Denny Smith

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Denny Smith

U.S.A.

Party Republican
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth January 19, 1938 (Age: 88)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Analysis
Personal Background

Denny Smith holds a foundational background rooted in both education and public service. He graduated from high school and attended Willamette University. Smith spent several years in the United States House of Representatives, representing Oregon's 2nd and 5th congressional districts. He chaired key committees, including Budget, Interior and Insular Affairs, and Veterans' Affairs. Post-political career, Smith became Chairman of Eagle Newspapers, a prominent printing and publishing company in the Pacific Northwest. His contributions to journalism were recognized when he was inducted into the Oregon Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2012.

Political Ideas

Denny Smith's political career reveals a strategic focus on local issues, particularly crime and law enforcement, while his economic ties have been controversial. His establishment of Oregonians Against Crime highlights a unique approach to policy advocacy through grassroots mobilization. Despite his ties to collapsed savings and loans, which nearly cost him his seat, Smith's ability to pivot and maintain political relevance suggests an ideologically agile stance. His family connections to prominent political figures further complicate his ideological positioning, adding layers to his political identity.

Campaigns
1994: Oregon State Governor

Election History

Oregon gubernatorial election, 1994

517,874 votes (42.41%)

Loss

Winner: John Kitzhaber

1990: U.S.A. House of Representatives

Election History

Oregon House of Representatives 5th District

44.90% of vote

Loss

Winner: Mike Kopetski

1988: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Oregon House of Representatives 5th District

50.20% of vote

Win
1986: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Oregon House of Representatives 5th District

60.50% of vote

Win
1984: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Oregon House of Representatives 5th District

54.50% of vote

Win
1982: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Oregon House of Representatives 5th District

51.20% of vote

Win
1980: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Oregon House of Representatives 2nd District

48.80% of vote

Win