CASE STUDY: Ballot Measures 63 and 65

During the 2008 election Pac/West worked with a broad coalition of organizations, labor, businesses, community groups and individuals to defeat ballot measures 63 and 65 in Oregon. Oregonians won an important victory in defeating Ballot Measure 63, which would have allowed unsafe building projects to take place without regulation.

Pac/West defeated Ballot Measure 65, even though proponents of the “open primary” measure claimed to have begun with a 74 percent approval rate. In the end, however, the measure was defeated 66 to 34 percent, despite being out spent by more than two to one.

Keys to Victory:

Excellent Research and Messaging: Our ability to successfully shape and frame the debate to breed success.

Smart Strategic Planning: Our plan was based on targeting key swing voters that would most likely show up on Election Day.

Disciplined Campaigning: We stuck to our proven messages and tactics and refused to be derailed.