Can Michael Sipe keep a competitive legislative seat red? | EP 67

Michael Sipe is the Republican nominee for a new state house seat in central Oregon (House District 53), considered one of the most competitive in the state. He is running against Democratic nominee Emerson Levy, who we interviewed previously.

 

Take one look at Michael's website and you'll see he's an unusual candidate: a Cold War Army Ranger, black belt martial artist, podcast host, owner of a private equity advisory firm, and organizer of one of the largest Christian men's gatherings in Oregon (with Mike Huckabee as the special guest). 

 

In this episode, we talk about the major challenges facing Oregon (and central Oregon in particular): sky-high housing prices, water issues, and addiction. We also have a conversation about gun violence in which Michael, Alex, and Ben all disagree with each other on solutions--but also find some common ground. 

 

You can check out Michael's website (including his own podcast) at www.avoiceforcentraloregon.com.

 

Also mentioned in this episode: 

 

Article: Race to the bottom: How Central Oregon groundwater sells to the highest bidders from OPB

 

Ben's book recommendation: Stronghold: One Man's Quest to Save the World's Wild Salmon by Tucker Malarkey