It was fun to spend a day at the McLeod-Skinner home in Crooked River Ranch last week to profile the only Central Oregonian running for federal office this year. It’s remarkable to think how long it has been that someone with Central Oregon ties has gone to Washington, D.C., to represent us constituents.

Former U.S. Rep. Greg Walden is from Hood River, which I guess some could classify as “Central Oregon.” But if you can see Washington State from your downtown, I’d have to disagree — that can’t be considered “central.” So if you don’t count Walden and make it clear you are limiting just to the “High Desert” of Central Oregon, you’d have to go back to Wes Cooley of Alfalfa, who served from 1995-1997 to have a local voice wandering the hallowed halls of Capital Hill.

The only other Central Oregonian to lead Oregon’s sprawling 2nd Congressional District — which most of Central Oregon has been in since statehood — was John N. Williamson of Prineville all the way back in 1902. He also served for just two years. It’s kind of remarkable how politicians from Eastern and Southern Oregon have dominated the seat that has long represented rural Oregon.

On the Senate side, both parties have centered on candidates from Portland and its environs. Though again, Eastern and Southern Oregon have claims to more recent U.S. senators than Central Oregon does.

It’s a reminder of the growing influence of Central Oregon in state politics and Oregon in national politics. We’ve gained an additional representative in his upcoming election, which means the districts are smaller and Central Oregon has a bigger voice. That voice is only going to get louder as our cities continue to grow and our boxes get filled with more and more ballots.

So vote!

—– 

In honor of Veterans Day, the Spokesman is giving away free “Honor Your Veteran” ads that will appear in the next edition of the Spokesman. To submit, click here. The deadline to order is Wednesday, November 2. Order now and give the veterans in your life the recognition they deserve — FREE. 

As always, we couldn’t do this without you. News gathering is a community endeavor. If you are interested in subscribing, try us out at a special rate by clicking here. Or try a free month-long digital trial by clicking here. And feel free to send us tips or ideas anytime.

To reach our newsroom, stop by from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 361 SW Sixth. Or give us a call at 541-548-3203 or email news@redmondspokesman.com.

-Tim Trainor is editor of the Redmond Spokesman.