Congressional Candidate Forum April 12

Co-hosted by Jamie McLeod-Skinner

For those wanting to be heard by candidates running to represent them, Sunday is their chance; five of the candidates running in the Democratic Primary for United States Congress will be taking questions in Madras Sunday April 12 at 1pm, hosted by the Jefferson County Democrats.

The candidate who prevails in this race will go on to face the Republican primary winner, likely the incumbent Cliff Bentz, to represent Congressional District 2 (CD2) in the fall midterm election. CD2 includes Central, Southern, and Eastern Oregon. It is among the largest in the country, encompassing roughly two-thirds of the state.

This event, held at the Madras Performing Arts Center at 412 Buff Street, is an opportunity for citizens to get to know the candidates before the May election. Candidates Chris Beck, Mary Doyle, Peter Quince, Dawn Rasmussen, and Patty Snow will take questions from the audience. Rebecca Mueller, also a candidate, is unable to attend.

The program will be co-moderated by Jamie McLeod-Skinner and Jefferson County Democrats Chair Joel Barker. McLeod-Skinner, the 2018 Democratic nominee for this position, achieved record voter turnout in her 2018 campaign after driving over 45,000 miles across the district to listen to and engage voters.

“I know how rewarding and challenging this race can be,” said McLeod-Skinner, “and I look forward to hearing from  the candidates on their approach to winning this seat and serving Oregonians.”

All of the candidates are crisscrossing CD2 in advance of the election, including a forum the day before in Prineville. That event will be 2pm at the Pine Theater.

April 28 is the last day to register or change party affiliation before the primary election. The first ballots will be mailed April 29 and will be due May 19.