DEPOE BAY — A Republican candidates’ event was startled by the surprise appearance of a rival Democrat Saturday when state rep David Gomberg (D-Dist.10) crashed the March 7 rally for GOP hopefuls.

The seeming emergence from a broom closet at the community center of the seven-term state legislator briefly interrupted the speaker, gubernatorial candidate Ed “No Tax” Diehl (R-Dist. 17), who introduced Gomberg to the flabbergasted crowd of ardent Republicans. Gomberg actually slipped in through the front entrance as Diehl, also a state legislator, blamed Democratic policies for killing Oregon jobs.

“It’s David Gomberg, everybody,” paused Diehl, who was excoriating 40 years of “one party rule” in Oregon when he spotted the progressive gatecrasher. “Welcome to Lincoln County, Dave. I hope this doesn’t upset you.”

Gomberg and Diehl emerged as opponents over Gov. Tina Kotek’s proposed $4.3 billion increase in transportation taxes and fees, which Diehl successfully challenged by putting the matter on the November ballot. Gomberg then co-chaired hearings that shoved the referendum to May, a move condemned by Republicans as a way to suppress voting.

Diehl seemed unfazed, however, and went on to describe the three legs of his campaign: “accountability, affordability and a thriving economy.” Diehl, who represents a district running east from Salem to the Santiam Canyon, promised to repeal dozens of executive orders on energy and business regulations.

“When (Nike founder) Phil Knight starts moving jobs to Tennessee you know Oregon’s in trouble,” he said, promising to reverse a trend led by the departure of Dutch Bros. Coffee.

While Diehl seemed to have a corner on political gravitas, Republican candidate David Medina appealed to the spiritual side of Republicans.

“We’ve got to get back to Godly values,” said Medina, a born-again Christian who is a popular Portland-area podcaster with national conservative ties.

He condemned Portland culture as a “homeless-industrial complex” and castigated the Oregon legislature for passing HB2002, which permits children to change their gender without parental consent. Then he offered the microphone to Gomberg, who voted ‘yes’ on the controversial law.

Gomberg declined to take the bait, saying: “I’m gonna’ let you talk.”

Also on the dais of the monthly meeting of the Lincoln Co. Republicans was retired U.S. Air Force colonel Monique DeSpain, who is challenging incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle for the seat in the U.S. House 4th Dist.

“We’re all tired of career politicians and want an Oregon that we can be proud of again,” said DeSpain, mounting her second campaign against Democratic Hoyle whom she described as a
“socialist.”

While staunch adversaries on the House floor, Gomberg engaged in an affable conversation with Diehl on the steps of the 90-year-old town hall.

“I came here to listen and to learn because I represent all these people and want to hear what they’re saying,” remarked the Lincoln City legislator.