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All eyes on Florida Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Southern Oregon Republicans keep their attention on the televised results early in the evening Tuesday at the Red Lion Hotel in Medford. The presidential race remained in doubt late into the night, leaving people from both parties anxious as the votes from various states trickled in. Locals on both sides gnaw their nails waiting for results By Paul Fattig After tracking the presidential race for more than a year, former Congressman John Dellenback could hardly stand the suspense late Tuesday night. "This is the first time in many years that Oregon will have a major impact on a national election, but all our votes may not be counted for several days," lamented the Medford Republican, noting that is a weakness in the state�s vote-by-mail process. "This should be an educational time for all of us," he added. His concerns appeared to be shared by other local Oregonians nervously waiting for the campaign dust to settle in the nail-biting race for the Oval Office. But 2nd Congressional District Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, who returns to Washington, D.C., early next week to finish this session�s business, was counting on Bush to win the final tally. "We need someone who can reach across party lines to build a consensus right now, and I don�t see Al Gore doing that," said Walden, who was expected to win re-election against a relatively unknown opponent. The close presidential race doesn�t necessarily mean political gridlock, said former Congressman Bob Smith, a Medford Republican who served the 2nd Congressional District for a dozen years. For instance, the expected budget surplus will be used either to cut taxes or reduce the national debt, he said. "These are phenomenal times with this huge surplus," Smith said, although noting the credit should go to the GOP-led Congress. "This country can afford to do a lot of things � prescription drugs, repair Medicare, make sure Social Security is safe." In Selma, Mort Mondale, younger brother of former Vice President Walter Mondale, was also watching and waiting. "It�s been an extraordinary election," said the Democrat and environmental activist. "There has been a lack of dominant issues, outside the environmental issues. Yet I�m surprised that the success of the Clinton-Gore administration hasn�t carried over. "But I also know a vice presidential run for president is rarely successful," added the Gore supporter. "And I happen to know one." Dave Hill, executive vice president of the Southern Oregon Timber Industries Association, was hoping for a Bush administration. "With him in office, we would see a much more balanced and progressive management of our federal timberlands," Hill said. "That�s not to say we would go back to a clearcutting, overcutting approach to forest management. "But we would likely see more active thinning to reduce forest fuel loads," he added. "That�s important economically as well as for forest health." Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.