With Darlene Hooley out of the 5th CD race, the Republicans see a clear opportunity to rekindle some party strength in what many view as a solid blue state. The opening of the most competitive district in the state now gives the national Republican party some incentive to step into the state and save their party from drowning into the blue abyss.

The Oregon GOP has fielded absolutely no candidates for Secretary of State, Attorney General or Treasurer. The Oregon House Republicans now have more open seats with few strong candidates and their opposition is working hard to recruit moderate Democrats in potential swing districts (i.e. Fred Girod's leaving for the Senate with a no-name candidate replacement).

So, now the national GOP has some considerable incentive in finding moderate credible candidates all around the state to help them gain some momentum for their party. Perhaps they might be able to convince strong moderates like Ron Saxton, Jack Roberts, Max Williams or Neil Bryant to re-engage in the political process, leaving crime and punishment conservative Kevin Mannix behind.