Oregon voters haven't elected a Republican as governor for 34 years. The two GOP front runners for the gubernatorial nomination think this is the year that will change.
Bud Pierce is a Salem oncologist with his own practice who has never before held elected office. He says he has the leadership experience and the knowledge to lead the state.
Pierce told OPB's Think Out Loud that homelessness and mental illness are two huge areas where the current Democratic leadership is failing.
Pierce says he believes he can rehabilitate the GOP brand:
Pierce's rival for the nomination is tech executive Allen Alley, former Oregon GOP head and a past candidate for statewide office. He says he has the history and disposition to work across the aisle with his Democratic lawmakers. But Alley told Think Out Loud that he would have vetoed a number of bills that came out of the last legislative session, including the minimum wage:
You can listen to the full Think Out Loud interviews with both Allen Alley and Bud Pierce online. Ballots go out this week for the primary, and are due at local county elections offices by 8 p.m. May 17.
Copyright 2016 Oregon Public Broadcasting
