This is one of those articles that we’ll let tease and speak for
itself.

TROUTDALE,
Ore. – The electoral showdown between Republican House Speaker Karen Minnis and her Democratic
challenger, would-be Goliath-slayer Rob Brading, is unmissable in this
blue-collar suburban district, where Mount Hood's cone swims into view around nearly
every bend, and resentment of liberal Portland can run deep.

For the
last year, the two campaigns have been in mailboxes, on answering machines, on
roadside billboards, on the radio, on cable TV airwaves and on doorsteps,
pitching their case in person – dialed-up volume that's only going to increase
as the election draws nearer.

Outside
of the governor's race, there's no other race in Oregon this election cycle
that's attracted as much rhetoric as the Brading-Minnis contest, the headliner
among 15 or so truly competitive races in the Oregon House, currently a
Republican stronghold at 33-27.

This will be one of the most
spirited races for a state legislative seat anywhere in the country.