Democrat Peter DeFazio

DeFazio, a U.S. Congressman since he was elected to the 4th District seat in 1986, appeals to voters on a “grassroots” level.
A resident of Springfield, DeFazio said he has built a series of successful congressional races on his approachable demeanor, his willingness to represent his community regardless of the political cost and his support for government programs and higher education.
DeFazio, who holds the late Sen. Wayne Morse as his ideal role model, said he follows Morse by making decisions with an open mind and a clear conscience, such as his recent “no” vote on a popular congressional resolution that granted President George W. Bush authority to wage war in Iraq if necessary.

Republican Liz VanLeeuwen

VanLeeu-wen, a nine-term representative in the Oregon Legislature, is hoping to connect with voters who believe in her integrity.
A rural Oregonian, VanLeeuwen has emphasized her role as a businesswoman, teacher and farmer, and is banking on her life experience to appeal to voters in Oregon’s 4th District, which represents one-fifth of the state. VanLeeuwen’s key issues include bringing common sense to government and solving funding problems by using timber revenues.
On student issues, VanLeeuwen said she’s confident any student who wants to attend school can find a way, and added that she’d use timber revenues to fund higher education in Oregon.