CQPolitics

Hostility toward the federal government makes the rural and sometimes rugged 2nd Oregon’s most reliably Republican district. It covers the eastern two-thirds of the state — bordering Washington, Idaho, Nevada and California. The federal government owns most of the land, which has fertile fields, towering mountains and protected forests.

The strength of the local agriculture industry lies in its diversity. The district’s southeast is home to the state’s heartiest livestock region, while its north harvests more bushels of wheat than anywhere else in Oregon. From the district’s northwest near Mount Hood to the Rogue River Valley in southern Oregon is a rich fruit belt: almost all of the state’s pears are grown either in Jackson County or Hood River County, which leads the nation in pear production. Cherries and apples are grown here as well.

The 2nd’s timber and fishing industries have been hindered for decades by federal habitat and species protections. The economic difficulties caused by these restrictions drove people away from the region in the 1980s, but an influx of retirees and a growing tourism industry have attracted newcomers. The 2nd’s part of Hells Canyon in the northeast (shared with Idaho) is a magnet for tourists. Crater Lake National Park and Upper Klamath Lake, both in Klamath County, also attract visitors.

Medford, in Jackson County, is the 2nd’s largest city and is a health care hub for southern Oregon. Health facilities here employ thousands of residents. Less than 20 miles southeast of Medford is Ashland, which has hosted the Oregon Shakespeare Festival since 1935.

In the 2004 presidential election, George W. Bush won 19 of the 20 counties wholly or partly within the 2nd — Hood River County was the exception — and Bush’s top five Oregon counties were here. Democrats are scattered in parts of Ashland and Bend, and are too few to swing the 2nd. Overall, Bush took 61 percent of the district’s 2004 presidential vote.

Major Industry

Agriculture, forestry, tourism

Cities

Medford, 63,154; Bend, 52,029; Grants Pass, 23,003; Altamont (unincorporated), 19,603; Ashland, 19,522; Klamath Falls, 19,462

Notable

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States.