"OPB Politics Now" is a weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into the hottest political topics in Oregon and the Northwest. Every Friday, OPB’s political reporters and special guests offer in-depth analysis, discussion and insight into candidates, events and issues. Scroll down for the latest episode.
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Episodes
July 17, 2020: Portland, A City Under Siege?
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Federal officials described Portland this week as a city under siege. Local leaders say the only occupying force is federal law enforcement.
July 10, 2020: No End In Sight For Portland Protests
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For a month and a half, protests over police abuse have led to clashes on Portland streets. And with no end to the demonstrations in sight, the debate over how police react is fiercer than ever.
July 1, 2020: Wrapping Up The Oregon Legislature's Special Session
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Oregon lawmakers met for an unusual special session last week focused on COVID-19 and racial justice. But there's a lot they didn't get done.
June 12, 2020: Protests And Policy Shifts In Response To Racial Injustice
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Protests against racial injustice and police brutality are leading to big policy shifts around the country. Oregon’s capital is no different.
May 29, 2020: The Race For Oregon Secretary Of State
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After a wild primary, two Oregon legislators will face off for the state’s second-highest office — and the only statewide office currently held by a Republican.
May 20, 2020: Oregon's 2020 Primary Election Recap
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As expected, the COVID-19 crisis slowed ballot counting in Oregon. But we have some big races to break down.
May 15, 2020: Countdown To Oregon's Primary Election
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Oregon’s primary election is just days away. This week, we discuss questionable claims on mailers, negative ads and strange trends in endorsements.
May 6, 2020: The Packed Race To Replace Greg Walden
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U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, is retiring this year, giving up the only congressional seat in Oregon held by a Republican. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for GOP politicians, and crowded ballot faces voters. OPB’s Emily Cureton and Jeff Mapes look at the leading candidates – and why Democrats are not all in – in this special election preview episode.
May 5, 2020: Ted Wheeler Vs. Recent History
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Ted Wheeler is trying to accomplish something no one in Portland has managed in almost a generation — win a second term as mayor. He faces a crowded field of challengers — most coming at Wheeler from the left — and challenges from COVID-19. OPB’s Geoff Norcross, Rebecca Ellis and Dirk VanderHart break down this campaign in a special election preview.
May 4, 2020: Two For Top Prosecutor
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Two candidates are vying to be the Multnomah County district attorney. They bring similar backgrounds, but different approaches to the job. OPB's Conrad Wilson and Tiffany Camhi break down the race between Mike Schmidt and Ethan Knight in this special election preview episode.
May 1, 2020: Who Will Replace Commissioner Nick Fish?
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The death of longtime Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish earlier this year created a void on the Portland City Council. But for the nearly 20 hopefuls who have tossed their hats into the ring to run for his seat — it has presented an opportunity. OPB’s Rebecca Ellis and Lauren Dake outline the race in a special election preview episode.
April 28, 2020: A Regional Tax For Homelessness
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In this episode, OPB’s Anna Griffin and Meerah Powell lay out a ballot measure that Portland-area voters are considering in the upcoming primary: A tax that is expected to generate about $250 million annually for expanding homeless services in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.
April 24, 2020: Chloe Eudaly Faces a Big Challenge
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Commissioner Chloe Eudaly stunned an incumbent four years ago to win her seat on the Portland City Council. Now she’s the one facing serious challengers, including former Mayor Sam Adams. OPB's Anna Griffin and Jeff Mapes preview the May 19 primary in this special election episode.
April 23, 2020: Previewing The Secretary Of State’s Race
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Secretary of State is the No. 2 executive office in Oregon. And it’s the only statewide office currently held by a Republican. OPB reporters Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake distill the crowded Democratic primary and the far less-crowded GOP race in this special election preview episode.
April 17, 2020: Campaigning From A Distance
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It’s hard for unknown candidates to win elections in normal times. But how about when the only way to campaign is at a distance? We talk about how coronavirus is changing politics as we head into Oregon’s May primary.
April 10, 2020: A Prison Public Health Concern
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Oregonians are slowly growing used to social distancing, but there are some places where staying six feet from your neighbor isn’t possible.
This week, we look at what Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and others are doing to stem an outbreak in the state’s prison system.
April 3, 2020: Special Legislative Session Nixed, Rose Quarter Project Moves Forward
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The Oregon legislature will not come back for a special session to deal with COVID-19 — at least not yet.
And despite coronavirus, the most controversial public works project in the state got a bright green light this week.
March 27, 2020: The Coronavirus Pandemic’s Effect On Campaign Politics
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The coronavirus pandemic has upended life in the Pacific Northwest — including campaign politics in Oregon.
March 20, 2020: Oregon's Response To COVID-19
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The coronavirus pandemic has Oregon leaders scrambling to help people who have lost their jobs. And they’re facing pressure to do more to help — and help curb the spread.
March 6, 2020: A Legislative Failure
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The Oregon Legislature ended its 2020 session this week in a complete failure after Republicans walked out. So, what happened in Salem and what comes next?
Feb. 28, 2020: A Legislative Session On The Brink Of Collapse
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"And with that, colleagues, in the absence of a quorum, we will adjourn."
That's the sound of the Oregon Legislature getting nothing done, as Republicans in the House and Senate walked out over a cap and trade bill.
Feb. 21, 2020: Cap And Trade Creeps Forward Amid A Looming Walkout
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The Oregon Legislature crept closer to a vote on a controversial plan to fight climate change this week.
And it crept closer to a Republican walkout.
Feb. 14, 2020: A Historic Compromise For Forest Management
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Oregon environmentalists and the timber industry have reached a historic compromise over how forests are managed. But not everyone is happy.
Feb. 7, 2020: The Politics Of Timber And Climate Change
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Logging trucks circled the Oregon Capitol this week. They were the centerpiece of a big timber community protest against a major climate bill.
Jan. 31, 2020: Oregon Legislative Session Preview
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In this week’s episode of “OPB Politics Now,” OPB politics reporters Jeff Mapes, Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart discuss what to look out for in the new Oregon Legislative session.
Jan. 24, 2020: The Political Fight Between Sam Adams And Chloe Eudaly
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On this week’s episode of "OPB Politics Now," OPB political reporter Dirk VanderHart talks to OPB news director Anna Griffin and OPB reporter Rebecca Ellis about the upcoming political fight between Adams and Eudaly.
Jan. 17, 2020: A 2020 Legislative Session Preview
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The Oregon legislature returns to work in a few weeks, and their agenda is packed. Climate change, campaign finance changes — and maybe tolls in Portland.
Jan. 3, 2020: Outlaw's New Job And Remembering Nick Fish
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This week brought two stunning changes to Oregon’s largest city. Police Chief Danielle Outlaw left for Philadelphia. And Portland Commissioner Nick Fish died with stomach cancer.
Interstate 5 runs through the Rose Quarter in Portland, Oregon, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Dec. 20, 2019: The Fight Over Freeway Expansion
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This week on “OPB Politics Now,” OPB political reporters Lauren Dake, Jeff Mapes and Dirk VanderHart discuss the growing political fight to expand the Portland Rose Quarter area where there is chronic freeway congestion.
Dec. 13, 2019: The Race To Replace Rep. Greg Walden
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On this week’s episode of “OPB Politics Now,” political reporters Dirk VanderHart, Jeff Mapes and Lauren Dake look at the dynamics of Walden’s district, the potential field to replace him and whether Buehler has any damage to repair after his failed 2018 run for governor.
Dec. 6, 2019: Tobacco, Vaping Tax And Another Failed Recall Effort
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In this episode of ‘OPB Politics Now,’ OPB news director Anna Griffin and OPB politics reporters Dirk VanderHart and Jeff Mapes discuss what could be the most costly measure on your 2020 Oregon ballot.
Nov. 22, 2019: Climate Change Legislation And Zombie Bridge 2.0
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We discuss how after failing to pass a bill to limit greenhouse gas emissions this year, Democrats are busy creating another proposal, and we talk about the latest on the bridge idea that just won’t die, the Columbia River Crossing.
Nov. 15, 2019: The Rising Cost Of Pristine Water
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We dive deep into expensive problems facing Portland-area leaders — and the almost 1 million people who drink the city’s water.
Nov. 1, 2019: Rep. Greg Walden Calls It Quits, Washington Affirmative Action Debate
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Oregon’s only Republican in Congress announced he’s retiring next year. We break down Greg Walden’s announcement and talk about the battle in Washington over affirmative action
Oct. 25, 2019: Women Of Color Are Winning More Elections In Oregon
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In this special episode, we share a conversation from OPB's Think Out Loud that features four women of color who share their experiences in running for office in Oregon.
Oct. 18, 2019: Brown Recall Effort, Sondland Testimony, Wheeler Reelection Campaign
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This week we discuss a newsy week in Portland-area politics.
Oct. 11, 2019: The Power Of Public Employee Unions In Oregon
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This week we examine how a vote on state employee pensions is coming back to bite Democratic legislators.
Oct. 4, 2019: Gordon Sondland’s Connection To The Impeachment Inquiry
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This week we discuss how a Portland hotel owner found himself at the center of the fight over impeachment, President Trump and a phone call with the president of Ukraine.
Sept. 27, 2019: The Changing Politics Of Drugs
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The cannabis industry is booming in the Pacific Northwest and federal leaders are debating whether to let banks in on cannabis money.
Sept. 13, 2019: The State Of Government Transparency In Oregon
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Oregon Gov. Kate Brown promised to improve transparency when she was elected. But this week the state’s first-ever public records advocate quit.
Aug. 29, 2019: The Start Of Campaign Season
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It’s Labor Day weekend, otherwise known as the ceremonial start of the upcoming campaign year.
Aug. 24, 2019: Kate Brown Keeps Raising Cash, But Why?
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We look at where the governor's money is coming from and why she's still in campaign mode despite the lack of a campaign.
Aug. 16, 2019: Fallout From The 2019 Session
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It feels like the Oregon legislative session just ended, but we are already seeing the fallout from some of the laws that passed.
Aug. 9, 2019: Oregon's Gun Control Debate
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This week, OPB politics reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart and Guns & America’s Jonathan Levinson localize the national conversation around gun control and talk about what has — or hasn’t happened — in Oregon.
July 26, 2019: The Political Extreme
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In this episode, freelance journalist Leah Sottile looks at Washington Rep. Matt Shea and his push for a 51st state — a place governed by biblical law and made up of white people.
July 12, 2019: The Politics Of Protests
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Once again, protests in downtown Portland have ended in brawls between opposing groups. Stopping the violence is tricky.
June 28, 2019: The Demise Of HB 2020 And The Rise Of The Senate Republicans
After skipping work for nine days, the 11 Senate Republicans are coming back to town.
On this week's "OPB Politics Now," we'll look at the walkout, the death of cap and trade and whether this fundamentally changes politics in Oregon.
June 21, 2019: Republicans Walk Out, Again
In this week’s episode, OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes, Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart discuss the drama — and the politics — behind the Oregon Senate Republicans walkout.
June 14, 2019: What Would Cap And Trade Really Mean For Oregon?
We break down the last big item on state Democrats' to do list for the 2019 legislative session: cap and trade.
June 7, 2019: It’s Legislative Pop Quiz Time
Think fast! OPB news director Anna Griffin quizzes OPB political reporters on all things cap and trade, campaign finance reform, foster care, daylight saving time and more.
May 31, 2019: The Cost Of Changing Election Campaign Finance Limits And Remembering Jackie Winters
On this week's epsiode, we look at how much proposed campaign finance changes might change elections in Oregon and examine the life and legacy of state Sen. Jackie Winters, R-Salem.
May 24, 2019: Portland Budget Discussion Sets Stage For Unpleasant 2020 Campaign Season
On this week’s ‘OPB Politics Now,’ we unpack the budget, and how it’s setting the stage for a very unpleasant 2020 campaign season in Oregon’s largest city.
May 17, 2019: Oregon’s Biggest Kicker Yet And Landmark School Funding
On this week’s "OPB Politics Now," OPB's political team hashes out a hectic week in Salem and why you might, or might not, have some money coming your way.
May 10, 2019: Republicans Walked Out, But Now What?
On this week’s episode of “OPB Politics Now,” political reporters Jeff Mapes, Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake will take a look how we got here and how Oregon Senate Republicans' walkout might end.
May 3, 2019: A Big Business Tax To Help Education
In this week's episode, OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Lauren Dake explain how a new business tax aimed at funding education would work, along with OPB news editor Rob Manning and education reporter Elizabeth Miller.
April 26, 2019: The Politics Of Vaccines
On this week’s “OPB Politics Now,” we talk about the politics of vaccines and a bill in the legislature that would eliminate nonmedical exemptions to vaccines.
April 19, 2019: How Oregon Sentences Juvenile Offenders
In this week's episode, we discuss how Oregon should treat young offenders who are convicted of committing the most extreme crimes.
April 12, 2019: Kate Brown's PERS Plan And A Midpoint Legislative Session Update
Lawmakers are halfway through the 2019 Legislative session and still have an insane amount of work to do regarding Oregon's pension problems.
April 5, 2019: Gun Bills And A New Secretary Of State
Lawmakers in Salem considered whether to expand the state’s gun control laws, and Bev Clarno was sworn in as Oregon’s new secretary of state.
March 29, 2019: Cap And Trade, Dark Money And The Columbia River Crossing
Another jam-packed week in Salem, during which lawmakers tackled cap and trade, how to regulate "dark money" groups and the Columbia River Crossing.
March 22, 2019: Oregon's Troubled Foster Care System
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In this episode of "OPB Politics Now," we take a closer look at what’s plaguing the state’s child welfare system.
March 15, 2019: Portland’s Attempt At Housing Development And A Highway Expansion
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Portland is changing — and it’s fighting about how it changes every step of the way.
March 8, 2019: Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s Presidential Bid And What’s Next For Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley
Washington Governor Jay Inslee is out on the presidential campaign trail. And Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has decided it’s not in the cards for him.
March 1, 2019: Dennis Richardson’s Legacy And This Week in Salem
A recap of an intense week at Oregon's statehouse, including the passing of the nation's first statewide rent control legislation.
Feb. 22, 2019: Oregon's Republican Party And The Struggle To Be Relevant
Can Oregon's Republican Party survive in a state with a Democratic supermajority?
Feb. 8, 2019: Oregon’s Housing Crisis
Oregon’s housing crisis is now a statewide issue, and legislative leaders are rushing to respond.
Feb. 1, 2019: Back To Work In The Oregon Legislature
"OPB Politics Now" talk cap and trade and plastic straws, plus take a look at ways to make the Pacific Northwest more relevant in the 2020 presidential race.
Jan. 25, 2019: Oregon Governor Kate Brown Pushing Campaign Finance Change
Oregon Governor Kate Brown is pushing legislators to adopt new limits on big money in state campaigns.
Jan. 16, 2019: Oregon Legislative Preview
The Oregon Legislature will take up a jam-packed agenda when it gets underway next week.
Jan. 11, 2019: The $22 Billion Question: Understanding PERS
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A hour-long look at one the biggest problems facing Oregon leaders as they head into the 2019 session: the state’s deeply troubled public employee retirement system
Jan. 4, 2019: A New Era In Portland City Hall
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It's a new era at Portland City Hall as Commissioner Jo An Hardesty replaces Dan Saltzman, one of the longest-serving city officials ever.
Dec. 21, 2018: The Right To Privacy Vs. The Public's Right To Know
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Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson's brain cancer diagnosis raises the debate between a person’s right to privacy and the public’s right to know how an elected official is doing.
Dec. 14, 2018: Combating Sexual Harassment In Oregon, Washington Legislatures
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Legislators in Oregon and Washington promise to clean up their act next year when it comes to combating sexual harassment in their own ranks. Also: Jeff Merkley for president?
Dec. 7, 2018: Baseball, Tolling And A Day Of Reckoning
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We look at three works in progress that could have big political ramifications down the road: Tolling on Portland-area roads, the effort to bring baseball to Portland and the state labor bureau’s investigation into sexual harassment at the Capitol.
Nov. 30, 2018: Kate Brown’s $23.6 Billion Budget And A Looming Tax Hike
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We dig into the governor’s $23.6 billion budget proposal and discuss how a tax hike could be in Oregonian’s future.
Nov. 16, 2018: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's Very Bad Week
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OPB reporters Amelia Templeton and Dirk VanderHart and news director Anna Griffin dissect Wheeler’s very bad week and the city’s legacy of one-term mayors.
Nov. 9, 2018: Learning From Washington About Gun Control And A Carbon Tax
We look at the Evergreen State’s recent fights over guns and carbon, and what they can tell us about Oregon’s future.
Nov. 6, 2018: Breaking Down The Midterm Election
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It’s finally Election Day, and we have winners — and losers.
Nov. 2, 2018: Supermajorities and the Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance
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We’ve talked a lot about national politics this year, but local races matter too. Oregon voters are deciding whether Democrats will take back a supermajority — and face an easier path to raising taxes — in the state legislature.
Oct. 26, 2018: Race For Oregon Governor Is Down To The Wire
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This week, we compare Gov. Kate Brown and Republican challenger Knute Buehler on the issues — and look at what they both need to do to win.
Oct. 19, 2018: Hot Congressional Races in Southwest Washington and Oregon
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OPB's political team discusses the upcoming Congressional races in Southwest Washington and Southern Oregon, where Democrats are targeting two Republican incumbents.
Oct. 12, 2018: Hardesty Vs. Smith
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Portland voters will make history next month, when they elect the city’s first-ever woman of color to the City Council.
Oct. 5, 2018: Breaking Down Measures 103 And 104
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Oregon voters have two tax measures to consider when ballots arrive later this month. One would ban taxes on groceries. Another would make it harder for legislators to raise revenue. We break down what you need to know when ballots arrive.
Sept. 21, 2018: A Council Race, A Clean Energy Tax and A Housing Measure
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A Portland City Council race, a proposed clean energy tax and a regional housing measure walk into a podcast.
Sept. 14, 2018: The Politics Of WIldfire
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OPB political reporters Lauren Dake and Jeff Mapes talk to OPB environmental reporter Tony Schick about smoke management, letting fires burn and what might be the new normal.
Sept. 7, 2018: The Intersection Of Star Power, Sports And Politics
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OPB news director Anna Griffin and political reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart explore the tricky intersection of sports, celebrity and politics on this week’s episode of "OPB Politics Now."
Aug. 31, 2018: Teacher Turmoil And Sheriff’s Against Sanctuary Law
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Southwest Washington’s teachers are on strike, and almost half of Oregon’s sheriff’s despise one of the country’s oldest sanctuary laws. We talk about the turmoil and what it means for you.
Aug. 24, 2018: The Political Consequences Of Men Behaving Badly
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A U.S. House candidate's entire campaign staff resigns. A state House candidate ignores calls from his own party to step aside. And the president of the United States berates the mayor of Portland.
Aug. 10, 2018: Washington's Wild Primary
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In the battle for control of the U.S. House, Washington state is now one of the big hotspots.
Aug. 3, 2018: Fresh Batch of Controversy In the Oregon Statehouse
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Late last year, allegations of sexual harassment rocked Oregon’s Legislature and led one state Senator to resign. Now, there’s a fresh batch of controversy.
July 27, 2018: The Fight Over Oregon’s Unions
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It’s a new world for the powerful public employee unions in Oregon now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled states can’t require public employees to pay dues to unions that represent them in the workplace.
July 13, 2018: Oregon House Democratic Supermajority On The Ropes
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It feels like the dog days of summer, but we have a lot of action in legislative races.
June 29, 2018: A Tough Week for Unions and Gun Control Advocates in the Northwest
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This was a tough week for progressives and a good one for conservatives in the Pacific Northwest.
June 22, 2018: The Collision Of Politics And Criminal Justice
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What happens politically when a Democratic-led state government becomes part of the resistance?
June 8, 2018: Pacific Northwesterners Positioning For The White House
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When it comes to presidential politics, Oregon and Washington aren’t exactly battleground states.
May 25, 2018: Follow The Money
It was a big week for tax news at the state Capitol.
May 18, 2018: The Changing Demographic Of Oregon Politics
Pundits are calling this the year of the woman in politics. But in Oregon, this demographic shift has been years in the making.
May 15, 2018: Unpacking The Oregon Primaries
On a special midweek episode of "OPB Politics Now," we unpack the results of the 2018 primaries.
May 11, 2018: Oregon Primary Election Crunch Time
Oregon’s primary election is days away, and candidates are making their final frantic pleas to voters.
May 4, 2018: Local Races Steal The Spotlight In Oregon Primary
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Oregon’s primary election is a week and a half away, and some of the state’s most fascinating races are happening in Portland-area local government.
April 27, 2018: Previewing Legislative And Labor Commissioner Primaries
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Ballots for the May 15 primary are arriving this week, and we’ve got you covered on the latest episode of “OPB Politics Now.”
April 20, 2018: Oregon's Republican Primary Election And The November Matchup
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State Representative Knute Buehler has been crowned the likely GOP front-runner for governor and he has virtually ignored the Republican primary.
April 13, 2018: The Importance of Government Structures
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Sometimes the structure of government voters choose is just as important as who they elect.
April 6, 2018: Wapato Jail And Homelessness In Portland
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When it comes to Multnomah County's unused Wapato Jail, things are never easy.
March 30, 2018: Guns Grocery Taxes And Other Potential Oregon Ballot Measures
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Will Oregonians get to vote on banning military-style rifles in Oregon? We talk about the dramatic attempt by students and religious leaders to put a measure potentially outlawing such weapons on the ballot.
March 5, 2018: The Legislature Adjourns, The Republicans Meet
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We wrap up the highlights and surprises of the 2018 Oregon legislative session. And we examine the state of the Oregon Republican Party after its annual Dorchester Conference.
March 2, 2018: Crunch Time In The Oregon Legislature
Oregon lawmakers are rushing toward adjourning the 2018 session, so the OPB politics team is taking a last-minute look at the prospects for several of the major bills still in the pipeline.
Feb. 23, 2018: The Politics Of Guns
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The mass shooting in Florida has reignited the debate over gun control. Washington and Oregon are solidly blue states. But guns are one issue where Democratic lawmakers have struggled to build consensus.
Feb. 9, 2018: Addressing Climate Change In The Northwest
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This week on “OPB Politics Now,” we’ll discuss the policies both Oregon and Washington are considering to tackle climate change at the state level.
Feb. 2, 2018: Oregon Legislature Short Session
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What's on the agenda during this short legislative session?
Jan. 24, 2018: Oregon Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Measure 101
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Who wins, who loses and what’s the future of health care — and health care politics — in Oregon after voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 101?
Jan. 19, 2018: Oregon's Lone GOP Congressman Sees Power Shift Under Trump
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Since Donald Trump’s presidential victory, Oregon’s lone Republican congressman, Greg Walden, has enjoyed a higher profile and more power. But with more influence comes extra scrutiny.
Jan. 12, 2018: Understanding Measure 101
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Oregon voters will decide on Jan. 23 whether or not to approve up to $320 million in hospital and insurance taxes to help pay for the state’s share of Medicaid.
Jan. 5, 2018: A Look Ahead At 2018
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Who will be Oregon’s next governor? Should any congressional representatives worry about midterm elections? Will Oregon highways get tolls? We look into the big political stories of 2018.
Dec. 29, 2017: In-Depth On Vera Katz
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We hear more about the life and legacy of one of Portland's trailblazing politicians who died earlier this month.
Dec. 22, 2017: The Politics Of Train Travel
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We discuss the political fallout from Monday's deadly Amtrak crash near Tacoma, Washington, and how the GOP tax bill will affect Oregonians.
Dec. 15, 2017: Vera Katz's Legacy, Wheeler On Homelessness
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Vera Katz died this week at age 84. She served three terms as Portland mayor, which has become a rare accomplishment. Plus, we dive into Columbia Sportswear's role in the Portland homelessness debate.
Dec. 8, 2017: Oregon National Monument Faces An Uncertain Future
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President Trump ordered the shrinking of two national monuments in Utah this week. Attention immediately shifted to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, which Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says should also be smaller. We talk through the politics of these moves
The Oregon Department of Human Services builiding, which houses the Oregon Health Authority offices, in Salem, Oregon, Saturday, March 18, 2017.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Dec. 1, 2017: OHA Audit Shows Millions Misspent
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Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson has just released an audit that shows the Oregon Health Authority misspent millions in taxpayer dollars. We discuss the ups and downs of one of the biggest agencies in state government and the impact the audit will have.
Nov. 22, 2017: Dennis Richardson's Backstory
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We're bringing you a conversation with an Oregon political figure that you might have missed when it originally aired. Secretary of State Dennis Richardson opened up to OPB "All Things Considered" host Kate Davidson as part of her Backstory: Defining Moments
Nov. 16, 2017: Kruse And Kitzhaber Back In The Spotlight
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Oregon State Sen. Jeff Kruse faces explosive new allegations of sexual misconduct. Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has agreed to pay a $1,000 fine for ethics violations surrounding his resignation from office nearly three years ago. And Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly is engaged in an unusual Facebook feud with the local news media.
Nov. 9. 2017: Election Wrap-Up
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From mayoral races to bond measures, we wrap up the 2017 special election.
Nov. 3, 2017: Last-Minute November Ballot Cheat Sheet
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The Nov. 7 special election will decide the balance of power in the Washington state Legislature. It will also determine if Portland Community College gets $185 million for expansion.
Oregon Sen. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis, is pictured at the Oregon Capitol in this undated file photo.
Casey Minter / OPB
Oct. 27, 2017: Sexual Harassment In Salem
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The current nationwide discussion about sexual harassment that started with allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has spread far and wide, including to the Oregon Capital. State Sen. Sara Gelser accused fellow senator Jeff Kruse of touching her inappropriately.
A ballot is turned in at an official county ballot return box in Oregon.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB
Oct. 19, 2017: What Is ‘Home Rule’ And Why Should You Care?
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The home charter: Nine Oregon counties have them, with Douglas County voters considering one in November. How does this form of local government affect everyday citizens?
Oct. 13, 2017: Portland Girds For A Freeway Fight
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A proposed Interstate 5 expansion through the Rose Quarter has become about much more than a few more highway lanes. It touches on racism, privilege, Portland’s relationship with the state and how leaders envision the city.
Oct. 6, 2017: Guns, Health Care And The Oregon Ballot
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We dig into the ballot referendum process in Oregon and how it could affect two of the most divisive issues of our time.
Sept. 29, 2017: Health Care Stakes Are High For Oregon
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Analysts predicted Oregon would lose more than any other state if the latest attempt to roll back the Affordable Care Act was enacted. It won’t be, though. The bill known was Graham-Cassidy was shelved after failing to earn enough support from Senate Republicans.
City Hall in downtown Portland.
Laura Klinkner / OPB
Sept. 15, 2017: Portland City Council Race Gets Interesting
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Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB reporters Jeff Mapes and Amelia Templeton about the how the Portland City Council race is shaping up after Commissioner Dan Saltzman announced he would be seeking re-election next year.
Sept. 8, 2017: The Politics Of Wildfire
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OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Chris Lehman join host Julie Sabatier to talk about the political, financial and environmental complexities of wildfire.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown
OPB
Sept. 1, 2017: How Are We Going To Fix PERS?
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This week, the governor’s task force on the pension deficit put forth several ideas for how to do that. Many of those ideas would end up costing all Oregonians. Not surprisingly, Republican lawmakers pounced.
Aug. 25, 2017: Answers To Your Kicker Questions
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Oregon's unique "kicker" law means taxpayers will get $464 million in rebates next year. OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Chris Lehman join host Julie Sabatier to answer your questions about the kicker, such as where it came from and why it's so hard to change.
Aug. 18, 2017: Oregon Governor Race Brings In The Money
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It's early, but big money is already flowing into the 2018 Oregon gubernatorial race.
Aug. 11, 2017: The Game Is Afoot!
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Knute Buehler
Michael Clapp / OPB
OPB’s senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and news director Anna Griffin join host Julie Sabatier to talk about political gamesmanship in the race for governor, a state senator who is facing two interesting challengers and a former lawmaker who’s taking on a longtime Portland City Commissioner.
Aug. 4, 2017: The Future Of The Portland Police
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There’s a lot going on in the Portland Police Bureau these days. There’s the search for a permanent chief. The mayor has also proposed a new model for community oversight, which is attracting criticism.
This time, we’re listening to a couple of recent conversation’s on OPB’s "Think Out Loud." Host Dave Miller spoke with Mayor Ted Wheeler and T. Allen Bethel, president of the Albina Ministerial Alliance.
July 28, 2017: An East Coast View Of Oregon
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This week, the Washington Post posted an interview with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, who is an anomaly these days: a woman governor leading a state with a Democratic majority in the statehouse. Only Rhode Island can make the same claim.
July 21, 2017: Brown At Sine Die
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Oregon Gov. Kate Brown takes stock of her agenda at the end of the 2017 legislative session and looks ahead to 2018.
July 14, 2017: Now What For Oregon Lawmakers?
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Now that Oregon lawmakers are finished with passing bills for a while, they have time to consider their next moves.
July 7, 2017: Oregon Bucks The Trend On Health Coverage
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While Congress continues to negotiate rolling back the Affordable Care Act, Oregon lawmakers are going the other way.
June 30, 2017: Lurching Towards Sine Dine
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Oregon’s legislative session is almost over and billions of dollars in transportation funding hangs in the balance. Why is it so hard for lawmakers to agree on something they all say they support?
June 23, 2017: Corporate Tax Reform Dies In Salem
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Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced she and her fellow Democrats are abandoning efforts to increase corporate tax revenue. As a deadline looms to close a $1.4 billion budget gap, Brown and lawmakers are instead focusing their efforts on a healthcare provider tax and spending cuts.
Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned in 2015 amid suspicion that his fiancee used her relationship with him to secure consulting contracts.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB
June 19, 2017: Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber Is Cleared
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Former Governor John Kitzhaber was a giant of Oregon politics until he resigned amidst an influence-peddling scandal in 2015. Two years later, the federal investigation into Kitzhaber and his fiancee Cylvia Hayes has concluded with no criminal charges.
The Oregon Capitol in Salem. As lawmakers continue to debate whether to change how the state taxes businesses, some public employee unions say they'll take the question to voters again.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
June 9, 2017: How Oregon Plans To Fill A $1.4 Billion Budget Gap
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Democratic leaders announced a corporate tax plan that would raise nearly $900 million over the next two years. They also have a proposal to shift some of the burden of Oregon’s pension plan to its recipients.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler speaks with citizens at the Hollywood vigil.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
June 2, 2017: Political Aftermath Of Portland Train Stabbing
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Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s response brought up some serious questions about free speech vs. hate speech.
May 26, 2017: Ultimatums For Portland Water Bureau, Washington Legislature
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The Portland Water Bureau and the Washington Legislature were told to stop lollygagging on critical issues.
May 19, 2017: A Tale Of 2 Revenue Forecasts
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Either Oregon has a broken tax system or more tax revenue than the state has ever seen. Can it be both?
May 12, 2017: Tolls And Trees, Also Pie
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Oregon lawmakers unveiled an $8.2 billion transportation package, which will widen highways and shore up bridges. We’ll dig into the details of the proposal.
May 5, 2017: This Is Not A Rerun
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This week, the U.S. House took up a replacement bill for the Affordable Care Act, a protest in Portland got violent, and the Oregon Legislature released a corporate tax proposal. Sound familiar?
Voters across the state are being asked to devote millions in new money for Oregon schools.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
April 28, 2017: Is There Any Money For Schools?
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Voters across Oregon will decide whether to devote millions to new school construction this May.
April 21, 2017: What's Alive And What's Dead In Salem
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Now that we’re about halfway through this legislative session, we look at which bills are dead and which ones are moving forward and how budget negotiations heated up this week.
Rep. Greg Walden talks to a crowd during a town hall in Hood River, Oregon, on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
Jeff Mapes / OPB
April 14, 2017: Walden Faces The Music
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Oregon Rep. Greg Walden was back in the district the second week of April. His constituents had quite a lot to say.
April 7, 2017: The Taxes Are Coming!
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Tax Day is on its way, but is tax reform within reach? "OPB Politics Now" tackles federal, state and local taxes.
A group of activists demanding the resignation of Mayor Ted Wheeler and changes to the city's response to homelessness and protests shut down a Portland City Council meeting at City Hall Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017.
OPB
March 24, 2017: Liberals Vs. Liberals At Portland City Hall
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Portland commissioners are trying to enact a progressive agenda, but activists in council chambers are yelling at them to focus more on police reform and homelessness. With supporters of liberal causes pitted against one another, who wins?
Rep. Greg Walden at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Julie Sabatier/OPB
March 17, 2017: Oregon Rep. Greg Walden Works On Health Care
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Oregon Rep. Greg Walden is at the center of Republican efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act — but the bill his committee came up with is not universally loved by Republicans.
March 3, 2017: Roads And Bridges
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President Trump wants to spend a trillion dollars on roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. That’s good news to Oregon, where the roads and bridges need a LOT of work.
The Normandy Apartments. Families living in the 18 units recently received notice their rents will double on April 1.
Amelia Templeton / OPB
Feb. 17, 2017: Housing And Homelessness
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A new Portland city ordinance requires landlords to assist tenants with relocation costs in the case of a no-cause eviction while the Oregon Legislature grapples with housing issues.
Feb. 10, 2017: Washington State's Resistance To Trump
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How did Washington state emerge as the center for the resistance to Donald Trump's agenda?
Feb. 3, 2017: Oregon Senators On Trump Nominees, Walden On Health Care
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Both of Oregon’s U.S. senators are working to block President Trump’s nominees, including his pick for the Supreme Court.
Jan. 26, 2017: Oregon's $2 Billion Budget Gap
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Lawmakers have to close a nearly $2 billion budget gap, and that’s before any laws are made.
Jan. 19, 2017: Trump's Speech
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Oregon Historical Society executive director Kerry Tymchuk, who worked as a speechwriter for former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole and an aide to former U.S. senator for Oregon Gordon Smith, joins OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and host Geoff Norcross to examine Donald Trump’s inaugural address.
Jan. 12, 2017: Kate Brown, Guns, Taxes And PERS
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What Oregon Gov. Kate Brown hopes to accomplish over the next two years. Her agenda touches on taxes, guns and PERS reform.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler at a public inauguration ceremony on Jan. 4, 2017.
Dave Blanchard / OPB
Jan. 6, 2017: New Year, New Portland City Government
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Will Ted Wheeler buck the trend of one-term mayors in Portland? For our first episode of 2017, we look at the challenges of running the city at a time when incivility is rampant at council meetings.
Commissioner Steve Novick
Amelia Templeton / OPB
Dec. 30, 2016: The Rise And Fall Of Steve Novick
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OPB News Director Anna Griffin looks at the political rise and fall of outgoing Portland City Commissioner Steve Novick.
Dec. 16, 2016: Trump's Pick For Interior Secretary
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Just who is Donald Trump's pick for secretary of the interior? Learn about Montana Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke on this episode of "OPB Politics Now."
The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Clark Short / Flickr
Dec. 9, 2016: Power Shifts In The Oregon Delegation
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How will Oregon's Congressional delegation deal with the new political realities in Washington, D.C.?
Dec. 3, 2016: What Trump Means For The Northwest
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What will a Donald Trump presidency mean for the Northwest? Host Julie Sabatier, OPB's senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and news director Anna Griffin talk over how the Trump administration might come down on immigration, recreational marijuana, climate change and public land management.
Chloe Eudaly
Courtesy of the Chloe Eudaly campaign
Nov. 23, 2016: Portland's Newest City Commissioner, Chloe Eudaly
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Portland’s newest city commissioner, Chloe Eudaly, is a bookstore owner and housing advocate who ran a modest campaign and pulled off a surprising win against incumbent Steve Novick. Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB reporter Amelia Templeton about Eudaly’s triumph, and how the political makeup of the City Council will change.
A third night of protests took place in Portland on Nov. 10, 2016, as crowds demonstrated against the election of Donald Trump as well as other issues.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Nov. 18, 2016: Trump Backlash
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We dig into the post-election protests in Portland and take up an effort at the state level to change the national electoral system.
Nov. 10, 2016: Election Results And The Urban/Rural Divide
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In this episode, host Geoff Norcross, OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and Olympia reporter Austin Jenkins wrap up the 2016 election and discuss the role of the urban/rural divide in the Pacific Northwest.
Democrats watch as the results of the election come through at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Or.
Nate Sjol / OPB
Nov. 8, 2016: Election Night Update
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A short election night update on statewide and local races in Oregon including ballot measures, Oregon governor and more.
Nov. 4, 2016: Measure 97 Analysis, Listener Question
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Still not sure how to vote on Measure 97? OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes and News Director Anna Griffin join host Geoff Norcross to dig into the substance of the controversial corporate tax measure.
A voter deposits a ballot into a Multnomah County drop box in this 2008 file photo. The county's voters will decide this election whether or not to keep electing sheriffs after a string of scandals have rocked the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.
File Photo / OPB
Nov. 1, 2016: Ballot Measures That Are Not 97
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The election is a week away and you may still be wondering about all those measures on your Oregon ballot.
From left, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Dr. Bud Pierce and Cliff Thomason greet one another following a gubernatorial debate at Winston Churchill High School in Eugene on Oct. 6, 2016.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Oct. 26, 2016: An In-Depth Look At Gov. Kate Brown
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OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and Statesman Journal reporter Gordon Friedman join host Julie Sabatier to talk about incumbent Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.
Brad Avakian (left) and Dennis Richardson
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Oct. 21, 2016: The Surprisingly Exciting Race For Secretary Of State
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Host Geoff Norcross along with OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Chris Lehman talk about the Secretary of State’s race, which is surprisingly interesting this year!
OPB Politics Now
OPB Sta
Oct. 17, 2016: Live Event Special Digs Into Oregon And Washington Races
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This special episode of "OPB Politics Now" was recorded in front of a live audience of OPB donors.
Police in riot gear respond to a protest outside Portland City Hall.
Amelia Templeton / OPB
Oct. 14, 2016: Protests Over Portland Police Contract And City Races To Watch
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We dig into the Portland Police union contract that sparked protests earlier this week when the City Council voted to approve it, and we talk about one of the more interesting local races on the 2016 ballot.
From left, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Dr. Bud Pierce and Cliff Thomason greet one another following a gubernatorial debate at Winston Churchill High School in Eugene on Oct. 6, 2016.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Oct. 7, 2016: Gubernatorial Debate In Eugene
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Domestic violence, health care and the very unpopular idea of a sales tax are just a few of the topics the three candidates for Oregon governor discussed during an hour-long debate.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Republican nominee Bud Pierce are scheduled to debate five times in September and October.
Courtesy of the campaigns
Oct. 3, 2016: Special Episode On Domestic Violence Comments
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On this special Monday edition of the podcast, host Geoff Norcross is joined by OPB News Director Anna Griffin and Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes to talk about some controversial comments on domestic violence that came up in Friday's gubernatorial debate at the City Club of Portland.
Sept. 30, 2016: M97 Ads And Why Trump's Only Oregon Staffer Left The State
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We analyze the ads trying to convince voters to reject or approve the corporate tax measure on Oregon's November ballot, plus discuss why Donald Trump's lone paid staffer in Oregon is leaving for Michigan.
Dr. Bud Pierce, left, Republican candidate for governor on the campaign trail in September.
Chris Lehman / OPB
Sept. 23, 2016: Bud Pierce, Jeff Merkley On Wells Fargo
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The Republican candidate for Oregon governor is a political newcomer. Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley took part in the verbal dissection of Wells Fargo's CEO on Capitol Hill.
Gov. Kitzhaber speaks at Oracle Corp. in 2013.
Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB
Sept. 16, 2016: Oracle Settlement, Third Party Candidates
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Oracle and the state of Oregon reached a $100 million over Cover Oregon. Gov. Kate Brown has a new campaign manager. Motor Voter is boosting voter rolls.
Sept. 9, 2016: School Funding, Goat Yoga, New Oregon Voters Poll And More
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We look at new polling on the races for president and governor in Oregon, hear why Portland voters won't decide on a school funding bond this year and learn all about goat yoga.
A city sign posted at the entrance to a homeless camp on the Springwater Corridor bike path. Someone has spray painted it so it no longer reads "No Camping."
Amelia Templeton / OPB
Sept. 1, 2016: Homelessness Policy, Campaign Finance And More
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We dig into the policies designed to address the increasingly difficult homelessness problem in Portland and talk about why a state senator refused to meet with a constituent who was part of the armed occupation of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge earlier this year.
Former PPS Superintendent Carole Smith, left, with COO Tony Magliano, third from left, at Rose City Park in June. The district's lead crisis led to a rush to fill vacancies in the administration.
Amelia Templeton / OPB
Aug. 26, 2016: Marijuana, School Boards And Anti-Trump Republicans In Oregon
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Why are some Oregon Republicans distancing themselves from Donald Trump? When will Portland Public Schools find a new superintendent? And Oregon lawmakers are pushing to change marijuana policy.
Boyd Britton has been a Grant County Commissioner since 2004. He also owns a local welding business.
Amanda Peacher / OPB
Aug. 19, 2016: Presidential Politics, Recalls, Election Violations
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It's no secret many Oregon Republicans are uneasy about Donald Trump. Multiple rural Oregon communities held recall votes this week. Some allege violations in ballot measure campaigns.
Former PPS Superintendent Carole Smith, left, with COO Tony Magliano, third from left, at Rose City Park in June. The district's lead crisis led to a rush to fill vacancies in the administration.
Amelia Templeton / OPB
Aug. 12, 2016: Marijuana, Portland Schools, Oregon And Trump
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Oregon politicians are pushing to change state marijuana policy. Portland schools seek a new superintendent. Oregon Republicans are backing away from Donald Trump.
A city sign posted at the entrance to a homeless camp on the Springwater Corridor bike path. Someone has spray painted it so it no longer reads "No Camping."
Amelia Templeton / OPB
Aug. 5, 2016: Portland's Political Fallout Over Homelessness
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We consider the political fallout from the homelessness problem in Portland. We look at Gov. Kate Brown’s endorsement of Measure 97.
A tent along the Springwater Corridor Trail.
Amelia Templeton / OPB
July 29, 2016: DNC Wrapup, Politics Of Homelessness And More
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OPB Politics Now talks boos at the Democratic National Convention, then swings the focus to regional issues such as homelessness in Portland and Measure 97 (formerly IP28).
Allison Frost / OPB
July 28, 2016: Hillary Clinton Accepts Nomination
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Hillary Clinton took the stage for one of the most important speeches of her career on Thursday, accepting the Democratic nomination for president.
Allison Frost / OPB
July 27, 2016: President Obama Passes The Torch
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President Obama delivered his address to the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, calling on voters to "reject cynicism and reject fear" and vote for Hillary Clinton.
An anti-TPP delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Allison Frost / OPB
July 26, 2016: Bill Clinton, Kate Brown And TPP
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Bill Clinton made his pitch for his wife, Hillary Clinton, to the DNC. Plus, Gov. Kate Brown on statewide measures and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
A delegate takes a photo at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
David Miller / OPB
July 25, 2016: Bernie, Boos And Michelle At The RNC
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Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and senior political reporter Jeff Mapes discuss the action-packed and boo-filled first day of the DNC.
Allison Frost / OPB
July 24, 2016: Previewing The DNC
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On the first special episode of OPB Politics Now from the DNC, OPB Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes and Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller preview the first day of the convention in Philadelphia.
Bruno Carnovale, an 89-year-old World War II veteran, visits the Republican National Convention marketplace in Cleveland, July 20, 2016.
Julie Sabatier / OPB
July 22, 2016: RNC, PPS And The Washington State Ballot
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We get some perspective on the news out of the RNC, dig into the sudden retirement announcement from Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith, and learn about candidates on Washington state’s ballot.
July 21, 2016: Trump Salad At The RNC
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From the roof of the Quicken Loans Arena parking garage, Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and OPB's Political Reporter Jeff Mapes look at Donald Trump's acceptance speech in Cleveland through a Northwest lens.
July 20, 2016: Cruz, Pence And Breakfast With Brownback At The RNC
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Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and OPB's Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes react to speeches at the GOP Convention and highlight some Oregon connections to this national event.
Donald Trump Jr. gives his father the votes necessary to put him over the top at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
Dave Miller / OPB
July 19, 2016: Public Lands, Roll Call And More At The RNC
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From Cleveland's Progressive Field, Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and OPB's Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes discuss some highlights from Day 2 of the Republican National Convention.
July 18, 2016: Floor Skirmish, Melania And More At The RNC
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Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and OPB's Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes rehash some of the highlights from the first day of the Republican Convention in Cleveland.
A smoker takes a break outside the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
Julie Sabatier / OPB
July 17, 2016: Let The Republican Convention Begin
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Think Out Loud Host Dave Miller and Senior Political Reporter Jeff Mapes sit down for a quick chat in Cleveland the night before the Republican Convention begins.
July 15, 2016: Corporate Taxes, GOP Convention, Oil Trains
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Opponents of a corporate tax measure in Oregon are raising big money to defeat it this fall. And OPB is headed to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. We have your primer.
People show their anger at Thursday's "This Can't Be Justice" solidarity protest in wake of the killings of Philando Castille and Alton Sterling.
Shirley Chan / OPB
July 8, 2016: Police Shootings, Dallas, VP Rumors
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Fatal police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota coupled with the killing of multiple officers in Dallas elicited powerful response in Oregon and around the country. And could Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and Bernie Sanders supporter be Hillary Clinton's VP?
Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned in 2015 amid suspicion that his fiancee used her relationship with him to secure consulting contracts.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB
July 1, 2016: Retirement, Kitzhaber, Ballot Measures
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Why are public officials in the hot seat choosing retirement over resignation — and what's the difference? A Supreme Court ruling could affect the case against former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber. Ballot measures take aim at Oregon Dems.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said she will not debate Republican gubernatorial candidate Bud Pierce until September.
OPB
June 24, 2016: Oregon Gubernatorial Debates, Oil Trains
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Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced she will not debate Republican challenger Bud Pierce until September. An oil train derailment near Mosier has led many Oregon leaders to call for a federal moratorium on oil trains in the Columbia River Gorge.
People embrace prior to a vigil for victims of the attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando in Portland's Mississippi neighborhood on Friday, June 16, 2016.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
June 16, 2016: Oregon Reacts To Orlando Attack
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Oregon leaders respond to a deadly attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Critics pile on Oregon Gov. Kate Brown. An Oregon judge's ruling will allow for a "gender non-binary" designation at the DMV.
Cleanup efforts continued on Monday, June 6, 2016, at the site of an oil train derailment in Mosier, Oregon.
Conrad Wilson / OPB
June 10, 2016: Oil Trains, Testing For Lead And RNC Delegates
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An oil train derailed and caught fire in Mosier, Oregon, on June 3, prompting several Oregon political leaders to call for a moratorium on oil trains in the Columbia River Gorge.
A covered drinking fountain sits next to cases of bottled water at Llewellyn Elementary in Sellwood, in Southeast Portland.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
June 3, 2016: Lead In The Water, Paid Sick Leave
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Portland Public Schools discovered lead in the water systems at two of its schools — Creston and Rose City Park. After shutting off drinking water district-wide, PPS is dealing with the political fallout with some calling for the superintendent's resignation.
Portland Police Chief Larry O'Dea
Allison Frost / OPB
May 27, 2016: O'Dea's Long Week And Cover Oregon
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Portland Police Chief Larry O'Dea was placed on administrative leave after it was revealed he accidentally shot a friend during a hunting trip. Dueling reports question who is to blame in the notorious failure of Cover Oregon.
Bernie Sanders fans wave signs outside the new Bernie Sanders campaign headquarters in Portland on April 6, 2016.
Inger Klekacz / OPB
May 20, 2016: Mayoral Awkwardness, Novick's Runoff And Bernie's Big Win
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What does Bernie Sanders' Oregon win mean for his campaign? In Portland, mayor-elect Ted Wheeler got off to a quick start and City Commissioner Steve Novick now has a fall opponent: Chloe Eudaly.
Ted Wheeler celebrates his victory in the race to become Portland mayor at Blitz Ladd, a sports pub in Southeast Portland, on May 17, 2016.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
May 17, 2016: Pulling Apart Primary Results
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The Oregon primary is over, leaving Portland with a new mayor elect, Bernie Sanders with a few more delegates in his coffers, and candidates for Oregon statewide offices as good as set. Here's a look at what comes next.
May 13, 2016: Can Hillary Clinton Win Oregon?
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Despite Bernie Sanders' large crowds at several rallies across the state, new polling shows Hillary Clinton leading Sanders ahead of the Oregon primary. Plus, why is Donald Trump yelling the word "Oregon"?
Bernie Sanders raises his fist at his Portland rally on Friday, March 25, 2016.
Jason Bernert / OPB
May 6, 2016: Putting The Oregon Primary In Focus
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Oregon's primary election is May 17 and eyes will be on the Democratic presidential contest, where Bernie Sanders seeks a win over Hillary Clinton. Portland also votes for mayor and Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler could win the seat outright.