political since help
abo-nawaf
sample_4.pdf
1
Deschutes County Analysis
Deschutes County is a fast growing community, population estimate of 165,954 as of
July 1, 2013 (“County QuickFacts,” n.p.), which is a 5.2% increase from 2010 census data
collection. The community most strongly identifies by the amount of families in the area and
their tourism based economy. According to census data, the industries that employ the largest
amounts of people in the county are Arts/Entertainment/Recreation, Educational/Health Care
services, and Retail Trade, which reflects the large amount of tourism in this county, particularly
in Bend. Compared to the mentioned industries, there are few people in the county employed by
the agriculture industry. There is a bimodal distribution for ages, where a large amount of the
population spikes for people ages 17 and under, and people ages 30-54. This distribution
indicates that Deschutes County is a family town, rather than an urban hub for single people. In
addition to age distributions, 57.6% of the population is married, and 67.8% of the population
identifies their household type as a “Family Household.” (“County QuickFacts,” n.p). This
community is rather culturally homogenous, with 94.8% of residents in the county identifying as
Caucasian (“County QuickFacts,” n.p); although, the tourist population allows the community to
be exposed to other cultures. Another factor contributing to the growth of the community is the
OSU Cascades campus, which is gaining enrollment each term. The addition of a four-year
university pairs well with the existing Central Oregon Community College. The population in
this community is educated; the proportion of college educated citizens in Deschutes County is
similar the entire state ("County QuickFacts,” n.p).
Several factors play into estimating the political culture of this county. Demographic
data has shown to be significantly related party identification and ideological identification
(Erikson, McIver, & Wright, p. 810). Due to some of the trends in the demographic data, such as
2
low poverty and major industries, the county is likely to be more progressive. However,
communities with a large amount of families and older adults tend to lean more toward
traditionally conservative values. In some ways, Deschutes County is a microcosm of the state of
Oregon, having citizens categorized as traditionally liberal and traditionally conservative, which
makes it hard to categorize Deschutes County. This is reflected in the county’s voter
registration, which splits closely between republicans and democrats, with a slightly higher
percentage registered as republican (“Registration by County,” p. 1). A final consideration for
the political culture of this community is the region of the state Deschutes County exists. The
county falls into the “Eastern Oregon” region of Oregon, a portion of Oregon, which is
overwhelmingly rural and conservative. Ultimately, Deschutes County can be categorized as
culturally conservative.
Analysis of Community
Deschutes County is especially unique because of its abundance of outdoor adventure
options all year round. Deschutes County’s main economy is based on tourism and recreational
equipment (“Deschutes County,” n.p; “County QuickFacts,” n.p). This region in Oregon is not
dependent on farming and agriculture the way most of the Eastern Oregon region is. Having
tourism drive the economy will affect the voting habits of this region because key issues for
central Oregon are related to increasing tourism and supporting local businesses. This socio-
demographic supports the proposed hypothesis because Deschutes County has a lot of small
local business owners, and any measures being proposed that could threaten these businesses
would likely not be approved by the county. This is reflected in the county’s voting habits with
tax related measures (“Special Election Abstract,” p. 2).
3
Another statistical characteristic of this community, which adds complexity to the
population, is the amount of college education. According to Census data, about 30.5% of
Deschutes County residents are college educated with a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate degree.
This percentage is relatively similar to Oregon’s overall percentage of citizens with post-
secondary education, 29.2 percent (“County QuickFacts,” n.p). The amount of education reflects
the education available in the district, with Central Oregon Community College and the OSU
Cascades campus, which is growing every year. Currently, the OSU Cascades campus has a total
enrollment of 936 students, including undergraduate and graduate students, which is a 16.9%
increase from the 2012 enrollment at the school (“Cascades Campus Enrollment,” n.p.) Post-
secondary education is a factor related to higher voter registration, and depending on the focus of
study, can shift politics either way. If the college educated population in the county had gone to a
liberal arts college and studied a social science (e.g. psychology, communications), they would
be more likely to vote in a progressive manner. On the other hand, if more of the college
educated population studied in fields such as business or something else related to finance, they
would be more likely to vote in a conservative manner. The education statistic in this context
supports Deschutes County being a microcosm of the state of Oregon because college education
would add complexity to their voters and could influence their votes in a polarized manner.
The amount of families in Deschutes County also reflects the community and its values.
Of those who describe their household as a “Family household,” just over half of those families
are a married-couple family (55%), while only 12.8% of these households are single-parent
families (“County QuickFacts,” n.p.). Having a family community greatly influences voting
habits, because they are likely vote for measures which support family values or increases
4
opportunities for future generations. The voting habits based on this socio-demographic further
support the hypothesis that this community is culturally conservative.
Beyond statistical observations, the voter registration reflects the community values. The
community is overwhelmingly registered as a Democrat or Republican. Of this specific
population of registered Democrats and Republicans, about 54% of the registered voters identify
as Republican and 46% are registered as a Democrat (“Voter Registration by County,” p.1). This
is contrary to the statewide registration, with 44.3% of registered voters affiliating as Republican
and 55.7% registered as a Democrat (“Voter Registration by County,” p.1). The registration
numbers of the community reflect the voting trends in the presidential elections in 2008 and
2012. During the 2008 presidential election, 49% of Deschutes County voters voted for President
Obama, however during the 2012 election, there was a slight decrease, with 45% of voters voting
for Obama (“General Election Results,” p. 1). As for the Republican Party, in the 2008 election
49.2% of voters voted for McCain, compared to the 2012 election with 52% of voters voting for
Romney (“General Election Results,” p. 1). The support for the republican candidate reflects the
community well, because the Republican Party is publically supportive of conservative values.
During the special election in November 2007, there was a particularly interesting
measure being pushed: Measure 50, otherwise known as the Healthy Kids Plan. This measure
was a proposed tax increase for tobacco products, with the new funds designed to be allocated to
the Healthy Kids Program, which would provide health care to children and low-income adults.
The arguments in favor of the measure focus on the importance of protecting Oregon’s children
and discouraging the use of tobacco by making it slightly more expensive (“Voter Pamphlet,” p
64-75). The arguments in opposition to the measure create the argument that having a specific
5
purchase tax would open the door for Oregon legislatures to create more unnecessary taxes for
Oregonians (“Voter Pamphlet,” p 76-85).
This topic is especially intriguing because of the cognitive dissonance created for Oregon
voters. Historically, when sales taxes are proposed by the Oregon legislature, it has been rejected
by voters (“Sales Tax,” n.p.); Oregonians are deeply opposed to sales taxes of any sort. However,
health care is also a pressing issue in the United States and children are a particular concern for
family communities such as Deschutes County. Parents would be likely to vote in favor of this
measure, as well as health care workers. This is reflected in the groups who supported measure
fifty, including the Oregon PTA, Oregon’s Nurses and Nurse Practitioners, and Stand for
Children. Demographic groups opposed to this measure are voters who fear that taxation allows
for more governmental control over its citizens and select small business owners. The groups
associated with the opposition of the bill all have more traditionally conservative values. Some
groups that were in opposition to measure fifty include FreedomWorks, Market owners who sell
tobacco products, and the Taxpayer Association of Oregon.
Ultimately, the opposing side won, with the majority of voters in Deschutes County and
the entire state of Oregon voting against this measure. This turnout is slightly surprising, because
the argument to protect children seems compelling to a family based community, however the
results reflect the larger issue of voters feeling persecuted for their choices to smoke.
The 2012 election raised a particularly controversial measure in three states, Measure 80
was proposed in Washington, Colorado, and Oregon. Measure 80 is better known as the measure
to legalize marijuana. Oregon was the only state of the three not to pass this measure. If Measure
80 had passed, the commercial growing and sale of marijuana would have been permitted, and
those using marijuana as a main source of income would have to apply for a commercial license
6
according to the regulations of the Oregon Cannabis Commission (“Ballot Title,” n.p.). The new
revenue would have also been directed to the state general fund, as well as drug education
(“Ballot title,” n.p.). This issue was being closely watched on a national scale due to the content.
Through the media, the measure appeared to be a battle of young hippies versus older traditional
generations. Typically, the traditionally progressive population is likely vote in favor of a
controversial measure. Many of the arguments in favor liken this measure to the regulations
Oregon has on alcohol. The arguments outline several points; that minors would be prohibited
from legally consuming marijuana products, that driving under the influence of marijuana would
remain illegal, and making law enforcement more effective by pursuing major violent crimes.
Unlike the Healthy Kids Plan, many of the arguments in favor of this argument are presented by
individuals rather than institutions. As for the opposing argument, the associated political culture
is voters with conservative values. Those opposing passing Measure 80 argue that the availability
of marijuana would encourage underage use of marijuana, those selling marijuana would not be
able to be regulated due to marijuana still being illegal according to federal law, and that passing
the measure would not necessarily generate revenue for the state. In the end, the measure was not
passed in Deschutes County or in the state of Oregon. The measure not passing in Deschutes
County further supports the hypothesis for their conservative values. It does not come as a
surprise that the measure was rejected, Oregon has a reputation for being progressive and
controversial, but drugs are a topic that tends to polarize opinions.
The politicians chosen to represent the county further parallel the community’s culturally
conservative values. The current senator for District 27 is Tim Knopp, a republican family man
and small business owner. Knopp was also a Director of Building Partners for Affordable
Housing (“Senator Tim Knopp,” n.p.). One of his biggest triumphs in the legislature was helping
7
to pass protecting the kicker, a measure that altered the constitution and helped return money to
taxpayers. Several of his other notable themes of voting in the legislature are related to taxes and
helping small businesses (“Senator Tim Knopp,” n.p). Knopp represents the community well; his
public acts protect the economy, which supports his constituents. As far as campaign funding,
the top three contributors for Knopp were Loren Parks ($25,000; “Campaign Finance Activity,”
n.p.), Oregon Transformation PAC ($10,000; “Campaign Finance Activity,” n.p.), and
Oregonians for Affordable Housing ($10,000; “Campaign Finance Activity,” n.p). The total
spending for his 2012 campaign was $508,880.08 (“Account Summary,” n.p.), whereas his total
contributions were $514,042.36 (“Account Summary,” n.p.). To compare, his opponent,
democratic candidate Geri Hauser, had total expenses of $146,344.33 (“Account Summary,”
n.p.), and had total contributions of $146,344.33 (“Account Summary,” n.p.). Knopp’s
contributors reflect his background and his voting habits in the legislature well; Knopp appears
to have deep roots in the community, which inevitably contributed to his victory.
Representative Jason Conger is the other public face of this community. Conger is also a
Republican, and before his political career, he practiced business law (“Biography,” n.p.).
Conger also served on the board of a solar energy company, and has history as a congressional
aide (“Biography,” n.p.). Conger’s notable acts in the legislature are very intertwined with his
family values, Conger sponsored the legislative bill HB 3363, which helped get abused children
better protection during hearings (“News and Information,” n.p.). Another bill Conger voted on
and was active on was a bill to require sex offenders from other states to register themselves in
Oregon if they were to move to the state. (“News and Information,” n.p.). Conger embodies
many of the family values that are important in the Deschutes community. During his 2012
campaign, Conger’s expenses totaled $404,447.54 (“Account Summary,” n.p), and his total
8
contributions were $394,438.80 (“Account Summary,” n.p). In comparison, his 2012 opponent
Nathan Hovekamp, the democratic candidate, had total expenses of $169,614.44 (“Account
Summary,” n.p), and total contributions of $162,387.71. Conger’s top contributors were James
A. Bisenius, founder of Common Sense Investment Management ($25,000; ”Campaign Finance
Activity,” n.p.), the Oregon Transformation Project PAC ($10,000; ”Campaign Finance
Activity,” n.p.), and the Oregon Victory PAC ($10,000; ”Campaign Finance Activity,” n.p.). The
endorsement of Bisenius is controversial, because a year later he was arrested in a prostitution-
related charge (“Founder,” n.p.). When asked about the arrest, Conger publically noted that he
did not want to turn this incident into a public scandal that reflected on his choices, but instead
wanted to use this as an opportunity to promote his concerns for Bisenius’s family and a social
issue of women being pushed into prostitution (“Pondering Senate Race,” n.p.).
Conclusion
Oregon continues to be a complex state with many oppositional issues arising. Deschutes
County adds to the intrigue of Oregon, because this is a state with traditional values, but is also
willing to use innovative new measures to further progress. The socio-economic data, the voting
trends, and chosen officials reflect the county accurately: they are looking to keep the
community moving forward the way they see fit, with small businesses being allowed to flourish
and family at the center of each decision. Because of the presented data, the hypothesis of
Deschutes County being a culturally conservative community is supported. However, there is
possibility for shift in the community with the growing college population at OSU Cascades.
Nevertheless, even without a shift; it is not a fault that the community does not typically support
radical social measures, the community acts in the way that aligns closely with their values.
9
Bibliography
Carney, John. “Founder of $3 Billion Hedge Fund Busted in Prostitution Sting.” CNBC.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101008527. (Accessed June 12, 2014).
Erikson, Robert S., McIver, John, & Wright, Gerald. "State Political Culture and Public
Opinion." American Political Science Review. Vol. 81, No. 3, (1987) , 797-813.
Gaston, Christian. “Sales Tax: Why it Tempts Oregon Lawmakers—But Why This Time Might
Be Different.”
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/sales_tax_why_it_tempts_oregon.
html. (Accessed June 12, 2014).
Mapes, Jeff. “Rep. Jason Conger, Pondering Senate Race, Downplays Political Impact of Big
Donor’s Arrest.” The Oregonian.
http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2013/09/rep_jason_conger_pondering_sen.h
tml. (Accessed June 12, 2014).
Oregon Blue Book, “Deschutes County,”
http://bluebook.state.or.us/local/counties/counties09.htm, (Accessed June 11, 2014).
Oregon State Legislature, “Representative Jason Conger- Biography.”
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/conger/Pages/biography.aspx (Accessed June 11,
2014).
Oregon State Legislature, “Representative Jason Conger- News and Information.”
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/conger/Pages/news.aspx (Accessed June 11, 2014).
Oregon State Legislature, “Senator Tim Knopp- Biography.”
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/knopp/Pages/biography.aspx (Accessed June 11,
2014).
Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division, “Voter Registration by County: May 2014,”
http://www.oregonvotes.gov/doc/voterresources/registration/may14.pdf, (Accessed June
10, 2014).
Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division, “November 6, 2007, Special Election Abstract of
Votes State Measure NO. 50,”
http://www.oregonvotes.gov/doc/history/nov62007/results.pdf, (Accessed June 9, 2014).
Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division, “November 6, 2012,General Election Abstract of
Votes: United States President”
http://www.oregonvotes.gov/doc/history/nov62012/G12_Abstract.pdf, (Accessed June 9,
2014).
10
Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division, “November 4, 2008,General Election Abstract of
Votes: United States President”
http://www.oregonvotes.gov/doc/history/nov42008/results/pr.pdf, (Accessed June 9,
2014).
Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division, “Voters’ Pamphlet: Oregon Special Election.”
http://www.oregonvotes.gov/doc/history/nov62007/nov07_vp.pdf, (Accessed June 11,
2014).
Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division, “Voters’ Pamphlet: Oregon General Election.”
http://www.oregonvotes.gov/pages/history/archive/nov62012/guide/english/votersguide.h
tml#Ballot Title (Accessed June 11, 2014).
Oregon Secretary of State, Orestar. “Statement of Organization Search by Name.”
https://secure.sos.state.or.us/orestar, (Accessed June 11, 2014).
Oregon State University. “Cascades Campus Enrollment.”
http://oregonstate.edu/admin/aa/ir/sites/default/files/enroll-fall-2013-cascades.pdf.
(Accessed June 11, 2014).
United States Census Bureau, State and County QuickFacts. “Deschutes County, Oregon.”
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/41/41017.html, (accessed June 5, 2014).
