Reply #7: Actually, the preferred designation by locals is "Central" Oregon...

[Barrymores Ghost]

Since it is literally the geographic center of the state. I grew up there. But you're right, the surrounding communities of Prineville, Redmond, Madras, Powell Butte, Terrebonne have all voted largely in the red, although Prineville (and Crook County) went for Carter in 1976. In fact, Crook County was, through Bush 41, I believe, a Presidential bellweather county since it first began to cast votes.

I was at the Descutes Brewery the day it first opened its doors downtown in 1988. Mmmmm......love the Black Butte Porter and the Mirror Pond Pale Ale...