A study issued in June 2009 by the nonprofit National Institute on Money in State Politics found that Oregon candidate races are becoming ever more expensive and ever less competitive.

The study found that candidates for state and local office in Oregon raised and spent 29% more in 2008 than in 2004 (the last time the same offices were at stake). The cost of the average race for the Oregon Legislature went up by 51 percent. The higher spending candidate won 96% of the time. Read More ...

Contributions by business and unions were about the same: about $20 million each. What about individuals?

Approximately 5,500 individuals, or slightly more than 0.1 percent of Oregon's population, gave money to a candidate, party, or ballot measure during the 2008 election cycle.

No wonder the politicians pay attention to business and unions!

These races also become less competitive.

94 percent of incumbents running for re-election were victorious. Candidates who raised the most money enjoyed a 96 percent success rate. Candidates who had both the money and incumbency advantage enjoyed a 100 percent victory rate. From the other perspective, only 3 of 52 challengers won their races, all of whom raised more money than the incumbents they were challenging.

To compound the incumbent advantage, the current office holder often raises the most. The Institute's PULSE tool shows the clear fundraising advantage that incumbents hold – 90 percent of the incumbents were able to raise more money than their opponents.

In open races, where no incumbent is running, money is often the kingmaker. The candidate who raised the most money won in 13 of 15 open races.

The full study is available here: http://www.followthemoney.org/press/Reports/Oregon08CloserLook.pdf

To get campaign finance reform in Oregon, visit Fair Elections Oregon