The Bridge by OR360

Kathleen Stuart on winning campaigns and public official compensation | EP 124

Kathleen Stuart has held many of the top jobs in the Oregon Democratic campaign world--deputy director for the Senate Democratic Leadership Fund, Executive Director for FuturePAC, and head of the Democratic coordinated campaign effort in 2018 (where Gov. Kate Brown won by 6 points). She now owns her own firm, Stuart Collective, and was recently selected as one of the Portland Business Journal's 40 under 40.
 
In this episode, we talk about Kathleen's relatively rapid promotions in the political world, and her career trajectory from private sector public relations to politics. We cover how caucus campaign committees work, and what the "coordinate campaign" does. We also talk about compensation for public officials (legislators, judges, and statewide officials) and her recent piece in the Oregon Way called: "Where can Oregon step up to support women serving in office?". For more information on Kathleen, you can visit: www.stuartcollective.co
 

Freshmen legislators on being a mom and winning swing seats | EP 123

Rep. Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone) and Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Bend) are freshmen legislators first elected in 2022.
They represent two swing districts (sometimes called “purple” seats) — Hartman in Clackamas County and Levy in Central Oregon (you can listen to our interview with then-candidate Levy here). They are also both relatively young legislators, and moms of young children. In this episode, we discuss the impact of running for office and public service on family, what it’s like running in ultra-competitive districts, and the policy wins they are most proud of.

Charles Lehman On Portland’s Drug Crisis | EP 122

Charles Lehamn is a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a prominent center-right think tank that focuses on urban and city-related issues. The organization gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s for brainstorming the "broken windows" theory and creating the policy blueprint for Republican New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Charles recently took a trip to Portland to examine the impact of Measure 110 and detailed his thoughts in a City Journal piece that we link to below and discuss the episode. We also dive into more technical issues such as defining what certain drugs like Fentanyl actually are, the hard statistics around Measure 110 and its outcomes, the differences between legalization and decriminalization and a host of other issues. This episode is also meant to give listeners the opposing view of the folks over at the Drug Policy Alliance who helped to pass Measure 110 (you can listen to that episode by clicking here).

What Oregon leaders can learn about battling corruption from the Truman Committee, with Steve Drummond | EP 121

The Watchdog, a brilliant book by NPR senior editor Steve Drummond covering the Truman Committee's oversight of the defense buildup and war production effort of World War II, begins in Portland, Oregon. The book chronicles Harry S. Truman before he became president--his development from a junior senator from Missouri without much power, recognition, or stature to the Vice President of the United States (and, just a few months later, President). 
 
The Truman Committee is a case study on effective government oversight. Ultimately, the Committee saved billions of dollars, prevented countless American deaths, and helped the United States win World War II -- and the Committee is undoubtedly what launched Truman from political obscurity to political powerhouse. In this episode, we discuss the lessons that today's leaders can learn about fighting corruption from Harry Truman and the Truman Committee.

John Frohnmayer on polarization, ethics, and why third party candidates fail | EP 120

John Frohnmayer served as the fifth chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. He has held numerous civic leadership roles and briefly ran as an Independent candidate for the United States Senate in 2008 (the election where Jeff Merkley defeated incumbent Senator Gordon Smith). Frohnmayer is the author of seven books, including memoirs from his saga leading the NEA during a particularly turbulent time that still impacts contemporary politics ("Behind the right’s loathing of the NEA: Two ‘despicable’ exhibits almost 30 years ago" from the Washington Post). His latest book is a novel, Blood and Faith, and a sequel will be released shortly.
 
In this episode, we talk about what it was like growing up as Frohnmayer alongside his brother (future Attorney General Dave). We talk about the role of athletics in his life (and his thoughts on the PAC-12 shake-up), and the confusion of being a young person who isn't quite sure what they want to do. We also talk about him getting "canned" from the NEA, the first amendment, polarization, ethics, and what we might do to make our politics work better.

Will Lathrop is the first Republican candidate to declare for Oregon’s Attorney General race | EP 119

Will Lathrop is running for the position of Oregon's Attorney General. In this episode Reagan and Will discuss his top priorities as a candidate as well as his perspective on some of Oregon's most hot button issues including Measure 110, Measure 11, and non-unanimous jury verdicts. Lathrop has an extensive background as a prosecutor and believes that solving the 'drug crisis' in Oregon should be a top priority for the AG, as well as Government corruption and crime.
To follow Lathrop's campaign visit: https://www.willlathrop.com/ 

Author Marc Johnson on how Mansfield and Dirksen used political power to solve big problems in turbulent times | EP118

Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and Minority Leader Everett Dirksen, with opposing parties, leadership styles, and personalities, were two of the most impactful figures in America in the 1960s. During a period of political turmoil--global superpowers on the brink of nuclear war, the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK Jr., war, and racial strife--two men from different parties shepherded monumental legislation (the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the Great Society, etc.) through the Senate with bipartisan consensus. How did they pull it off?
 
In this episode, we talk with author and historian Marc Johnson about these two men, their leadership styles, their relationship with each other (and with Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson), and their accomplishments. Importantly, though, we talk about whether or not it's possible in today's political environment to do what they did the way they did it. We talk about the lessons that political leaders, including those in Oregon politics, can learn from these two men--and how specifically their approach might have been fundamentally different than most politicians' today. 
 
If you enjoy The Oregon Bridge podcast, you will love this book ("Mansfield and Dirksen: Bipartisan Giants of the Senate"). For young people who have only ever known a dysfunctional Congress, it's a beautiful portrait of two fascinating leaders who guided the US Senate during turbulent times. For everyone, it's a reminder of what's possible when exceptional leaders use political power to solve big problems.

The Scramble for Statewide Office | EP 117

Ben and Reagan are giving the rundown on who you might expect to be in the running for Oregon state-wide positions of Attorney General, State Treasurer, and Secretary of State in the 2024 election cycle. 
For more information check out the article here and be sure to subscribe to the Liftoff weekly newsletter : 
https://theoregonway.substack.com/p/the-liftoff-the-scramble-for-statewide
 

Portland City Commissioner Mingus Mapps is running for Mayor! | EP 116

This week the Oregon Bridge is welcoming back Portland City Commissioner Mingus Mapps who has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Portland! In this episode Mapps lays out his optimistic outlook for the future of the city of Portland, as ell as shed some light on the current structure of the city council and the ways in which the city's governance is expected to change in the coming years. 
 
You can check out our previous conversation with Mapps here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E468Vpotf0

Introducing Reagan’s Candidate Tracker | EP 115

Host Reagan Knopp is bringing the candidate tracker to OR360 subscribers! The candidate tracker will be updating subscribers with real time information about new candidates as they declare and/or make changes to their campaign trail. Be sure to check out the tracker here: https://theoregonway.substack.com/p/or360-launches-candidate-tracker
And also be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3t7BqGHYlwrGo2pYX_-W4Q
 

What it’s like to be a Republican National Committeeman with Solomon Yue | EP 114

Solomon Yue is a long-time Republican Party official and Oregon's Republican National Committeeman (RNC). Escaping from Communist China during Mao's cultural revolution, Yue found himself as an immigrant to the US by way of Alaska before ending up in Oregon. Once in Oregon, he slowly began to rise through the ranks eventually culminating in to the peak of GOP influence as a Republican National Committeeman. 
 
Solomon walks us through his time upbringing including his time in a Chinese re-education camp, how being an immigrant shaped his views on politics and policy, and what it's like in a day-to-day capacity as an RNC. We also talk about the Oregon GOP and changes that Solomon would like to see with the party going forward. Solomon also shares his take on a number of newsy topics -- such as the 2024 Republican presidential primary and if he thinks Trump will skip the first debate. 

What the life and legacy of Steve ”Pre” Prefontaine mean to Oregon with Tom Jordan | EP 113

Steve "Pre" Prefontaine is an Oregon legend. Pre was charismatic, controversial, magnetic, gritty, outspoken, and iconic. One of the most talented athletes in Oregon history, Pre was a runner on Bill Bowerman and Bill Delinger's track team at the University of Oregon. He grew up in Coos Bay (which helped shape who he was) and was on the cover of Sports Illustrated by the time he was 18. He was the first athlete ever paid to wear Nike shoes. Pre's life was cut short in a tragic and somewhat mysterious car accident when he was 24-years-old on Skyline Boulevard in Eugene--his death remains the source of conspiracy theories and unanswered questions over 50 years later. 
 
In this episode we talk to Tom Jordan, a giant in the Oregon Track and Field world in his own right, who directed the Prefontaine Classic for 37 years--and who literally wrote the book on Pre. We discuss Pre's life--his childhood in Coos Bay, his swagger as an athlete, his battles against the AAU, his relationship with Nike, the legendary 1972 Olympics, and his untimely death. As a former athlete, reporter, and a contemporary of Pre's, Tom had a front-row seat for many of Pre's accomplishments. We conclude by talking about Pre's legacy and why he matters to Oregon. 

The ”Three Act Play” of the 2023 Legislative Session | EP 112

The 2023 Legislative Session is officially over! After a six-month rollercoaster ride, the legislature adjourned on Sunday, June 25 (the absolute last day possible!). 
 
In this episode, we offer a framework for how to think about the session (a three act play!)--and we also cover some of the major pieces of legislation and budget investments that were passed. We talk about the constitutional referrals (elected official compensation, ranked choice voting, and impeachment) and some of the more highly-publicized bills (e.g. "the potato bill" and self-serve gas). We also discuss what bipartisanship looked like in a politically fraught legislative session (which might surprise you). 

Explaining the ”Greater Idaho” Movement with Matt McCaw | EP 111

Matt McCaw is the spokesman for Greater Idaho, a grassroots organization seeking to allow Idaho to absorb a number of rural Oregon counties. The organization was started a number of years ago in response to the urban-rural divide and what Matt explains are irreconcilable  differences politically and culturally between different parts of the state. Greater Idaho has gained significant international and national media attraction including write ups in the New York Times, CNN, and other major publications.
 
Matt walks us through exactly what the Greater Idaho movement is, why folks like him are pushing for this proposal, and his political reasoning for the cause -- some of which are certain to surprise listeners. He also walks us through the course of action it would take to redraw state borders, resolutions different counties have passed supporting the measure, and common questions he gets. This is an episode you won't want to miss. 

The unsolved murder of an Oregon state agency leader | EP 110

Michael Francke, then the head of the Oregon Department of Corrections, was murdered at work in 1989. The case is both fascinating and disturbing. We know that Francke uncovered corruption within the agency. We know that he was scheduled to testify before a key legislative committee the next morning. We know that Frank Gable, who was prosecuted and convicted of the murder, has been exonerated--and that Francke's family believed Gable was innocent all along. But, three decades later, we still don't know who killed Michael Francke--or why they did it. 
 
In this episode, we talk to three guests who are experts on the case: Kevin Francke (Michael's brother), Phil Stanford (a journalist who covered the story for decades), and Lauren Bright Pacheco, the host of "Murder in Oregon" about the case. We cover the basics of the case and jump into the controversy, intrigue, characters, and the many unsolved mysteries. Importantly, we discuss why this case still matters today--and why we should all care about justice for Michael and the Francke family. Finally, we talk about what should happen next. 
 
We highly recommend the "Murder in Oregon" podcast, a twelve-episode series that features interviews with Nigel Jaquiss, former Oregon State Treasurer Jim Hill, former State Rep. Chuck Sides, journalist Jim Redden, and many more. You can listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

What politicos need to know about psilocybin with Nate Howard | EP 109

Nathan "Nate" Howard is an entrepreneur, activist, and political strategist. Having cut his teeth as Deputy Campaign Manager and then a Senior Advisor to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, Nate has also worked on some of the most influential ballot measures in Oregon history to include Measure 109 and Measure 110. Measure 109 made Oregon the first state in the country to legalize and regulate Psilocybin services for medical purposes -- an experiment that pro and anti legalization policy wonks are watching closely.  Nate walks us through his background in further detail, the ins-and-outs of psilocybin, and where he sees the ballot initiative taking the state including the ups and downs. 

How do we restore a sense of safety in Portland? Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt | EP 108

Mike Schmidt is an accomplished attorney and public servant currently serving as the District Attorney of Oregon. With a strong commitment to justice and fairness, Schmidt has made significant contributions to the legal system throughout his career.
Born and raised in Oregon, he possesses an intimate understanding of the community's needs and has dedicated himself to creating a safer and more equitable society. Having earned his Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark Law School, where he developed a deep passion for criminal justice reform, Schmidt recognized the systemic flaws within the legal system and sought to address them through innovative approaches and progressive policies. Before assuming the role of District Attorney, Mike was a TFA teacher in New Orleans, and then worked as a prosecutor in the District Attorney's office before staffing the Judiciary Committee, and becoming the Executive Director of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. This experience provided him with invaluable insight into the challenges faced by marginalized individuals and the pressing need for criminal justice reform.
As the District Attorney of Oregon, Schmidt has spearheaded a groundbreaking approach to criminal justice that emphasizes restorative justice and community engagement. He understands that the traditional punitive methods of prosecution often perpetuate cycles of crime and fail to address the underlying causes. Instead, Schmidt seeks to implement programs that prioritize rehabilitation, reducing recidivism rates, and giving individuals the opportunity to reintegrate into society successfully.
Schmidt has actively worked towards fostering trust and transparency between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, and has implemented measures to increase police accountability, promote racial equity, and minimize the unjust targeting and prosecution of marginalized communities, and is recognized as a progressive leader within the legal community.
to learn more about his campaign for 2024 visit: https://mikeschmidtforda.com/
 

Who will be the next Secretary of State? | EP 107

The Oregon politics community is abuzz with questions and theories about the vacancy in the Secretary of State’s office. In this episode, we discuss the role and its significance in state government. We discuss the complex political dynamics of the vacancy and the process for how the position is filled (and the requirements for who can fill it). We also cover the potential candidates and the public statements that have been made by the Governor and other political leaders. Finally, we offer some historical context of how previous vacancies have been filled—and what that might say about this vacancy.

The role of effective communication in Oregon politics with Kristina Edmunson | EP 106

Kristina Edmunson is a seasoned communications professional with a wealth of experience in the field. She is best known for her role as the former Communications Director for Oregon's Attorney General, Ellen Rosenblum. Throughout her tenure, Kristina demonstrated exceptional skills in strategic communication, media relations, and public affairs, contributing significantly to the successful implementation of the Attorney General's agenda.
With a keen understanding of the complexities of legal matters and their impact on communities, Kristina played a pivotal role in shaping the public image of the Attorney General's office. Her expertise in crafting clear and compelling messaging helped to effectively communicate the office's initiatives, priorities, and accomplishments to various stakeholders, including the public, media outlets, and government agencies.During her time as Communications Director, Kristina demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. She skillfully navigated challenging issues and crisis situations, working closely with the Attorney General's team to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information while maintaining public trust.
Kristina's ability to forge strong relationships with journalists and media professionals proved instrumental in securing positive media coverage for the Attorney General's office. Her strategic media outreach efforts ensured that important legal developments, consumer protection initiatives, and other key announcements received the attention they deserved.
Prior to her role with the Attorney General's office, Kristina honed her communication skills in various positions within the public and private sectors. Kristina holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies, with a focus on strategic communication and public relations. She continues to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field, recognizing the ever-evolving nature of effective communication in today's digital age.
In this episode we take a deeper dive into the role of communications in Oregon's political climate and the threats currently being posed to the field of journalism and the impact that can have on the democratic process.

What political leaders need to know about childbirth and maternal health, with Rebecca Grant

Rebecca Grant is a freelance journalist based in Portland, Oregon, who covers reproductive rights, health, and justice. She recently published a book called "Birth: Three Mothers, Nine Months, and Pregnancy in America" that follows three women in Oregon through the course of their pregnancies. Grant's work has appeared in NPR, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and many other other publications. She has received grants and fellowships from the International Women’s Media Foundation, the International Reporting Project, and The Investigative Fund. 
 
While abortion often dominates the political discourse on reproductive health in the United States, there are many other critical facets. In this episode, we talk about maternal health outcomes, racial disparities in medical treatment, the tension between OBGYNs and midwives, why hospital births are so dominant (compared to birth centers and home births), and how miscarriages became stigmatized--and why that might be changing. 
 
Links:
Learn more about "Birth" (signed copies available at Powell's!)
Rebecca Grant's website

Why the 1990 election changed Oregon forever, with Jeff Mapes | EP 104

Jeff Mapes is a legendary Oregon political reporter. He spent over 30 years with The Oregonian and retired working for Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB). He covered dozens of gubernatorial, congressional, and legislative elections in Oregon and had a front row seat to the changing political dynamics of this state. He also wrote and produced an acclaimed podcast called "Growing Oregon" about land use planning in Oregon. If you enjoy The Oregon Bridge, we highly recommend Growing Oregon. 
 
In this episode, we talk about Jeff's storied career as a reporter: how he got started, how the state and political parties have changed, and key figures who made an impact along the way. We talk about land use planning, both historically and in the context of today's political debates.
 
We spend the bulk of the episode talking about one of the most impactful and fascinating elections in Oregon political history. In 1990, Barbara Roberts shattered Oregon's glass ceiling by becoming the first woman ever elected governor, defeating moderate Republican Attorney General Dave Frohnmayer, and independent candidate Al Mobley, who ran as a staunch conservative. We talk about what made the race so unique, and two other election issues in 1990 that still reverberate today: Measure 5 (property tax limits) and the spotted owl. 

What’s next in criminal justice justice reform, with Justin Low | EP 103

Justin Low is an investigative researcher for the Oregon Justice Resource Center (OJRC). OJRC is an organization focused on promoting civil rights and improving legal representation for historically underserved communities; they have been major proponents for criminal justice reform in Oregon.
 
Justin grew up in Oregon City and was raised in an immigrant Filipino-Chinese household. He attended the University of Portland and graduated with a BA in Political Science and Psychology. After college, Justin went on to work as a paralegal/litigation assistant, a campaign manager for state and local races, and a legislative assistant in the Oregon State Legislature. He recently earned his master's degree in Criminal Justice from USC. 
 
In this episode, we talk about some important issues in criminal justice reform in Oregon that are likely to be hot topics--and why they matter to advocates.

How a Pro-Gun Group Stopped Oregon’s Measure 114 | EP 102

Monte Bowen is the Pacific Regional Director for Gun Owners of America (GOA), an influential gun-rights organization based in Washington, D.C., with a presence across the country.  Monte served in law enforcement for 30 years and has extensive experience with the criminal justice system, firearm training, and police tactics. He joins us to talk about GOA's lawsuit that effectively halted Measure 114 after it was passed by Oregon voters via ballot measure in 2022. We also dive into other topics such as school safety, hand-gun bans, background checks, and open carry laws and rules. Want the other side of the debate as well?
Check out our episode below with Moms Demand Action.

Jules Bailey on the future of Portland--and why the bottle bill still matters | EP 101

Jules Bailey is a former Oregon State Representative and former Multnomah County Commissioner. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC). Bailey ran for Portland Mayor in 2016 and remains a civic leader through his role at OBRC and as board chair for the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and a board member for the Portland Business Alliance. 
 
In this episode, we talk about why he ran for office and his time in the legislature (and some of his colleagues at the time, including Arnie Roblan and Peter Buckley). We cover his stint as a Commissioner (including the challenges/limitations of that role) and why he decided to run for Mayor of Portland in 2016 against Ted Wheeler. We ask Bailey what he thinks about the state of Portland today and get his thoughts on Portland's new form of government. Finally, we cover Bailey's work today with OBRC. We talk about the origin of Oregon's innovative, nation-leading bottle bill, how it's changed over time, and why it still matters today. 
 
For more information about OBRC, check out their website: https://obrc.com/

Celebrating 100 Episodes of The Oregon Bridge Podcast! | EP 100

On our 100th episode, we first and foremost want to say thank you. Thank you for listening, thank you for subscribing, and thank you for sharing this podcast with friends and colleagues. We recently surpassed 60,000 listens (!)—far greater than we expected for our niche podcast. To our listeners, guests, and sponsors: thank you for supporting us. On this episode, we reveal the top five most watched episodes on YouTube and the top five most listened to episodes on podcast platforms. Ben shares some of his favorite episodes—and discusses the trade-offs of interviewing elected officials. Finally, we cover what you can expect from the future of the pod, and opportunities to be engaged.

Dave Frohnmayer, Rajneeshees, PERS, and the changing legal field with Harrang Long P.C. | EP 99

Bob Steringer is the firm president of Harrang Long P.C. and Bill Gary is the firm's senior trial attorney (and former Solicitor General of the State of Oregon). Both are well-respected attorneys with deep experience in Oregon politics, law, and government. Harrang Long P.C. is Oregon360 Media's first advertising partner, and in this episode we discuss the firm's interesting position at the intersection of law, business, and policy--and what their future looks like. 
 
Gary was Dave Frohnmayer's chief deputy when he served as Oregon's Attorney General; Steringer was an intern of Frohnmayer's 1990 gubernatorial run--both worked with him at Harrang Long P.C. later in Frohnmayer's career. They reflect on who Frohnmayer was and what made him a unique and consequential figure in Oregon history. We also talk about the Rajneeshees--a complicated and high-profile issue that Gary navigated in the AG's office. You may have seen Gary in the popular netflix documentary "Wild, Wild Country". In this episode, he discusses that experience and tells some mind-blowing stories from a wild period in Oregon politics.
 
To learn more about Harrang Long P.C., visit their website: https://harrang.com/
 
More links: 
Dave Frohnmayer's prescient "New Tribalism" speech/essay
Bob Steringer on Twitter: @SteringerLaw 
Netflix documentary on Rajneeshee Movement: Wild, Wild Country

Metro Councilor Juan Gonzalez offers a framework for navigating complex challenges | EP 98

Juan Carlos Gonzalez is the Metro Councilor for District 4 (which includes parts of Beaverton, Bethany, Aloha, Bonny Slope, Raleigh Hills, West Slope, Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills, Hillsboro, Cornelius and Forest Grove). When he was sworn in, he made history as the youngest and first elected Latino Metro Councilor in the history of Metro.
 
Juan brings an interesting and thoughtful perspective to complex questions: in this episode, we cover land use planning, equity in decision making, semiconductors, housing supply, and transportation infrastructure. We also cover sports and the role of athletics and outdoor recreation in Oregon's economy. We enjoyed chatting with Juan because he's transparent in how he thinks about challenging questions and acknowledges tradeoffs inherent in public policy.
 
To learn more about Juan, find him on social media or at Metro.

Professor Rohan Grey is an Oregonian making waves in Washington and Wall Street | EP 97

Professor Rohan Grey is an Oregonian making waves in Washington and Wall Street -- all from his office at Willamette Law School. A professor of economics and financial regulation, Grey is one of the leading proponents of the "mint the coin" theory which advocates that the US government mint a trillion dollar coin to stop a potential default between Republicans and Democrats in Washington. Grey also discusses his fascinating career background, his theory behind money and the creation of it, and a lot more in this episode. Here's a link to a New York Times article discussing further about some of Grey's beliefs and the coin theory: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/02/business/trillion-dollar-coin-debt-ceiling.html

Mayor David Drotzmann has a clear view on solving the urban rural divide | EP 96

In this episode, Hermiston Mayor David Drotzmann explains why one size fits all policy solutions don’t always work for rural Oregon, the challenges of small town politics, and how nonpartisan local government can help solve for the new era of partisan divisions. 

What does the Governor’s Chief of Staff do? With Nik Blosser | EP 95

Nik Blosser has held jobs at the highest levels of the state and federal government. He served at Gov. Kate Brown's Chief of Staff for over three years, and then went on to serve as Deputy Cabinet Secretary and Special Assistant to President Joe Biden. Recently, he returned to Oregon to work as vice president for public policy, communications and public affairs at PGE.
 
In this episode, we ask Nik about what the Governor's chief of staff actually does--and how they navigate the challenging decisions that fall on their desk. We revisit some of the most difficult moments of the Kate Brown Administration, including COVID-19 and wildfires. We also ask Nik about what it's like working at the federal level. As you might have expected, there is also some time spent on fun stories from earlier days of Oregon politics. 

The profound legacy of Governor Vic Atiyeh with Jim Moore | EP 94

Jim Moore is a well-known political commentator and the Director of Political Outreach for the Tom McCall Center for Civic Engagement at Pacific University. Moore also recently completed a soon-to-be released biography of Vic Atiyeh, the 32nd Governor of Oregon.
This episode centers on Atiyeh’s tenure as Governor and some of the lasting impacts of his administration. We cover how he managed through crisis (including the largest bioterrorism attack in US history and the Rajneeshee crisis in Wasco County) and the ways his legacy are still felt today. Moore helps us think through the similarities and differences between our current political environment (and current Governor) with Atiyeh and his tenure.
Atiyeh was a special man who led Oregon during a challenging and fascinating period of history.

Are non-affiliated voters being disenfranchised? A potential path to ending closed primaries with Michael Calcagno | EP 93

Michael Calcagno joins The Oregon Bridge to talk about All Oregon Votes. The ballot measure seeks to end partisan primaries, a proposal that has failed in the past. Michael talks about why this time could be different. 

Why Tom McCall still matters: A conversation with Brent Walth | EP 92

Brent Walth is one of Oregon's most decorated journalists. Now a professor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, he previously worked as a reporter for the Register Guard, Willamette Week, and The Oregonian. In 2000, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and in 2001, he won the prize, along with three colleagues at The O.
 
Walth is the author of Fire at Eden's Gate: Tom McCall and the Oregon Story, one of the best books about Oregon ever written. It tells the story of the man who may be the most influential governor in modern Oregon history: Tom McCall. McCall was a giant personality with an outsized impact on the state. He is best remembered for a series of groundbreaking environmental policies, including Oregon's public beach bill, the bottle bill, the Willamette River cleanup, and--perhaps most relevant today--Oregon's land use planning system.
 
Here's the thesis: if you want to understand contemporary Oregon politics, you have to understand Tom McCall and his legacy. Most governors that followed McCall have tried, in some way, to emulate his image, oratory, style, or policy impact. A progressive Republican, McCall helped establish Oregon's identity as a place with independent spirit and a heart for environmental protection. He helped build our reputation as place where innovation and creative policy-making happens.
 
McCall was not perfect. He cold be thin-skinned, had a quick temper, and craved the validation of voters. But he also consistently stood up to powerful interests and always spoke his mind--and no one loved Oregon more than Tom McCall. In this episode with McCall's biographer, we discuss his lasting legacy--and why he still matters today.

How Greg Walden almost didn’t go to Congress | EP 91

Greg Walden is a giant in Oregon politics. In this episode Congressman Walden dishes on his 11 terms in Congress, what it was like serving alongside four Presidents in 22 years. He also shares the story about how he almost didn’t run for congress.

Conservative journalist Matthew Foldi gives the insider scoop on Kevin McCarthy’s Speaker Race and the GOP Congress | EP 90

Matthew (Matt) Foldi is a conservative journalist and activist with a plethora of political experience at the national and local level. He is one of the youngest elected officials in Chicago history, served as the Rapid Response Director for Speaker the House Republican Super PAC, and ran for Congress in 2022 with -- garnering endorsements from GOP heavyweights like Donald Trump Jr. and Speaker Kevin McCarthy.We bring in Matt to give us a rundown in terms of why the GOP red wave failed to materialize, an inside look on Rep. Kevin McCarthy's historic vote to take the House Gavel. Matt also discusses what the GOP Congress has in store for 2022 and 2024 and gives his insights into when candidates on the GOP side of the aisle will begin announcing for President.

How to think about Oregon’s housing and homelessness crisis with John Tapogna | EP 89

How to think about Oregon’s housing and homelessness crisis with John Tapogna
John Tapogna is a well-respected figure in the Oregon policy scene. He served as president of ECONorthwest, a prominent economic consulting firm, from 2009-2021. He now serves as a Senior Policy Advisor. Previously, John worked for U.S. Congressional Budget Office and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Chile.This episode is about a recent paper that ECONorthwest published called “Postcard from the Future: What Portland can learn from the implementation of Los Angeles’s Measure H?”We hope this provides a framework for thinking about housing and homelessness policy issues that the state must grapple with. In the first half, we talk about which specific interventions are most effective (and which aren’t)—and in the second half, we talk about the six specific recommendations for policymakers to avoid the missteps from LA’s measure.

The wild story of when Kate Brown and Peter Courtney ran against each other, with guest Rick Metsger | EP 88

Rick Metsger served for a decade in the Oregon State Senate before being nominated by President Barack Obama to serve on the board of the National Credit Union Administration. In this episode, we talk briefly about Rick's tenure as a State Senator and about the vetting process he went through before being appointed to his post in the Obama Administration.
The bulk of the episode is Rick telling the wild story of the time when Kate Brown, then-Senate Democratic Leader, competed with then-Senator Peter Courtney for the position of Senate President. The caucus election had a significant, long-lasting impact on Oregon's political landscape for decades--including setting Kate Brown on the path to the governorship.
Rick was a member of the Senate Democratic Caucus at the time of this election. He interviewed 15 former colleagues in the Senate (Democrats and Republicans) before writing an essay that reveals the behind-the-scenes dynamics that ultimately led to Peter Courtney's ascension to the Senate Presidency--a role he held for two decades. We also ask him about why he chose to reveal this story publicly today (including conversations in Caucus Meetings, which were considered confidential).

The State of Gun Safety Policy w/ Moms Demand Action Chapter Leader Hilary Uhlig | EP 87

Hilary Uhlig is the volunteer Oregon Chapter Leader of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, an organization that advocates for gun safety legislation. Moms Demand Action, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and Students Demand Action are three component groups of Everytown for Gun Safety, a national nonprofit. 
 
In this episode we talk about the state of gun safety in Oregon, including the passage of Measure 114, a significant (and controversial) ballot measure that creates a new permitting system for gun ownership and bans the sale of magazines over ten rounds. We talk about how the measure works and the current legal challenges that are playing out in court. We also talk about some major policies that have passed recently in Oregon and what policies the organization is working toward moving forward.

Nigel Jaquiss tells the most shocking story in modern Oregon political history | EP 86

Nigel Jaquiss is one of the top political reporters in Oregon. He has helped the Willamette Week, an alternative newspaper, punch above its weight class in breaking multiple major political stories over the last 25 years. Before entering journalism, Nigel worked as a crude oil trader on Wall Street--in this episode he talks about why he made a significant career change, his view on the role of journalism in politics, and how his role at WW has changed over time. 
 
We also talk about the story that won him the Pulitzer Prize in 2005: one of the most shocking stories in modern Oregon political history. Nigel broke the news of former Governor Neil Goldschmidt's repeated sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl in a dramatic, horrifying story called "The 30-Year Secret". Our younger listeners are likely not familiar with this story, so we asked Nigel to re-tell it and explain its significance for a younger audience. Our older listeners may have forgotten some of the jaw-dropping details. 
 
There is no contemporary equivalent in Oregon politics to Neil Goldschmidt in power or stature. He was Portland mayor, a cabinet secretary in the Carter Administration, and a popular governor. Even after he left office, he wielded tremendous political power, as Nigel describes in the podcast. Exposing his sexual abuse rocked the political world and changed Oregon politics forever. 
 
In this episode, we do not cover the woman who was raped by Goldschmidt as a young teenager, Elizabeth Lynn Dunham. Dunham's name was withheld by WW until she died in 2011. To learn about who she was and the troubled, heartbreaking life she lived--and the lifelong impact of Goldschmidt's abuse--we recommend you read her obituary (also by Jaquiss).

Republican Recap, Jimmy, Alex and Regan debrief the 2022 election cycle | EP 85

Jimmy Crumpacker returns to the Oregon Bridge to break down the 2022 election, highlighting everything from homelessness, and crime in Portland to crypto to commodities. 
Folks may remember Jimmy Crumpacker as a candidate for Oregon's 2nd Congressional District in 2020, running as a staunchly conservative Republican (he had a popular ad that labeled him as a "Trumpbacker") to replace retiring Congressman Greg Walden. In a tight four-way race, he finished behind eventual winner Congressman Cliff Bentz, Knute Buehler, and Jason Atkinson. 
 

Gratitude from The Oregon Bridge podcast (and a sports teaser) | EP 84

It's the week after Thanksgiving, and we're taking a break from politics! This week, Ben and Reagan offer some thoughts on what they're grateful for, metrics on how the podcast is doing, highlights from their Thanksgiving, news from the weekend's sporting events, and a few other hot topics. 
 
To all of our listeners, viewers, and supporters--thank you. We love creating this podcast and we're grateful for your continued support. 

Why did the red wave miss Oregon? An election debrief with John Horvick | EP 83

John Horvick is one of the top pollsters in Oregon. In this episode, John provides expert analysis to help explain the results of the election—and the implications for Oregon’s future. We talk about why the red wave didn’t hit Oregon, how national factors impacted Oregon results, the importance of candidate quality, and bright spots for both parties. We cover the governor’s race, congressional races, the legislature, and what the results from Portland mean about how voters are feeling. 
As always, we highly recommend following John on Twitter for poll results, political analysis, and interesting historical comparisons: @Horvick. 

The government’s role in growing Oregon’s news ecosystem, with the Agora Journalism Center | EP 82

This week’s guests are Regina Lawrence and Andrew DeVigal from the Agora Journalism Center at the University of Oregon. We talk about the state of Oregon’s news and information ecosystem—and some of the innovative ideas from across the state. This conversation is about journalism, but specifically for a more politics-focused audience. 
If you haven’t yet, we highly recommend you read Agora’s recent report (or at least the Executive Summary!): Assessing Oregon’s Local News & Information Ecosystem 2022. Oregon’s information ecosystem plays a huge role in our politics—if you care about a healthy civic culture, you should care about access to state and local news.

Secretary Shemia Fagan on election integrity and how Oregon counts ballots | EP 81

This week, we are excited to have Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan as our guest! We all knew that there were going to be many close races this election--from the top of the ticket on down, so we thought it was important for our listeners to understand how Oregon's election system works. In this episode, Secretary Fagan explains her role and the protocols that county elections follow to ensure ballots are counted accurately. We also discuss what she sees as the greatest threat to election integrity in Oregon, how the roles of the Oregon Secretary of State vary from the roles in other states, how the audit function of her office works, and her advice for how to make state government work better. Secretary Fagan also gives a tip for how to manage the anxiety of election night--you'll want to keep this in mind for next cycle! As a bonus, after the pod was recorded, Ben Morris shared that about 10,000 folks were on the SOS results website on the primary election night--so you can bet there were a lot more on November 8th!

What Tobias Read learned running for Governor | EP 80 Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read

In this episode, State Treasurer Tobias Read reflects on his experience running for Governor, provides updates on some hot topics at Treasury (e.g. the “work from home” dispute), and muses on what his future might look like after he is term-limited in two years. We talk about his recent New York Times op-ed (A Sneaky Form of Climate Obstruction Hurts Pension Funds), PERS, crypto/blockchain, and more.

DA Kevin Barton on Measure 110, the public defense crisis, and Betsy Johnson

Kevin Barton is the District Attorney of Washington County. First elected in 2018, he previously served as a career prosecutor in the same office. Both of Barton's elections for DA made state and national headlines, with millions of dollars raised from wealthy donors on both sides (including Phil Knight and George Soros). 
 
In this episode we cover Barton's elections, the philosophy behind his national media appearances (including Fox News), how Multnomah County impacts his work in Washington County, and why he supports Betsy Johsnon. We also cover two high-profile issues that will be facing the state legislature in 2023: Measure 110 and the public defense crisis. 
 
Here's a link to the Oregon Judicial Department Dashboard that Barton mentions in the episode, and here's a link to Barton's DA website. 

Representative Raquel Moore-Green is running for one of the most competitive seats in Oregon | EP 78

State Representative Raquel Moore-Green is running against Deb Patterson for one of the most competitive state legislative seats in Oregon, and has been serving the South Salem community for decades.
As a veteran politician, Representative Moore-Green was appointed to the state senate in senate district 10 after working on a number of campaigns as a legislative and campaign staffer, including campaigns for Representative, then Commissioner Kevin Cameron, and the late Jackie Winters. Raquel is a passionate leader and in this episode we dive extensively into the effects of Measure 110, the housing and homeless crisis, and mental / behavioral health issues, as some of the top issues on the forefront of voter's minds this cycle.
You can check out Rep. Moore-Green's work and campaign here. https://rmgsd10.com/
She also gave out her email and phone number in the episode so tune in for that!

Building a future in a shifting Oregon economy with GOP candidate Daniel Bonham | EP 77

Aviation, trees, Maupin, and Betsy Johnson. Daniel Bonham  is a Republican member of the Oregon House of Representatives representing district 59 in Central Oregon and is currently running for Oregon State Senator.
Stay tuned for the interesting anecdote about Bonham's first encounter with 22' Oregon gubernatorial candidate Betsy Johnson. 

Red Wave or Blue Wall? Senator Rachel Armitage on the 2022 election | EP 76

Senator Rachel Armitage re-joins the Bridge to discuss democratic representation in rural Oregon districts and the 2022 election. 
Senator Armitage representing rural northwest Oregon. A Democrat, Armitage has deep experience in politics, including working as a legislative assistant for Rep. Susan McLain and former Rep. Carla Piluso. She also worked at the national level on the campaigns of Montana Senator Jon Tester and former North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan. Gowland grew up in Medford, and in this episode we talk about the the governor's race, current polling and whether or not Democrats can compete in rural districts in 2022.

The biggest surprises (and bloopers) from the 2022 Voters Pamphlet | EP 75

This week, Ben and Reagan analyze the 2022 Voters Pamphlet. They talk about the mechanics of getting into the voters pamphlet, why it matters, and some of the common (and uncommon) strategies that campaigns use to appeal to voters. This year, there were some funny “bloopers”—mistakes, spelling errors, and minor embellishments—plus some unusual endorsements (including a high-profile professional athlete).