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[Milwaukiedave]

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) � Gov. Ted Kulongoski won a surprisingly strong re-election victory Tuesday, turning back a well-financed challenge from Republican Ron Saxton, a Portland lawyer who called Kulongoski a "no-show" governor.
With 44% of the projected vote counted, Kulongoski was leading Saxton, 51% to 43%, with the rest of the vote spread among three minor party contenders. Though polls earlier had showed a close race, Kulongoski swept to victory after a campaign in which he touted Oregon's economic recovery and sought to link Saxton with President Bush and his war in Iraq.

A jubilant Kulongoski greeted cheering supporters at a downtown hotel, where he thanked Oregon voters for their vote of confidence in him. He pledged to use his mandate to work for more stable school funding and expanded health care for uninsured children.

"It is time to make Oregon a place where we will give people a chance to take care of their families and give their children the opportunity to succeed in this world," the 66-year-old governor said.

It was a bitter defeat for Saxton and the Republicans, who thought 2006 would be their year to recapture the governor's office from the Democrats. The last Republican governor was Vic Atiyeh, who left office in 1986.

Saxton delivered a brief concession speech to downcast supporters, calling Oregon a "great state" but offering little analysis of his surprisingly strong defeat.

Portland pollster Tim Hibbitts said Saxton fell victim to the anti-GOP tide that swept the nation in Tuesday's midterm election.

"Make no mistake � the Republicans have taken a bad beating nationwide. There's no question that hurt Ron Saxton," Hibbitts said Tuesday night.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2006/OR/2006-11-07-governor-race_x.htm?csp=34

Hooley/DeFazio/Blumenauer/Wu/Walden re-elected to US House.
Democrats remain in control of the Oregon State Senate
Oregon House, many races too close to call.
Ballot Measure 39. 44, 47 pass. 40,41,42,43,45,46 are rejected.