Pollster releases analysis on Democrat advantage in Oregon
December 03, 2010
By Sarah Ross in Oregon Capital News
PORTLAND- A month after Oregon’s general election, political Pollster Bob Moore released his own analysis of why Republicans were not as successful in Oregon as they were nationwide, signifying a Democratic advantage in the state.
Citing data from an exit poll conducted for the major television networks, the analysis showed that Republicans were looked upon less favorably in Oregon than they were nationwide, with 30 percent favorability, compared with 41 percent nationwide.
The data also showed Democratic turnout was higher in Oregon than nationally. In Oregon, 36 percent of those who voted were registered Democrats, while 27 percent were Republicans and 37 percent were Independents. This was the same party breakdown in Oregon as that which turned out to vote in the 2008 general election.
Meanwhile, on the national level, 35 percent of voters were Democrats, 35 percent were Republican, and 27 percent were Independents.
Political philosophy is also an advantage for Democrats, with data showing Oregonians to be more liberal than the national electorate. Twenty-eight percent of state residents considered themselves “liberal,” while 20 percent of voters nationwide identified themselves that way.
Oregon has become more Democratic over the past several election cycles, Moore said.
“Republicans will continue to win legislative contests, but in order to win at the statewide level, Republican candidates will have to differentiate themselves from Republicans nationally, without alienating the Conservative GOP base,” he said.
Democrats were successful in winning all but one congressional race in the state as well as the governor’s race. Republicans, however, gained several seats in the State House and State Senate.
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