Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Democrats gathered this weekend in Sunriver to discuss the upcoming election year.

One of the most talked about races was a showdown between high-profile candidates in the Democratic primary for governor. But there's little buzz about another statewide race that Democrats want to win. Chris Lehman explains.

A seat in the U.S. Senate is one of the top political prizes in any state but you wouldn't know it from the dearth of people trying to unseat Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden.

So far not a single Republican has stepped up to prevent Wyden from winning a third full-term in office.

At this point during the last election cycle, Democrats were fighting over the chance to run against Republican incumbent Gordon Smith.

Smith eventually lost. But Pacific University political analyst Jim Moore says barring an unforeseen turn of events, Wyden will cruise to victory.

Jim Moore: “If you're going to be a Republican, you have to say do I want to basically take one for the team but try to get some Republican ideas out there.”

In Washington state, Democrat Patty Murray is seeking a fourth term. Despite a four million dollar war chest she's taking no chances, even bringing in Vice President Joe Biden for a fundraiser next month.

Four Republican challengers have so far failed to gain much momentum.