Sara Hottman

H&N's Staff Reporter

February 3, 2012  

 

   The Republican primary races for state senator and state representative are almost mirrors: a Whitsett versus a retired farmer.

   Incumbent 28th District Sen. Doug Whitsett, R-Klamath Falls, is running for re-election, challenged by Karl Scronce, a retired wheat farmer still active in agriculture boards and organizations.

   Whitsett’s wife and chief of staff, Gail, is running for the 56th District House seat being vacated by state Rep. Bill Garrard, R-Klamath Falls, who is retiring after 16 years in office. She is being challenged by Tracey Liskey, owner of Liskey Farms in Klamath Falls.

   Political observers locally say the dynamic means uncertain results: retired farmers could have the upper hand in a rural area, but the Whitsetts have the advantage in Salem.

   “These are important races and their outcomes will shape law in Oregon,” said Jeff Woodwick, Klamath County Republican Central Committee chairman. “Although I have a personal favorite in each of these primary races, my public role is intended to be neutral in the Republican primary election.

   “I’d simply encourage the Republican primary voters to learn all they can and carefully vote for the candidate that best represents Republican values.”

   Here’s a breakdown of candidates and their committee f u nds (in order of filing date, earliest to latest):

   State Representative, 56th District

   • Candidate: Gail Whitsett

   Contributions: $10,185 to Gail Whitsett for Oregon

   Expenditures: $10,985.96 (including a $10,000 loan)  

   • Candidate: Tracey Liskey Contributions: $16,790.02 to Friends of Tracey Liskey Expenditures: $2,231  

   State Senator  28th District

   • Candidate: Doug Whitsett

   Contributions: $22,370 to Committee to Elect Doug Whitsett

   • Expenditures: $4,561.41

   • Candidate: Karl Scronce

   Contributions: Scronce doesn’t have a campaign committee registered with the Oregon Secretary of State, so no contributions or expenditures are reported.