Chuck Burley

SALEM – State Rep. Chuck Burley is chasing the big fish.

Phil Philiben is trying to stay above water.

The two candidates for the Oregon House District 54 seat, which represents Bend and Deschutes River Woods, would seem to be a study in contrasts.

Burley, a Republican and timber industry consultant who is seeking his second term, is flush with campaign cash from some of Oregon’s biggest industries – the most recent reports show he raised $48,699 since June. Last week, he was on a three-day fundraiser, floating and fishing on the Lower Deschutes, where the steelhead are as big as he’s ever seen in the river, he said in a telephone interview from Maupin.

Burley said he’s running for re-election to continue what he started: Highlighting Central Oregon’s interests – particularly in the natural resource arena – and looking for middle-ground solutions to the state’s problems.

”It was a learning experience and I have more to learn, but hopefully I can represent the district well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Philiben, a Demo-cratic party co-chairman and small businessman who is a caretaker for his elderly mother, has attracted little financing but is being inventive in his low-budget campaign, which reported only about $3,000 in donations.

Candidates

Chuck Burley

Office: State Representative, District 54

Party: Republican

Age: 51

Residence: Bend

Family: Married, two grown children

Employment: Forest products industry consultant, certified forester

Education: B.S. in forest management, Colorado State University, 1977; M.S. in resource management and policy, State University of New York, 1980; MBA, James Madison University in Virginia, 1988.

Experience: State representative, 2005-present; board member, Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District

Internet: www.voteforburley.com

Phil Philiben

Office: State Representative, District 54

Party: Democrat

Age: 57

Residence: Bend

Family: Single, caretaker for elderly mother

Employment: former sporting goods store owner, former insurance salesman.

Education: Classes at Boston University and University of Arizona

Experience: Co-chairman Deschutes County Democrats, former candidate park board and county commission

Internet: www.hd54.org