DeFazio wins 14th term: 'I think I represent the mainstream'
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - Running for Congress for the 14th time, Rep. Peter Defazio won re-election over his two-time GOP opponent, Art Robinson.
"It's a great vote of affirmation from the people I represent," DeFazio said. "I was worlds apart from my opponent. He represents the new ultra right wing of the republican party and I think I represent the mainstream. Public education, public investment, a government thats more efficient that cares about people that helps those in need and puts the country on track to a more prosperous future."
Robinson had name recognition and momentum from 2010, when he gave DeFazio the closest race he had faced in years.
"It's not too much different except we are getting a bigger vote, so that's nice," DeFazio said. "Let the billionaires waste their money on people like me. I'll go with the votes of the people."
Next up: Back to work in D.C. as Congress goes back into session next week.
"The expiration of tax cuts - we have to sort that out," DeFazio said. "You know the wealthiest and the big corporations need to pay their fair share so we can get our deficit under control. That's going to be a big fight."
If, by "mainstream, Mr. DeFazio means that most Oregonians are increasingly Progressive in political nature (or just exceedingly naive and ignorant) then I suppose he can claim to represent the majority of citizens in this state.  Our family did not vote for him, nor have we for over a decade. Oregon needs a leader who understands that 2 + 2 = 4 and not some twisted formula where Congress claims to "save" Americans billions of tax dollars over the next decade by simply borrowing less money from foreign countries and printing George Washingtons with wild abandon. If conservative fiscal sensitivies equal what Mr. DeFazio calls "ultra right wing of the Republican party" (excuse me, Mr. DeFazio, I'm an Independent voter) then I'll wear it proudly! Mr. Robinson has been a scientist (you know, those folks who deal with the physical facts of our world!) for decades; he was someone who would have instilled practical policies in our state. The voters, however, seem pretty addicted to big-government entitlements. Haven't Oregonians seen what's going on just south of our border in California or overseas in Greece?...It will arrive at our door in time, especially with career politicians like DeFazio at our helm. All of us should educate ourselves about what Progressive ideals historically entail and stop spoon feeding ourselves pretty, fluffy words.
it's not the wealthy's fault that people now days are to stupid to invest their money, why should they suffer because of other peoples stupidity? if people would stop being retards and learn they don't have to buy the next iphone or whatever else comes up next, they'd realize they would have enough money to invest in those big corporations. defazio is an idiot he thinks that taxing the rich will be the answer when it isn't. sadly there will always be those consumer who will spend their money on things they don't need and will complain they don't have the money to invest or put into to their 401k. to those people you DON"T need every blood Iphone, Ipad, Ipod, or any of that stuff every single time a new one comes out. the technology hasn't changed to the point that it made whatever you have worthless.
Yep look at that smile on his face, Ah great they are all as stupid as canbe still.
I'm not surprised by this. Things will never improve with him in office,he's had since 1987 to turn things around for Lane co.,but all he's delivered is slow decline. There need to be term limits. I would expect no less from a state that has elected a worthless governor 3 times. I don't totally blame the people,I blame the parties also for not having good candidates. Kitty Piercy would not be in office today if decent candidates had run,and I am guilty of voting for her,because she was the ONLY decent candidate. I'm tired of the two party system,it only benefits career politicians and we get screwed. I guess what each party needs to realize is that having radical views seldom gets you in office.
Unfortunately Peter you are right on the money. You do in fact represent the mainstream. Citizens who live their lives as you manage our country. Deeply in debt and sinking further fast. No personal responsibility and no end in sight until austerity arrives.  We have exactly the government we deserve and you are the sorry face of it.
Maybe Robinson got the message this time around, Oregon needs a man like DeFazio in Washington. The Fourth District has spoken, loudly and clearly. Bye bye, Art.
Yes!!!!!
Yes peter by the end of your next term the U.S debt will be approx. $22 Trillion  unemployment will still be 8-9% gas will still be above $4 and you'll demonize any candidate who tries to change that! Art Robinson a wall street guy? You have no honor! Congrats and thumbs up!!!
Congrats Peter we need more like you! thumbs up!