Democrats in Salem gain votes and eye tax hikes by The Oregonian Wednesday November 05, 2008, 7:52 PM
Emboldened by election night wins across Oregon, Democrats now have unbridled power in Salem to raise taxes and fees when they meet in January. Still, while Republicans can't stand in their way, Democrats may be curbed by other factors, including a recession, the costs of a voter-approved prison sentencing mandate and new members in conservative districts. Oregon elected enough Democrats in the House and Senate on Tuesday to give them the majority needed to raise taxes even if all Republicans oppose them. But with so many Democrats, they are not likely to stick together on divisive issues such as taxes. "They know they won in an overwhelming Obama tide, and the way they're going to vote, it will be really interesting to see just how much risk they want to take," says Paul Romain, a longtime business lobbyist. "I don't believe there's ever unfettered control. There's unfettered ability to get yourself into trouble, and that's what tends to draw people toward the center." Democrats picked up six seats in the House for a 37-to-23 majority, and retained control of the Senate with an 18-to-12 edge. Democrats also hold all statewide offices - governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer. -- Janie Har --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Oregon_Libertarian_Discussion" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/oregon_libertarian_discussion?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
