Get involved. Make your voice heard. And vote — because in Baker County, and in Oregon, your vote really does matter.

There IS Hope. Politics has and politicians have done a real disservice to the American voters over the past forty years. The early polling of candidate support, the perceived or actual ballot interference the media reports, and the vast swings (during the days of ballot counting after election day), have all contributed to the belief of many that their vote does not count. Then there are the election promises not to be kept with costs to citizens increasing year after year.

These are the issues in Oregon and other states that depress voter turnout. Again, this has been going on for many years, and it has become a habit to those who are fed up with the entire process. What occurs when disengaged Oregonians do not vote is that the best of candidates fail to be elected. A good number of our Governors and current legislators have won by slim margins. Therefore, if you have not voted, but complain about how Oregon is mismanaged, who is to blame? Yes, the elected are responsible but also the non-voters. The sheer numbers of non-engaged voters and unregistered-to-vote Oregonians are the difference for good governance to return to Salem.

The challenge to this election is to increase completed ballots, deposit them in the city and county drop boxes (not the USPS mail), and a broader, engaged number of citizens taking advantage of our freedom to elect true leadership.

Who will lift up Oregon and return us in a positive direction for the future? If you are not happy with Oregon’s sanctuary state status, riots in the streets of Portland, increasing crime, the poor results of our students, Oregon taxes/fees on most everything we rely upon, or the continuous loss of business and economical growth, get off your duffs!! Register to vote and then vote. Make a real difference.

Dan Johnson, Chair Baker County Republican Party

PORT ORFORD, OR – Oregon’s Republican nominee for the United States Senate, Senator David Brock Smith, announced today that he has formally accepted KTVZ’s invitation to participate in the October 6th U.S. Senate Debate in Bend. Senator Brock Smith urges Senator Jeff Merkley to join him on stage, but for which Senator Merkley has not yet responded.

“Elections are about giving voters a clear choice. That requires showing up, answering tough questions, and telling Oregonians exactly where you stand on the issues that matter to them,” said Senator Brock Smith. “This campaign is far too important for scripted advertisements or press releases that avoid direct engagement with voters. I look forward to taking the debate stage and speaking directly to Oregonians about my plans to deliver real results, just as I have worked to do for years in the Oregon Legislature. I encourage Senator Merkley to join me.”

Senator Brock Smith outlined the challenges facing Oregon families and communities. “Oregonians are paying too much for groceries, housing, utilities, and everyday necessities. Communities across our state are struggling with addiction and homelessness. Wildfires continue to threaten homes, businesses, and natural resources while driving up insurance rates. And the rapid expansion of massive data centers demands real accountability so Oregon families aren’t left paying higher utility bills or competing for critical water and energy resources,” he said. “These issues require a strong leader in Washington who will take them head‑on, bring back common sense to Washington and deliver the results Oregonians expect, not deflection, excuses, or extremism designed for soundbites and network spotlights.”

Senator Brock Smith contrasted his record with Senator Merkley’s. “Jeff Merkley is one of the most liberal legislators in Washington, D.C. According to both progressive and conservative scorecards, he is extreme. He continues to push the Democrat Socialist of America agenda while endorsing DSA candidates here at home. He has voted against not taxing Social Security for seniors, against not taxing tips for service industry workers, and against not taxing overtime for hard‑working families trying to get ahead. He is complicit in driving up utility costs for Oregonians; upwards of 65% over the last decade, and he refuses to call out the waste, fraud, and abuse costing Oregonians and Americans billions. If Senator Merkley is allowed to continue advancing radical DSA policies, today’s gas prices and cost of living will seem cheap in comparison. Under Senator Merkley and Governor Kotek, Oregon has become one of the highest‑taxed states in the nation, yet Oregonians see little return on their investment, with the state falling near last in metrics from education to business friendliness.”

“Oregonians cannot afford six more years of extreme, antibusiness, DSA aligned policies, especially while Senator Merkley refuses to work across the aisle to deliver results for Oregon’s working families,” he continued.

Senator Brock Smith emphasized his bipartisan record and collaborative approach. “If Oregonians elects me this November, they will be replacing an ineffective, DSA supporting, radical extremist with an effective, proven workhorse who has consistently worked to solve problems for Oregon’s working families, cutting through the blue tape that holds back opportunity for our communities, their residents, and the businesses that support them. I have never sought the spotlight, news hits, or social media clicks, I have focused on delivering results.”

“Despite serving only in the minority, I have delivered real accomplishments for Oregonians. I don’t play the blame game, I roll up my sleeves, build bipartisan coalitions, and work harder to get the job done. That has been my record from the beginning, and it will not change in Washington. I will not be outworked on the campaign trail or in the U.S. Capitol. That is why this debate is so important, and I hope I am not alone on stage on October 6,” concluded Senator David Brock Smith.

Voting is more than a constitutional right; it is a sacred stewardship. In the Parable of the Talents, a master entrusts his wealth to his servants, expecting them to engage with the world, take risks, and produce a return for the common good. He does not demand equal results, but he does demand faithful participation.

To live in a society where you have a voice in choosing your leaders and shaping your community is a profound "talent" placed in your hands. Refusing to vote out of cynicism, apathy, or fear is the modern equivalent of burying that talent in the dirt. The third servant hid his coin because he was afraid of the system and distrustful of the master, choosing safety over responsibility. Yet, his passivity was ultimately condemned as a failure of stewardship.

When we abstain from voting, we do not remain neutral; we simply abandon our share of responsibility for our neighbors and our future. We are called to actively invest what we have been given—our voice, our values, and our choice—to cultivate a just and flourishing society. True faithfulness means showing up to use the ballot, ensuring that the resource of our freedom is never wasted or buried.