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 parties. 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 Patti Adair, who is running for Deschutes County Commissioner Position 1.Adair has a background in business and has served on various local boards and committees. She believes that being an independent candidate allows her to focus on the needs of the community without being influenced by party politics.
The Impact of Third-Party and Independent Candidates
While third-party and independent candidates may not have as much support or resources as the two main political parties, they can still have an impact on the election. These candidates often bring new ideas and perspectives to the table, which can spark important discussions and debates. In some cases, third-party or independent candidates may also act as spoilers, taking votes away from one of the major parties. This can potentially affect the outcome of an election, especially in close races. Furthermore, the presence of third-party and independent candidates can also bring attention to important issues that may not have been addressed by the major parties.This can lead to a more diverse and inclusive political landscape, where the voices of all citizens are heard.
