Willamette Week has endorsed him over his fellow Repbulcian challenger Dr. Monica Wehby for the seat.

 

The newspaper's managing editor, Brent Walth says they spoke with both candidates a couple weeks ago .. and were not impressed with Wehby.

 

"Dr. Wehby seemed to not be anywhere near prepared to answer key questions on a range of issues even healthcare and given she's a physician seemed kind of glaring to us."

 

Walth says Cogner was much more knowledgeable and was much more consistent with his postions.

 

He says Wehby has been all over the map on her positiins regarding the Affordable Care Act -- going from advocating to tweak it to her postion now to repeal it.

 

Conger says he's honored by the endorsement.  He said the editorial board put the candidates through a pretty grueling process.

 

"Because they asked tough questions and follwed up asking greater detail and more nuanced answers.  I was thrilled when they said I was real, prepared, clear and conscise.   That I understood the issues and was able to articulate and explain my positions on the issues."

 

Conger says he liked that a newspaper with a more liberal bent -- would endorse his candidacy because of his clear and consistent positions.