Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Portland Business Alliance is reaching across the Columbia River to help Vancouver's Mayor, Royce Pollard, with a tough election challenge. April Baer reports.

Pollard's challenger, City Councilor Tim Leavitt is running the most competitive race Vancouver has seen in years.

This is the first time PBA has ever endorsed a candidate in a Clark County political race.

PBA President Sandra McDonough says the group's getting involved because incumbent Mayor Pollard has been a good partner to Portland on transportation issues and economic development.

Sandra McDonough  "Instead of having it be one city versus another city, we're really looking at things holistic in a way that we have never done before, to say how do we recruit for the region."

The Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Portland Mayor Sam Adams are both staying neutral.

Leavitt's endorsements include the Building Industry Association of Clark County, a powerful trade  and development group. Leavitt says PBA did not invite him for a candidate's interview.