PORTLAND, Ore.—In a solidly blue state that hasn’t elected a Republican to a statewide office since 2002, the only major partisan race this year that doesn’t have political observers yawning is for Oregon secretary of state.
The position is Oregon’s second-most powerful behind the governor, and its critical role in government affairs—elections, voter registration, auditing various state agencies, corporation filings, etc.—has an impact on the daily lives of Oregonians. Yet, the state secretary and the less-than-titillating duties often skirt the limelight and public understanding.
But with voting rights and government accountability among the top election issues this year—some of the two biggest areas handled by the secretary of state—the post has drawn five prominent candidates in what’s considered the most contested statewide race.
