As an expert in local politics, I have been closely following the political landscape in Deschutes County, Oregon. With the 2020 election season approaching, many people are curious about the political parties and candidates in their community. In Deschutes County, there are two main political parties that dominate the scene - the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. However, there are also a few third-party and independent candidates running for office in this county.
The Two Main Political Parties in Deschutes County
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party have been the two major political parties in Deschutes County for many years.The Democratic Party is known for its progressive values and policies, while the Republican Party is known for its conservative beliefs. Both parties have a strong presence in this county and have been able to win elections at various levels of government. According to the Deschutes County Clerk's Office, as of September 2020, there are 60,000 registered voters in the county. Out of these, 22,000 are registered Democrats and 24,000 are registered Republicans. This shows that both parties have a significant number of supporters in this county.
Third-Party Candidates in Deschutes County
Aside from the two main political parties, there are also a few third-party candidates running for office in Deschutes County.These candidates represent smaller political parties that may not have as much influence or resources as the Democratic and Republican parties. One of these third-party candidates is Patrick Starnes, who is running for U. S. Senate under the Independent Party of Oregon. Starnes is a small business owner and has been involved in local politics for many years.
He believes that both major parties have failed to address important issues such as healthcare and education, and he hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the table. Another third-party candidate is Jason Kropf, who is running for Oregon House District 54 under the Libertarian Party. Kropf is a former Marine and has worked in various industries, including construction and real estate. He believes in limited government and individual freedom, and he hopes to bring these values to the state legislature.
Independent Candidates in Deschutes County
In addition to third-party candidates, there are also a few independent candidates running for office in Deschutes County. These candidates do not belong to any political party and are not affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican Party. One of these independent candidates is Phil Henderson, who is running for Oregon House District 53. Henderson is a retired teacher and has been involved in local politics for many years.He believes that political parties have become too divisive and that independent candidates can bring people together to find solutions to important issues. Another independent candidate is James Cook, who is running for Deschutes County Commissioner Position 1.Cook is a small business owner and has served on various boards and committees in the county. He believes that being an independent candidate allows him to focus on the needs of the community without being influenced by party politics.
The Challenges Faced by Third-Party and Independent Candidates
While third-party and independent candidates offer voters an alternative to the two main political parties, they often face challenges when it comes to campaigning and winning elections. One of the biggest challenges is funding. The Democratic and Republican parties have established fundraising networks, making it easier for their candidates to raise money for their campaigns.Third-party and independent candidates often have to rely on grassroots efforts and donations from individuals. Another challenge is getting media coverage. The mainstream media tends to focus on the candidates from the two main parties, making it difficult for third-party and independent candidates to get their message out to a wider audience. This lack of exposure can make it challenging for these candidates to gain name recognition and support from voters.
The Impact of Third-Party and Independent Candidates
Despite the challenges they face, third-party and independent candidates can still have a significant impact on the political landscape in Deschutes County. By offering voters an alternative to the two main parties, these candidates can bring new ideas and perspectives to the table.They can also hold the major parties accountable and push for change in areas that may have been overlooked. In addition, third-party and independent candidates can also influence the outcome of elections. In a close race, even a small percentage of votes for a third-party or independent candidate can make a difference. This can also send a message to the major parties that there is a demand for change and that voters are open to alternatives.
Conclusion
While the Democratic and Republican parties dominate the political scene in Deschutes County, there are also third-party and independent candidates running for office. These candidates offer voters an alternative to the two main parties and can have a significant impact on the political landscape.However, they face challenges such as funding and media coverage, which can make it difficult for them to win elections. Nevertheless, their presence serves as a reminder that there are other voices and perspectives in politics, and that democracy thrives when there is diversity in representation.
