Welcoming Conservatives into the Tent

The latest Associated Press poll has some very interesting numbers regarding November's elections: close to a quarter of self-identifying conservative voters plan on backing a Democrat in their congressional district.

The AP-Ipsos survey asked 789 registered voters if the election for the House were held today, would they vote for the Democratic or Republican candidate in their district. Democrats were favored 51 percent to 40 percent.

Not surprisingly, 81 percent of self-described liberals said they would vote for the Democrat. Among moderates, though, 56 percent backed a Democrat in their district and almost a quarter of conservatives — 24 percent — said they will vote Democratic.

We fully welcome voters of all political stripes -- including conservatives -- to join our coalition for change this fall. This is a big tent campaign, not interested in catering to the big special interests in Salem but rather to the voters right here in Oregon City, Canby and Clackamas County.

Conservatives have great reason to be unhappy with developments in this state. There is nothing conservative about cutting state troopers, which Wayne Scott supported, or letting criminals off of probation, which was a direct result of inadequate funding. This is a campaign, however, about maintaining conservative and progressive values -- universal values -- like protecting families, maintaining homeland security, providing quality education, and enabling all Oregonians to achieve the American dream.

So when you fill out your ballot this fall, whether you consider yourself are a progressive, a liberal, a moderate, a conservative, a libertarian, or any other political persuasion, show your support for change by electing Mike Caudle to the state House of Representatives.