OR-5: The race that wasn't

Kari Chisholm

For the last several election cycles, Congressman Kurt Schrader has faced tough (-ish) opposition. But here in 2014, it's been a bit of a snooze-fest.

Daily Kos Elections took the time on Monday to notice:

While Democratic Rep. Kurt Schrader holds a competitive Salem-area seat, he's been a very tough target for the GOP. Team Red initially had some hope that Clackamas County Commissioner Tootie Smith could give him a race, but her fundraising has been downright awful. Smith only raised $49,000 during her entire campaign, and no outside groups are getting involved here. It doesn't look like this one is going anywhere.

That's right. In a competitive swing district, the GOP nominee -- not a nobody, mind you; but a former state legislator and current county commissioner -- has raised just $49,000 over the entire campaign.

It kinda makes you wonder why Tootie Smith even bothered to run.

By Kari Chisholm Oct. 21, 2014