POWELL BUTTE, OR -- State Representative Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) is running for a fifth term. He grew up in Condon and now lives in Powell Butte. He was first elected in 2010 and tells KBND News, "Small towns in District 55 need someone advocating in Salem. There's nothing wrong with that in my book, and I'm happy to do it." He says he knows what makes residents feel secure, "I'm going to focus on, of course, jobs. That will be my number one priority for my district. Good jobs, high paying jobs that fuel the economy and give everyone opportunity."

McLane says he's also looking at the budget, making sure the state's growth is sustainable, "Oregon has expanded under a one party rule. Its state budget spending is at historic rates." He says he works to unite lawmakers, but admits there's plenty of frustration, "The lack of acknowledgment that we can't just spend ourselves into success, we have got to manage the State on a budget, just like everyone else." He's served as House Republican Leader since 2012.  "I hope the voters in District 55 send me back to Salem because we're in this together, and I am honored to be on the Central Oregon team."