Statesman Journal Editorial Board

Kurt Schrader thinks the rest of America should pay attention to Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, which he represents:

“It is a microcosm of Oregon and the United States and is diverse in all aspects. The district is made up of rural, urban and suburban areas with low-, middle- and high-income residents.”

The district, the Canby Democrat said, “is balanced and diverse. The country should take note. If more districts were like mine, we would have a better and more level discussion in Congress that would be much less partisan and therefore much more productive.”

Since the district was created in 1982, it has been represented by Republicans and Democrats, starting with Salem Republican Denny Smith. It remains one of the few so-called “swing” districts in the country.

Schrader, a former veterinarian and state legislator, has represented the district since 2009. He is seeking another two-year term at the Nov. 8 election.

He has a determined opponent in Colm Willis of Stayton. Republican Willis served as political director for Oregon Right to Life for four years before opening his law practice.

Other than being elected as a Republican precinct committee person, Willis is making his first bid for public office.

Willis said district residents agree with his opposition to “Obamacare,” to the Iran nuclear deal and to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. He could be right. However, it’s disconcerting that Willis lacks a record of civic involvement and volunteerism. He also has lived in the district only five years, compared with Schrader’s 39 years.

On a map, the outline of Oregon’s 5th district vaguely resembles a man standing and holding an object out to his right. The district includes the coastal counties of Lincoln and Tillamook, and then narrows to cover Polk and part of Benton counties before expanding to include Marion, most of Clackamas and part of Multnomah counties.

Last year, The Washington Post ranked Schrader and Portland Democrat Earl Blumenauer, who represents Oregon’s 3rd District, among the 10 most effective members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

That says a lot about Schrader, who is the most centrist of Oregon’s four Democrats in the House. For example, he is not a fan of Measure 97, the corporate tax increase on the Nov. 8 ballot. Neither is Willis.

Critics assail Schrader for too often voting with his party leadership. But that is true of most representatives. Controversial legislation generally lives or dies on party-line votes; however, most bills approved by Congress are less contentious and pass with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“It’s not as bad you think,” Schrader said of the congressional climate. “You can still get things done.”

He was a key player in the farm bill, which benefits Oregon; in keeping a Coast Guard rescue helicopter in Newport; and in supporting infrastructure improvements at a major industrial site in Salem and at the Aurora State Airport.

Schrader speaks his mind, which is refreshing. He considers the Affordable Care Act imperfect and in need of changes, but a vast improvement on the previous lack of health care for many Oregonians.

From his work on legislation to his constituent service, Kurt Schrader has represented the 5th District well. He merits re-election.

Kurt Schrader General Election Questionnaire

Colm WIllis, General Election Questionnaire

5 local elections to watch