[USNBandit]

Oregon has been in the economic dumps since the late 70’s. That makes it look like one of the rust belt states that have democratic trends as lots of motivated people leave for greener pastures.

[Publius]

In 1973, Oregon passed a highly restrictive land use law, and as a result it missed the prosperity of the Eighties. With the high tech boom of the Nineties, Oregon prospered, but that ended with the crash. Oregonians don't mind the fact that they were behind the curve on prosperity because that prosperity would have caused damage to the environment. Oregonians have been quite willing to accept a lower standard of living if that protects Mother Earth.

When that post-industrial wealth disappears, there will be hard choices to be made.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

The federal government needs to get its boot off the forestry industry some. That should help the state out.