Oregon Business Association

March 13, 2008

OBA Insiders

Once again we have asked our resident political pros - and OBA members - to contribute to the Balance Voice by giving us a prediction for a segment titled:

OBA INSIDERS - TELL US SOMETHING WE DON'T KNOW

Gary Conkling - Managing Partner, Conkling Fiskum & McCormick

"If the economic downturn forces lawmakers back to Salem later this year to trim state budgets, it won't make the February supplemental session seem all that valuable of an idea to Oregon voters who probably will be asked to amend the constitution to allow annual legislative sessions."

Brian Gard - President/CEO, Gard Communications, OBA Board Member and Immediate Past Board Chair

"The sad and confused state of the Republican party in Oregon is reflected in the state treasurer's race between a Democrat, who was an Independent  and a Republican before that, and a Republican, who has just finished a stint working for a Democrat governor.  Moderate Republicans have no place to hang out.  So, expect the Democrat margin in the senate and house to increase this year."

Len Bergstein - President, Northwest Strategies, OBA Board Member

"One important dividend from Governor Kulongoski's emphasis on transportation and climate change issues will be the increased attention Oregon gets as a potential "test site" for companies looking to "test drive the future", in a state with a high degree of consumer awareness and public sector appetite for new vehicle configuration."

Larry Campbell - President, The Victory Group, Former Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives

"The appointment, by Governor Kulongoski, of Brad Avakian to the post of Labor Commissioner, replacing Dan Gardner, opens the door to a Kate Brown vs. Rick Dancer final in the Secretary of State General Election race."

Mary Ellen Glynn - Senior Project Manager, Pyramid Communications, Gov. Kulongoski's former Communication Director

"After delegate-heavy primaries in North Carolina and Indiana on Tuesday May 6, the Clinton and Obama campaigns will wake up to the fact that voters in Oregon have their ballots in their hands and will sprint to the west coast to gather a few votes.  Look for a big push from the Hillary Campiagn."

Justin Martin - President, Perseverance Strategies, Inc.

"Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contender Matt "The Law" Lindland announced his candidacy to replace State Representative Patty Smith.  The prospect of an intimidating professional fighter serving in the Oregon Legislature could put an end to partisan bickering and fighting or take it to a new level."

If you would like to make a prediction of your own or comment on the OBA Insiders, click here to go to our forum page.

Look for the OBA Insiders to return with more predictions in the future.