

 
Ben Westlund

The Independent Party was formed by voter petition in 2006, after House Bill 2614, a law that made it more difficult for non-affiliated candidates to run for public office in Oregon, was enacted in 2005 by the Oregon State Legislature.[9][10] The same Legislature who passed this law also disallowed non-affiliated candidates from being labeled as "independent" on ballots, freeing up the name for use by the Independent Party. IPO co-chair Dan Meek was one of two people to publicly testify in the Oregon legislature against both bills. Meek and Party Secretary Sal Peralta also lobbied in favor of repealing HB 2614,[11] which was repealed at the end of the 2009 legislative session.[12] The party also cited the end of Ben Westlund's campaign for governor as being due to the legal barriers he faced as an independent candidate.[11][13]

The IPO is not to be confused with a previous Independent Party that existed in Oregon during the legislative election in 1874. The party was affiliated with the Granger movement and campaigned on an anti-monopoly platform, receiving support from progressives and the press. For a brief period, the party held a 23-seat plurality in the State House, and formed a coalition with the Democrats before later disbanding.[14]

2007 edit

The IPO was certified by state elections officials on January 24, 2007. The IPO criticized former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury for refusing to print new voter registration cards that would include that party as a choice.[15][16] A representative of Bradbury's stated the decision was based on the cost of printing new registration cards, rather than any intent to harm a party.[15]

2008 edit

The IPO ran eight of its own candidates and cross-nominated four major party candidates in the 2008 election, including Democrats Jeff Merkley and Ben Westlund, and Vicki Berger, a Republican.[9] Merkley was nominated by the party after John Frohnmayer, former Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, withdrew his Independent candidacy. Joel Haugen, a Republican who won the Republican primary in the First Congressional District with more than 70% of the vote[17] was cross-nominated by the Independent Party. The Party asked the Secretary of State to enforce existing Oregon law (ORS 254.135)[18] and allow Haugen to appear on the ballot as a "Republican, Independent."[19][20] The Secretary of State refused. After the Independent Party, joined by the Working Families Party, lost a circuit court decision that would have allowed Haugen to appear on the ballot as "Republican, Independent," Haugen decided to abandon the Republican nomination so he could appear on the ballot as "Independent". The result was that there was no "Republican" candidate on the ballot for the 1st Congressional District of Oregon. The parties withdrew their appeal of the Secretary of State's decision, after the Oregon legislature passed SB 326, which repealed some earlier restrictions on non-affiliated candidates and allowed for "fusion lite" voting[21][22]

The party recognized Waldport mayor Herman Welch as the first Independent Party member to hold public office. Other Independents to hold local office are Robert Brundage of Sublimity, Soso Nedjeljko of Butte Falls, and Wayne Rofinot of Warren.[23]

2009 edit

The IPO played a significant role in passing legislation to allow a form of Fusion voting, a reform that allows candidates to list multiple party nominations on the Oregon ballot, and helped repeal the 2006 statute that made it difficult for non-affiliated candidates to run for public office.[24][25]

2010 edit

The IPO became the first political party in the United States to conduct a binding statewide Primary Election entirely over the internet.[26] 86 candidates participated in the election. Former Governor John Kitzhaber, a Democrat, won the party's nomination in a three-person race. 30 Republicans, 28 Democrats, 3 Independents, and a Libertarian were nominated by the party.[27] The election was the largest nominating process ever held by an Oregon minor political party.[28]

2011 edit

The Oregon legislature drew condemnation from five Oregon newspaper editorial boards[29][30][31][32][33] and from two former Secretaries of State[34] for considering legislation that would have forced the Independent Party of Oregon to change its name by the end of the year or disband.[35][36][37]

2015 edit

Mistaken members controversy edit

In March, as the Independent Party began meeting the requirements of major party status, the Democratic Party of Oregon sponsored a survey of 400 IPO members questioning if they originally intended to register with the party. The results found 46% did not know they were affiliated with the party, with 24% believing they were registered as an unaffiliated voter. When asked if they were to register again, only 47% said they would remain IPO members.[38][39] The Oregon Democrat and Republican parties issued a joint press release on the poll, questioning about the party's status.

IPO officials rejected the poll, with party secretary Sal Peralta claiming the Democrats and Republicans feeling threatened by their growth. Co-chairman Dan Meek accused the DPO as "quite ready to attack and destroy any new party that seeks to compete with them", pointing to the poll as the most recent attack against the party, 4 years after a bill was introduced threatening them to disassemble. In response, the Independent Party released its own poll showing 11% of Oregon voters self-affiliate with the party, and 80% stating they would join or consider voting for candidates of the party. 5 months later, the Secretary of State announced the IPO had qualified as a major party in Oregon.[40][41]

 
Brian Boquist

2021 edit

In 2021, Oregon State Senator Brian Boquist left the Republican Party and joined the Independent Party. Sen. Boquist had previously described himself a 'Constitutional Republican' before leaving the party in mid-January. He has said other legislators have expressed a similar desire to switch parties in order to reach common ground.[8] Following this, Sen. Art Robinson announced he would cease caucusing with the Senate GOP, and instead meet to strategize with Sen. Boquist.[42]

Growth edit

The Independent Party of Oregon is one of the largest minor political parties in the United States. From its inception in January 2007 through September 2011, the party added more than 90,000 members, making it the third largest political party in Oregon. From January 2007 to December 2010, its members accounted for approximately 40 percent of the net growth in the Oregon electorate.

 
Growth of the IPO compared to the major political parties (Dem. - Blue) (Rep. - Red) (Ind. - Grey)
 
The IPO's membership growth compared to other minor parties in Oregon.
 
Party membership growth from January 2007 - January 2021 [43]

In August 2015, the IPO qualified under Oregon law as a major party with 109,300 members. As a major party, they were provided state-funding for primaries.[44][45] In 2019, the party returned to minor party status reportedly due to the automatic voter registration law increasing the unaffiliated voter count. This subsequently decreased the party's share of the voter population to below the 5% major party threshold.[46] Despite this, the party has continued to grow since it was qualified as a major party.[47]

As of January 2023, the Independent Party is one of only two third-parties in the U.S. to have an incumbent party member in a state legislature. Among city councilors, county commissioners, and mayors in the state, 6.5% as of 2020 are IPO members.[48] In August 2015, The Portland Tribune identified 34 non-partisan local office holders as IPO members.[49]

Membership by county (September, 2021)
County Registered Independent Voters
Baker 5.45%
Benton 4.94%
Clackamas 5.12%
Clatsop 5.02%
Columbia 4.7%
Coos 5.19%
Crook 5.34%
Curry 5.97%
Deschutes 5.96%
Douglas 5.12%
Gilliam 4.81%
Grant 5.16%
Harney 4.71%
Hood River 4.49%
Jackson 5.2%
Jefferson 5.03%
Josephine 5.08%
Klamath 5.09%
Lake 4.56%
Lane 4.81%
Lincoln 5.23%
Linn 5.14%
Malhuer 3.29%
Marion 4.63%
Morrow 4.41%
Multnomah 3.62%
Polk 5.11%
Sherman 4.19%
Tillamook 4.71%
Umatilla 4.23%
Union 4.93%
Wallowa 4.5%
Wasco 4.63%
Washington 4.55%
Wheeler 4.56%
Yamhill 5.18%

[50]

Platform edit

The Independent Party of Oregon describes their party as a platform for independent voters to have a voice in government as an informed, non-tribalistic voting block promoting a public-interest alternative.[51][52][53] The party does not adhere to an ideology, instead they support candidates of a variety of positions who support their values.[54] To assemble a platform, the Independent Party surveys their members on their priorities for the state, using public opinion information and academic research. In the party's 2020-21 platform introduction, they state:

"Our party’s growth is driven by a widespread belief that our government, and especially our legislative process, primarily serve the interests of self-interested, non-representative groups of special interests ...Our intent and hope is to serve as a source of gravity for policies that serve the public interest and as a counter to the polarization, cynicism and anger that are becoming resonant in our current political culture."[53]

According to its bylaws, the Independent Party of Oregon holds a number of initiatives. The party wants to increase voter participation and involvement. It advocates reform in specific areas of government, wanting to reduce the advantage of incumbency and the influence of campaign contributions on politicians and policy decisions. As of 2021, they have emphasized the environment, public health, the economy, and governmental reform as policy areas to address. The party hopes to achieve this through fiscally sound transparent decisions that create a taxation system that benefits all Oregonians.[55]

Individual rights edit

The Independent Party promotes a "modern understanding" of rights enumerated in the U.S. and Oregon constitution. They also value the unenumerated rights outlined in the Ninth Amendment, to which they include the right to "speak, to vote freely, to marry, and to make intimate medical and family planning decisions without government interference."

The party supports state laws and amendments to protect existing constitutional protections that may be violated at the federal level. However, the IPO opposes local gun laws that prevent officials from enforcing state or federal law.[56]

Governmental reform edit

The IPO has led multiple efforts for campaign finance reform in the state, including Measure 107 in 2020, which passed with 78% of the vote.[57][56]

The party seeks to either eliminate or open the partisan primaries in Oregon. Previously, the IPO came out against a 2014 measure that would implement a top-two open primary in the state, arguing that it would destroy minor parties and reduce voter choices.[58] The party supports voting systems like ranked-choice voting and STAR voting. The party also advocates petitions in the state to go through an initiative primary, a system that would have measures be voted on in the May primary, with those receiving a majority approval advancing to the November election.[59]

The Independent Party endorsed the effort to turn over Portland's city commission government in favor of multi-member commissioner districts and ranked-choice voting.[56]

Education edit

The party seeks more mental healthcare training for community providers. The IPO also urges a greater investment in regional vocational Career Technical Education centers for essential jobs, as well as more funding in the STEM fields.[56]

Environment edit

The IPO supports reducing emissions that cause climate change to strengthen communities from climate threats. The party opposes the excessive use of water many livestock and animal rearing facilities extract, and their damaging effort on the surrounding area. The party supports the preservation and restoration of habitats and state forests, as well as further protection from climate change.[56]

Organization edit

As prescribed by Oregon statutes governing minor political parties, the party comprises all registered voters designating their party affiliation as Independent. In accordance with party bylaws,[55] the party consists of members and supporting members. A five-person state council of officers, and at-large delegates elected by the party membership, is responsible for conducting the day-to-day affairs of the party. Candidates are nominated in caucuses, the members of which are supporting members of the party, elected by the party's full membership.

Officers edit

  • Co-Chair: Linda Williams
  • Co-Chair: Dan Meek
  • Co Chair: (Rob Harris - resigned 2021)
  • Secretary: Sal Peralta
  • Treasurer: Joan Horton
  • State Council Member: Drew Kaza
  • Nominating Caucus: Travis Diskin

2008 election edit

 
Jeff Merkley

The Independent Party became the first Oregon minor political party in more than 80 years to cross-nominate major party candidates for public office. Its candidates generally fared better than other minor party candidates in terms of votes garnered. Joel Haugen received 19% of the vote in a five-candidate race for the U.S. House of Representatives in the first congressional district. State legislative candidates Terry Rilling, Pete Belcastro, and Keith Wangle garnered 40%, 44%, and 30% of the vote respectively in their races for the Oregon House of Representatives.[60] Independent Party member Jim Torrey was defeated by incumbent mayor Kitty Piercy in Eugene's non-partisan mayoral election, 48.8% to 47.4%.[61]

IPO 2008 general election results edit

Race Candidate Party Notes Votes
U.S. Senate Jeff Merkley Cross-nominated Democratic Defeated incumbent Gordon Smith 864,392 (48.90%)
Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund Cross-nominated Democratic Defeated Allen Alley 847,590 (51.12%)
U.S. House of Representatives, CD1 Joel Haugen Independent Republican Lost to incumbent David Wu 58,279 (17.54%)
State Representative, HD4 Keith Wangle Independent Lost to incumbent Dennis Richardson 8,053 (29.07%)
State Representative, HD5 Pete Belcastro Independent Lost to incumbent Peter Buckley 11,653 (38.7%)
State Representative, HD18 Jim Gilbert Cross-nominated Democratic Lost to incumbent Vic Gilliam 11,702 (43.94%)
State Representative, HD20 Vicki Berger Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Richard Riggs 15,829 (54.47%)
State Representative, HD29 Terry Rilling Independent Lost to incumbent Chuck Riley 7,321 (39.23%)

Other candidates: Stephen Bradley (Curry County Commissioner), Col. Dale Potter (Wallowa County Commissioner), Ken Wick (Wallowa County Commissioner). The party also endorsed Kate Brown for Secretary of State.[62]

2010 election edit

 
John Kitzhaber

In July, 2010, the Independent Party of Oregon became the first Oregon political party to conduct a primary election at its own expense in more than 100 years; the first Oregon political party ever to conduct a binding primary election entirely over the internet; and the first Oregon minor political party to conduct a primary election.[63] More than 2,000 Independent Party members voted in the election, which involved 77 candidates, including 39 Democrats, 32 Republicans, a Libertarian and Green. Although being the largest nominating process held by a minor political party in Oregon, only 4% of its members voted in the primary. This low turnout was possibly the result of members having to receive a mailed passcode from the party to enter on the internet in order to participate.[34][64]

Winners of the IPO Primary election included Governor John Kitzhaber and 30 people who served in the Oregon legislature in 2011.[65] Independent Party member Jeff Caton, who ran in House District 48, won 43 percent of the vote. This was the closest a minor party candidate had come to winning federal or state office in Oregon since at least 1932.[66]

IPO 2010 general election results edit

Race Candidate Party Notes Votes
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Chris Dudley 716,525 (49.3%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD3) Jeff Lawrence Cross-nominated Libertarian Lost to Earl Blumenauer 8,380 (3.04%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD4) Art Robinson Cross-nominated Republican Lost to Pete DeFazio 129,877 (43.58%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD5) Scott Bruun Cross-nominated Republican Lost to Kurt Schrader 130,313 (45.96%)
State Representative, HD1 Wayne Krieger* Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Eldon Rollins 18,115
State Representative, HD3 Wally Hicks Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Barbara Gonzales 16,054
State Representative, HD9 Arnie Roblan* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated R. Scott Roberts 12,094
State Representative, HD10 Jean Cowan* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Becky Lemler 14,475
State Representative, HD11 Phil Barnhart* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Kelly Lovelace 15,244
State Representative, HD13 Nancy Nathanson* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Bill Young 15,967
State Representative, HD14 Kevin Prociw Independent Lost to Val Hoyle* 1,078
State Representative, HD15 Bud Laurent Cross-nominated Democrat Lost to Andy Olson*[67] 7,901
State Representative, HD16 Rose Cook Cross-nominated Republican Lost to Sara Gelser* 7,096
State Representative, HD20 Vicki Berger* Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Mike Powers 15,143
State Representative, HD21 Marvin Sannes Cross-nominated Republican Lost to Brian Clem* 6,494
State Representative, HD22 Betty Komp* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Kathy LeCompte 6,083
State Representative, HD23 Jim Thompson* Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Wesley West 16,371
State Representative, HD24 Susan Sokol-Blosser Cross-nominated Democrat Lost to Jim Weidner* 11,380
State Representative, HD26 Matt Wingard* Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Sandy Webb 16,362
State Representative, HD27 Tobias Read* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Dan Lucas 15,398
State Representative, HD29 Katie Riley Cross-nominated Democrat Lost to Katie Eyre Brewer 8,009
State Representative, HD30 Shawn Lindsay Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Doug Ainge 12,501
State Representative, HD31 Ed DeCoste Cross-nominated Republican Lost to Brad Witt* 10,300
State Representative, HD32 Deborah Boone* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Lew Barnes 12,977
State Representative, HD35 Gordon Fiddes Cross-nominated Republican Lost to Margaret Doherty* 9,864
State Representative, HD37 Will Rasmussen Cross-nominated Democrat Lost to Julie Parrish 12,982
State Representative, HD39 Bill Kennemer* Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Alice Norris 14,284
State Representative, HD40 Dave Hunt* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Deborah Gerritzen 12,500
State Representative, HD41 Carolyn Tomei* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Hugo Schulz 17,092
State Representative, HD46 Ben Cannon* Cross-nominated Democrat Defeated Russell Turner 18,418
State Representative, HD48 Jeff Caton Independent Lost to Mike Schaufler* 7,246
State Representative, HD50 Cheryl Myers Cross-nominated Democrat Lost to Patrick Sheehan 10,330
State Representative, HD52 Mark Johnson Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Suzanne Vanorman* 14,012
State Representative, HD54 Jason Conger Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Judy Stiegler* 16,391
State Representative, HD56 Bill Garrard* Cross-nominated Republican uncontested 15,402
State Representative, HD59 John Huffman* Cross-nominated Republican Defeated Will Boettner 15,033
  • denotes Incumbent

2014 election edit

 
Dennis Richardson

More Republicans were cross-nominated by the party in this election year compared to the last. Despite previously endorsing Kitzhaper for governor in 2010, Republican Dennis Richardson instead won the primary with 62% of the vote. Voter turnout was lower in the primary, with only 1,140 of members participating.[68]

IPO 2014 general election results edit

Race Candidate Party Notes Votes
U.S. Senate Jeff Merkley Cross-nominated Democrat defeated Monica Wehby 814,537 (55.7%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD3) James Buchal Cross-nominated Republican lost to Earl Blumenauer 57,424 (19.6%)
Governor Dennis Richardson Cross-nominated Republican lost to John Kitzhaper 648,542 (44.1%)
State Senator, SD3 Dave Dotterer Cross-nominated Republican lost to Alan Bates 23,700 (44.5%)
State Senator, SD10 Jackie Winters Cross-nominated Republican unopposed 38,129 (86.6%)
State Senator, SD13 Kim Thatcher Cross-nominated Republican defeated Ryan Howard 27,638 (58.5%)
State Senator, SD16 Drew Kaza Independent lost to Betsy Johnson 6,603 (13.47%)
State Senator, SD17 Elizabeth Hayward Cross-nominated Democrat defeated John Verbeek 30,677 (65.9%)
State Senator, SD20 Alan Olsen Cross-nominated Republican defeated Jamie Damon 26,750 (52.6%)
State Senator, SD26 Chuck Thomsen Cross-nominated Republican defeated Richard Bruce 24,422 (56.5%)
State Representative, HD10 David Gomberg Cross-nominated Democrat unopposed 16,681 (96.9%)
State Representative, HD22 Matt Geiger Cross-nominated Republican lost to Betty Komp 5,329 (42.9%)
State Representative, HD24 Ken Moore Cross-nominated Democrat lost to Jim Weidner 10,845 (45.9%)
State Representative, HD25 Chuck Smith Independent lost to Bill Post 9,574 (43.3%)
State Representative, HD26 John Davis Cross-nominated Republican defeated Eric Squires 13,546 (57.8%)
State Representative, HD30 Joe Gallegos Cross-nominated Democrat defeated Dan Mason 10,426 (50.0%)
State Representative, HD39 Bill Kennemer Cross-nominated Republican unopposed 20,041 (96.7%)
State Representative, HD46 Alissa Keny-Guyer Cross-nominated Democrat unopposed 17,930 (96.8%)
State Representative, HD51 Jodi Bailey Cross-nominated Republican Lost to Shemia Fagan 9,450 (47.1%)
State Representative, HD52 Mark Johnson Cross-nominated Republican defeated Stephanie Nystrom 13,014 (54.4%)
State Representative, HD54 Knute Buehler Cross-nominated Republican defeating Craig Wilhelm 10,876 (41.3%)

[69]

2016 election edit

 
Cody Reynolds

The 2016 election was the first election where the IPO had a state-funded primary as a major party.[70] In total, 45,875 voters participated in the May primary, of which 20,660 were non-affiliated voters who had requested a ballot in their open primary. This was a higher voter turnout compared to the minor parties in the state, yet lower compared to the Democrat and Republican primaries.[71][72]

Chris Telfer, a certified public accountant, city council member, and former Republican state senator, was nominated by the party for state treasurer. Despite receiving endorsements from fellow state senators and The Oregonian editorial board, Telfer received 176,892 (9.42%) of the vote, losing to Tobias Read.[73][70] The Independent Party nominated Cliff Thomason as their candidate in the 2016 gubernatorial election. Netting 2.44% of the popular vote. The party did not nominate another 2016 presidential candidate after their endorsed candidate Bernie Sanders dropped out of the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries.

IPO 2016 general election results edit

Race Candidate Party Notes Votes
U.S. Senate Steven Cody Reynolds Independent Lost to incumbent Ron Wyden 59,516 (3.05%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD1) Suzanne Bonamici Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Brian Heinrich 225,391 (59.6%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD2) Greg Walden Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Jim Crary 272,952 (71.7%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD3) David W. Walker Independent Lost to incumbent Earl Blumenauer 78,154 (20.5%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD4) Peter DeFazio Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Art Robinson 220,628 (55.5%)
Oregon Governor Cliff Thomason Independent Lost to incumbent Kate Brown 47,481 (2.44%)
Oregon Secretary of State Paul Damian Wells Independent Lost to Dennis Richardson 66,210 (3.45%)
Oregon State Treasurer Chris Telfer Independent Lost to Tobias Read 176,892 (9.42%)
State Representative, HD1 David Brock Smith Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Terry Brayer 20,212 (59.79%)
State Representative, HD3 Carl Wilson Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Tom Johnson 21,957 (72.39%)
State Representative, HD4 Duane Stark Cross-Nominated Republican uncontested 21,957 (98.33%)
State Representative, HD5 Pam Marsh Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Steven Richie 22,440 (62.71%)
State Representative, HD6 Sal Esquivel Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Mike Moran 15,931 (56.48%)
State Representative, HD7 Fergus Mclean Independent Lost to Cedric Ross Hayden 3,116 (10.51%)
State Representative, HD9 Caddy McKeown Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Teri Grier 15,346 (49.81%)
State Representative, HD10 David Gomberg Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Thomas Donahue 17,499 (56.24%)
State Representative, HD11 Joe Potwora Cross-Nominated Republican Lost to Phil Barnhart 17,298 (53.12%)
State Representative, HD15 Andy Olson Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Cynthia Hyatt 25,175 (82.84%)
State Representative, HD17 Jeffrey D Goodwin Independent Lost to Sherrie Sprenger 6,113 (21.10%)
State Representative, HD20 Paul Evans Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Laura Morett 17,408 (52.92%)
State Representative, HD21 Alvin Klausen Independent Lost to Brian Clem 1,420 (6.42%)
State Representative, HD23 Jim Thompson Independent Lost to Mike Nearman 12,370 (37.17%)
State Representative, HD24 Ron Noble Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Ken Moore 17,065 (54.91%)
State Representative, HD25 Bill Post Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Sharon Freeman 18,545 (63.64%)
State Representative, HD26 Ray Lister Cross-Nominated Democrat Lost to Richard Vail 15,365 (45.02%)
State Representative, HD27 Sheri Malstrom Cross-Nominated Democrat uncontested 22,504 (97.83%)
State Representative, HD28 Jeff Barker Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Gary Carlson 17,107 (64.07%)
State Representative, HD29 Susan McLain Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Juanita Lint 14,248 (58.95%)
State Representative, HD30 Dan Mason Cross-Nominated Republican Lost to Janeen Sollman 15,336 (52.22%)
State Representative, HD31 Brad Witt Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Robert Miller 24,658 (80.55%)
State Representative, HD32 Deborah Boone Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Bruce Brobek 18,540 (56.53%)
State Representative, HD33 Mitch Greenlick Cross Nominated Democrat Defeated John Verbeek 24,466 (69.45%)
State Representative, HD34 Donald Herschiser Independent Lost to Ken Helm 9,875 (34.57%)
State Representative, HD35 Jessica Cosineau Independent Lost to Margaret Doherty 11,752 (37.35%)
State Representative, HD36 Jennifer Williamson Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Amanda Burnham 28,875 (88.73%)
State Representative, HD37 Julie Parrish Cross-Nominated Republican Lost to Paul Southwick 18,971 (53.81%)
State Representative, HD38 Ann Lininger Cross Nominated Democrat Defeated Patrick De Klotz 26,675 (69.69%)
State Representative, HD39 Bill Kennemer Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Charles Gallia 22,160 (64.82%)
State Representative, HD40 Mark Meek Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Evon Tekorius 16,282 (51.03%)
State Representative, HD41 Karin Power Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Timothy E. McMenamin 24,589 (71.35%)
State Representative, HD42 James Stubbs Independent Lost to Rob Nosse 2,459 (6.44%)
State Representative, HD43 Tawna Sanchez Cross-Nominated Democrat uncontested 31,052 (98.55%)
State Representative, HD44 Tina Kotek Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Joe Roe 23,288 (80.34%)
State Representative, HD45 Barbara Smith Warner Cross-Nominated Democrat uncontested 24,843 (98.07%)
State Representative, HD47 Michael Langley Independent Lost to Diego Hernandez 7,025 (32.82%)
State Representative, HD48 Jeff Reardon Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated George Yellot 15,154 (62.92%)
State Representative, HD49 Chris Gorsek Cross-Nominated Democrat uncontested 16,075 (96.50%)
State Representative, HD50 Michael Calcagno Independent Lost to Carla Piluso 4,433 (18.82%)
State Representative, HD51 Lori Chavez-DeRemer Cross-Nominated Republican Lost to Janelle Bynum 13,746 (48.85%)
State Representative, HD52 Mark Johnson Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Mark Reynolds 17,582 (55.47%)
State Representative, HD53 Gene Whisnant Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Michael Graham 24,425 (67.45%)
State Representative, HD54 Knute Buehler Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Gena Goodman-Campbell 19,352 (51.92%)
State Representative, HD55 Mike McLane Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Brie Malarkey 24,693 (75.68%)
State Representative, HD56 Al Switzer Cross-Nominated Democrat Lost to Werner Reschke 10,882 (40.26%)
State Representative, HD57 Greg Smith Cross-Nominated Republican uncontested 17,432 (98.74%)
State Representative, HD58 Greg Barreto Cross-Nominated Republican uncontested 23,010 (97.29%)
State Representative, HD59 John Huffman Cross-Nominated Republican Defeated Tyler Gabriel 21,392 (70.24%)
State Representative, HD60 Cliff Bentz Cross-Nominated Republican uncontested 22,339 (98.14%)
[74]

2018 election edit

 
Patrick Starnes

In the 2018 Oregon Gubernatorial Election, the Independent Party nominated freelance cabinet-maker Patrick Starnes despite Democratic incumbent Kate Brown and Republican Knute Buehler making efforts to win the party's cross-nomination. Starnes was elected twice to the Douglas Education Service District, and once to the McKenzie School Board.[75] Co-Chair Rob Harris opposed the nomination, choosing to instead support Knute Buehler.[76] In late October, Starnes dropped out and endorsed Gov. Kate Brown for her re-election, this action was not backed by the party.[77] Despite having ended his campaign, Patrick Starnes received 2.86% of the popular vote in the November election.[78]

Marc Koller, a retired corporate executive and former president of a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned business, ran against Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Koller campaigned on a progressive platform, promoting medicare for all and free college tuition. In the general election as a nominee of the Independent and Pacific Green parties, he received 21,352 votes (over 5%).[79][80] In addition, investor and truck driver Mark Roberts was nominated as congressional candidate for District 2, running on a message of revitalizing the forest industry and raising wages.[81] Roberts received attention and condemnation from U.S. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy for sexual comments he made about First Lady Melania Trump on Twitter.[82] Despite the tweets he made during his campaign, he ended up receiving 4.2% of the vote.

IPO 2018 general election results edit

Race Candidate Party Notes Votes
U.S. House of Representatives (CD1) Suzanne Bonamici Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated John Verbeek 231,198 (63.6%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD2) Mark R. Roberts Independent Lost to Greg Walden 15,536 (4.2%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD3) Marc Koller Independent Lost to Earl Blumenauer 21,352 (5.6%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD4) Peter DeFazio Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Art Robinson 208,710 (56%)
U.S. House of Representatives (CD5) Kurt Schrader Cross-Nominated Democrat Defeated Mark Callahan 197,187 (55%)
Oregon Governor Patrick Starnes [83] Independent Lost to Kate Brown 53,392 (2.86%)

[84]

2020 election edit

The Independent Party nominated Joe Biden for 2020 United States Presidential election. However, Biden only had the Democratic Party nomination listed on the ballot.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Independent Party of Oregon". Oregon Secretary of State. Oregon.gov. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
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External links edit

  • Independent Party of Oregon (official website)