Your Daily Guide

A Favorable Shift for Local Democrats

A new poll suggests that the political winds may be turning in favor of Gov. Tina Kotek, who has been in a surprisingly close race with her Republican challenger, state Sen. Christine Drazan. In each of three previous DHM Research polls since June, Drazan had more support than the governor — even if it was within the margin of error. Now the governor is up (46% to 44%), though that lead is still not statistically significant. [Oregonian]

• Same pattern as last time: Four years ago, early polls favored Drazan, but turned in favor of Kotek as the election (which she ultimately won) drew closer. [Oregonian]
• Bottom line: John Horvick, senior vice president of DHM Research says it's a good sign for Kotek: “That trend line in one direction and that consistency with what we saw in 2022, plus 40 years of Democratic victories in (Oregon) gubernatorial elections, it’s hard for me to ignore that.” [Oregonian]
• Similar trend in SW Washington: A national political forecaster Cook Political Report shifted Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s reelection bid from “toss up” to “lean Democrat.” It’s part of a larger national trend where Democrats are expected to pick up seats — not lose them — in Congress. [Oregonian]
• The wrong Portland: A Republican political action committee mistakenly spent $25,000 on digital ads in Portland, Ore., that were meant for Portland, Me. The ads attacked the Maine Democrat running against the U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R, Me.) and have now been redirected to the appropriate Portland. Cook Political Report considers the Collins race a “toss up.” [The Hill via KOIN / Cook Political Report / City Cast Portland 🎧]

The Big Pink Owner’s Optimism

Jeff Swickard, who has made a fortune from the 54 auto dealerships he owns (as well as some savvy stock market investments), is curiously casual about the risky investment he’s made in 2.4 million square feet of downtown Portland real estate. Still, he’s optimistic about downtown as well as about the Trail Blazers' chances of staying in town — he knows and likes Blazers owner Tom Dundon. [Willamette Week]

• Love of Portland: In the interview, Swickard said that visiting downtown Portland during college was the first time he felt safe as a gay man who grew up in a small town. [Willamette Week]
• Love of animals: He acknowledges one key cause that’s inspired his generous political donations, including his recent $100,000 check to Gov. Tina Kotek’s reelection campaign: the effort to close OHSU’s primate center. [Willamette Week]

The High Cost of Ritz-Carlton Life

Condo owners at the Ritz-Carlton Portland pay the highest HOA fees in the city (which comes on top of the cost of buying one of those places). The charge is $1.30 per square foot, which, for example, works out to $2,467 per month for one of the two-bedroom, three-bathroom condos. But the amenities — like security, rooftop space, a pool with a view of the skyline, and a lounge — are what have drawn some buyers. [Oregonian]

Apathy About Keeping Blazers

Just 32% of Oregonians said it was important to them that “political leaders struck a deal to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland” — with 64% saying was not important. Portland residents cared more, though less than a majority — 43% — said it was very or somewhat important. [Oregonian]