Front Page > Issues > 2004 > February

The Dorchester Conference: Oregon's annual Republican "party"

Founded in 1964 by Bob Packwood, then a State Representative, the Dorchester Conference bills itself as a "grassroots conference" and "the nation's longest running political meeting". This annual event provides about 600 Republican attendees an opportunity to "meet elected officials and learn about politics". The Dorchester weekend is also one big beach party, with a guest list that includes a who's who of Oregon's Republican leadership, their friends, and supporters (like radio personality Rob Kremer).

Sponsors are invited to display their wares, and participants can learn about the products of "grassroots" businesses like FLIR Systems, Inc., the Oregon-based developer of military infrared camera systems. FLIR (an acronym for Foward Looking InfraRed) recieved a $40 million contract in May 2003 from US Special Operations Command for up to 75 thermal imaging systems (a nine inch diameter camera and laser rangefinder) for use on "Little Bird" helicopters. FLIR supplied high resolution equipment for the current Iraq war, and previously to the Marines in Afghanistan (to search for Osama bin Laden?). FLIR's technology, including lightweight, handheld devices that resemble flashlights, is also used in homeland security and counterterrorism programs.

Portland General Electric and pharmaceutical giants Bristol-Meyers Squibb Co. and Eli Lilly and Co. were also listed among the 25 businesses that helped sponsor 2003's event. The Oregon Young Republican (OYR) contingent had a booth to introduce its "YR water" — labeled with the OYR's website — a new "marketing tool for our organization". Eight of the Young Republican legislators and Special Forces Lt.Col. and Exec. V.P. of International Charter, Inc., Brian Boquist, co-hosted a Friday evening party (in 2002, Boquist lost his bid for the 5th Congressional District seat to Democrat Darlene Hooley).

Keynote speakers at Dorchester have included Republican figureheads and architects of right-wing strategy and policy. George H.W. Bush (senior), Donald Hodel, Reed Irvine, Ronald Reagan, and Elizabeth Dole, have all appeared at past gatherings. In 2002, White House advisor (aka "Bush's brain") Karl Rove, was the featured speaker. In 2003, Ruben Barrales, a "top White House advisor" for Homeland Security issues, and the president's liason to state officials addressed the conference. (As this issue goes to press, there is no word on presenters for the March 2004 conference).

Joanne Oleksiak has been a treatment coordinator for a community mental health crisis respite program, and is a longtime Portland disarmament and social justice activist.