RATINGS CHANGE: Cook Political Report Moves Oregon Governor’s Race To “Toss Up”

Recognizing Republican Knute Buehler’s surging campaign, the Cook Political Report has moved the Oregon governor’s race from “Lean Democrat” to “Toss Up.” The Democrats are reportedly “sweating” as incumbent Democrat Governor Kate Brown struggles, despite the state’s blue political leanings.

The Cook Political Report explains that Brown is having trouble defending her record.

“Brown can and has been attacked on a host of issues from signing $13 billion in new taxes to ignoring the state’s troubled foster care system even after a report found that the system is in crisis. She hasn’t addressed more pervasive issues like the state’s failing schools or the pension crisis, and that she has broken her promise to make government more transparent.”

Kate Brown’s “Achilles Heel” appears to be the tax increases she signed into law, impacting “everything from health insurance premiums to gas and vehicle sales.”

On the other hand, Knute Buehler is running a strong campaign and “Democrats are finding it difficult to demonize” him. Buehler was recently endorsed by both The Oregonian, the state’s largest newspaper, and the Portland Tribune.

“Republicans have made this a competitive race,” concludes the Cook Political Report. “This contest now joins Connecticut as the only other Democratic-held seat in Toss Up.”