In the race for District 4’s representative to the U.S. House of Representatives, longtime Democratic incumbent Peter DeFazio is trying to retain the upper hand against Republican newcomer Jim Feldkamp.
Feldkamp, after living outside of Oregon for 16 years, decided to run for Congress and returned to the state in 2003, but lost to DeFazio by a 23 percent margin in his 2004 bid for the seat. Feldkamp heavily touts his two decades worth of service in the Navy and the FBI, but DeFazio too has an extensive record of service to the government, with its legislative branch.
DeFazio has represented District 4 for almost 30 years, 20 of which have been spent as its congressional representative.
District 4 spans the political spectrum. Its urban centers, like Eugene, usually vote Democratic, while the more rural areas tend to lean Republican on issues. That DeFazio has been re-elected to his seat for the past 20 years speaks to his ability to serve the interests of all his constituents. He votes conservatively on some issues, such as gun control and immigration, yet favors environmental issues and opposes tax cuts for Oregon’s wealthiest citizens.
Because of DeFazio’s extensive experience, he is likely to have a better understanding of this district’s political interests than any challenger.
Feldkamp has little to no political experience, aside from his failed congressional campaign two years ago. Since moving back to Oregon, he has taught at community colleges and worked as a fundraiser for various local groups. Although important professions, even combined with his career in the Navy and his employment with the FBI to his credit, they hardly justify electing him to congress in this crucial election.
Feldkamp seems to follow the Republican party line rather than taking his platform from the concerns of the citizens of District 4. He still fully supports the war in Iraq, believes strongly in the Patriot Act, and endorses tax cuts in a state that clearly needs income to deal with its education and health care issues.
On the environmental front, Feldkamp supports reforming local laws to bring clear-cut logging back to District 4, even to old-growth forests. In a district that has such numerous natural resources combined with an ingrained logging culture, forestry plans that so obviously value one side serve only to polarize the constituency.
Given DeFazio’s long-standing reputation as an adept politician and champion of District 4 issues – both at home and the halls of congress – we fully support his re-election. In a democratic-controlled House, DeFazio’s seniority would put him in line for committee chair positions, giving him more influence in national politics on behalf of District 4. We strongly encourage local voters to support DeFazio in November.