Congressional candidate Jim Crary hosts Bend town hall

The congressional seat for Central, Southern and Eastern Oregon has been in Republican hands for decades. Democrat Jim Crary of Ashland is hoping to add some blue to the mix.

The Second District candidate hosted a town hall in Bend Wednesday night, inviting the community to hear his stance on hot-button issues and answer questions.

He’ll likely face off against longtime Republican Rep. Greg Walden in November.

Walden has represented the district since 1999, but that large chunk of Oregon has been “red” on the map since the early ’80s.

Crary said things need to change.

“I’m very upset with how much money is in the political system right now, and how inordinate the influence of the rich (is),” Crary said. “The super PACs — I mean, it’s anonymous money, and to me it’s very corrupting.”

Crary has not held a political office. He has a background in the military, law and business.

Crary said congressional campaigns are expensive, and while the incumbent has $1.5 million to spend, he doesn’t.

“What I’m hoping is, people will look at ideas and issues and who’s got ideas and who wants to solve it, and who will answer a direct question directly, and not segue into some what I call dodgeball answer, where you duck, dodge, dive, dodge,” he said,

Although he acknowledges his chance of winning is slim, Crary also said people are starting to shift away from career politicians like Walden.

“I’m looking at the presidential races right now. Who’s doing well? Trump and Bernie Sanders. They’re both outsiders, both are indicative that so many people are sick and tired of politics as usual,” Crary said.

The primaries for both parties will be decided on May 17. More information on Jim Crary can be found at www.Crary16.com.