As a political campaign expert, I have closely monitored the spending trends in Washington County, Oregon. With the 2020 elections just around the corner, the county has become a battleground for various political parties and candidates. But with all the campaigning and advertising, one question remains on everyone's mind - how much money is being spent on campaigns in Washington County?
The Importance of Washington County in Oregon Politics
Located in the northwestern part of Oregon, Washington County is the second most populous county in the state. It is home to cities like Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard, and has a diverse population of over 600,000 people.The county has a significant influence on state politics, with its residents often voting for candidates who align with their values and beliefs. Washington County has also been a key battleground in recent elections. In 2016, it was one of the few counties in Oregon that voted for Donald Trump, while also electing a Democratic governor and senator. This makes it a crucial county for both parties to win over in the upcoming elections.
The Rise of Campaign Spending
With so much at stake, it's no surprise that campaigns in Washington County have become increasingly expensive. According to data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the total amount spent on campaigns in the county has been steadily rising over the years. In 2016, a total of $8.5 million was spent on campaigns in Washington County.This number increased to $10.7 million in 2018 and is expected to be even higher in 2020. This rise can be attributed to several factors, including population growth, increased competition between candidates, and the use of new and expensive campaign tactics.
The Impact of Outside Spending
While the majority of campaign spending in Washington County comes from the candidates themselves, there is also a significant amount of outside spending. This refers to money spent by political action committees (PACs), super PACs, and other organizations to support or oppose a particular candidate or issue. In 2018, outside spending in Washington County reached a record high of $3.5 million. This accounted for nearly one-third of the total campaign spending in the county.The rise in outside spending can be attributed to the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which allows corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns.
The Cost of Advertising
One of the biggest expenses for campaigns in Washington County is advertising. With a large and diverse population, candidates need to reach out to voters through various mediums, including television, radio, print, and digital media. In 2018, over $4 million was spent on television advertising alone in Washington County. This was followed by $1.5 million on digital advertising and $1 million on direct mail. With the rise of social media and online advertising, it is expected that these numbers will continue to increase in the upcoming elections.The Role of Small Donations
While it may seem like campaigns in Washington County are solely funded by big donors and outside organizations, small donations also play a significant role.These are donations made by individuals who contribute less than $200 to a campaign. In 2018, small donations accounted for over $1 million in campaign funding in Washington County. This shows that while big donors may have a significant impact on campaigns, there is also support from everyday citizens who believe in a candidate's message and values.
The Impact on Local Elections
While most of the attention is focused on national and state-level campaigns, the impact of campaign spending in Washington County is also felt in local elections. With the rise of outside spending, even local races for city council or school board can become expensive and highly competitive. In 2018, a record-breaking $1.5 million was spent on a single race for the Washington County Board of Commissioners. This shows that even in local elections, money plays a significant role in determining the outcome.The Need for Campaign Finance Reform
With the increasing cost of campaigns in Washington County, many have called for campaign finance reform.This includes limiting the amount of money that can be spent on campaigns and increasing transparency in reporting campaign donations. Some have also suggested implementing a public financing system, where candidates receive public funds to run their campaigns instead of relying on private donations. This would level the playing field and reduce the influence of big donors and outside organizations.
