With Election Day just hours away, Denise and Hunter covered the races, issues, and questions facing Oregon and the nation, along with two terrific guests and a little Halloween conversation!
TJ Sullivan: Community Champions & Downtown Salem
TJ Sullivan joined us for our Community Champions spotlight, sharing what’s happening in downtown Salem as businesses prepare for the Christmas season. Volunteers are needed to help string holiday lights and bring some Christmas cheer to downtown!
TJ also emphasized the importance of local elections and supporting candidates who understand the challenges facing Oregon’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Learn more: https://www.SalemMainStreetAssociation.org
Todd Sheets: France, the Midterms & America’s Economic Future
Economist, investment banker, and author Todd Sheets joined us for a fascinating conversation about the midterm elections, government spending, and France’s mounting economic troubles.
Could France’s debt and spending problems be a warning for America? Todd explained the parallels and discussed the consequences of expanding government spending and control.
But we ended on an optimistic note! Todd believes America’s innovative businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic resilience give us plenty of reasons to be hopeful about our future. Denise shares that optimism, and we look forward to welcoming Todd back!
Todd writes the free newsletter On Wealth and Progress and is the author of 2008: What Really Happened.
Todd’s website: https://toddsheetswriter.com/
Newsletter: https://toddsheetswriter.com/on-wealth-and-progress-newsletter/
Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-160854718
Article on government spending: https://toddsheets.substack.com/p/government-stimulus-spending-by-any
Book: https://www.amazon.com/2008-Really-Happened-Todd-Sheets/dp/1641773936/
Election Eve: Oregon and the Nation
With voters preparing to make their final decisions, we discussed the rematch between Governor Tina Kotek and Republican Christine Drazan, the importance of Oregon’s legislative races, and whether Republicans could break the Democratic supermajorities.
We also looked at Marion County’s surge in early ballot returns and the more than 51 million Americans who had already voted nationwide. What does increased early voting really tell us about voter enthusiasm?
And with control of Congress at stake, what could the results mean for the final two years of President Trump’s term?
Is Halloween Still a High-Trust Holiday?
We also had a little fun, and raised a serious question, about Halloween! With videos circulating of kids and adults emptying candy bowls and confronting homeowners, is the honor-system Halloween tradition becoming a thing of the past?
Election Reminder!
Oregon voters have until 8 PM Tuesday, November 3, to return their ballots. If you haven’t voted yet, use an official ballot drop box rather than relying on regular mail delivery.
Find your drop box: https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/pages/drop-box-locator.aspx
Election Coverage & Sources
Oregon election coverage:
https://www.opb.org/elections-2026/
Salem-area legislative races:
https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/29/election-2026-races-oregon-house-senate-salem/
Marion County early ballot returns:
https://www.salemreporter.com/2026/10/29/marion-county-already-14000-votes-ahead-of-last-gubernatorial-election-four-years-ago/
Reuters congressional election preview:
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/six-things-watch-us-voters-decide-control-congress-2026-11-02/
