Morning Lookout: Campaign finance

Good morning,

Let’s talk money.

We have a couple of stories today about who the big donors are in various political campaigns in the May 19 primary election.

Ashli Blow has a look as who is bankrolling opposition to Measure 20-737, an environmental protection effort known as the Lane County Watersheds Bill of Rights: It’s largely timber, business and real estate interests. Check Ashli’s story for the details.

Ben Botkin breaks down donations in the three races for Lane County Board of Commissioners: For a candidate like Heather Buch, unions show up as large donors. For others, like Ryan Ceniga and David Loveall, timber and other business interests are the big donors. Go to the story for a lot more detail.

You might remember that a while back Gov. Tina Kotek created what she called her Prosperity Council, a group tasked with making recommendations to “accelerate Oregon’s economy.” Our partners at the Oregon Journalism Project obtained a draft of the group’s preliminary recommendations, which include backing off on the estate tax and possibly implementing a sales tax.

Food writer Taylor Goebel tried out a new Chinese restaurant downtown called Eugene Hot Pot Express. We can make this about money, too, by noting that this eatery charges for your hot pot by the pound. And if you like spicy, it might be right up your alley. If you don’t, that’s OK. It has mild options, too.

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Credit: Ben Botkin / Lookout Eugene-Springfield

In county commissioner races, who’s funding the campaigns?

By Ben Botkin

Candidates for the Lane County Board of Commissioners get donations from varied interests, including the timber industry, unions and others. Campaign finance records show the top supporters of each candidate.

Credit: Ashli Blow / Lookout Eugene-Springfield

Timber money fuels campaign to defeat watershed-rights measure

By Ashli Blow

Opponents of Measure 20-737 have raised more than 14 times as much money as supporters. Business and real estate interests have also made large donations.