The two Republicans challenging each other for House District 55 are often referred to as the "Two Mikes" in their bid for the seat now held by Medford resident George Gilman.

Powell Butte resident Mike McLane, a 45-year-old attorney who also started a publishing business, and 40-year-old Prineville Mayor Mike Wendel are the only two candidates in the race. As a result, the winner of the May 18 primary will be the de facto winner of the general election in November.

House District 55 is the second largest district in the state, stretching from the eastern edge of Medford to Prineville in the north and Lakeview in the south.

It's a big district, but both candidates say it's a district that is primarily rural, with many of the communities facing similar problems, such as high unemployment rates.

McLane said his main goal is "jobs, jobs, jobs."

He wants to create an environment in Oregon that attracts businesses, and that also allows rural communities to tap into natural resources more to help develop jobs.

Stewardship of the land has turned into protectionism, where the federal government keeps much of the local forests off-limits to local mills, he said.

More logging doesn't mean a return to the old days, but logging should and can be done while maintaining the sustainability of forests, McLane said.

McLane supports some government safety net programs that have helped many unemployed families in his district, but he doesn't support state cuts in law enforcement and schools.

For Oregon to find its way out of this economic slump, McLane said it will require helping businesses get back on their feet and promoting more job growth. This will in turn provide more revenue for schools, law enforcement and other services.

"I'd rather see the pie get bigger, than fight over a smaller piece," he said. "We need to get more businesses."

Wendel, who has fought forest fires and has worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation for 20 years, supports education and some social programs, particularly after local schools have seen sports funding cut at Crook County High School and the lunch program taken over by the community at another school.

When the Legislature puts its next budget together, Wendel predicts there will be more hardships ahead as the state continues to try and shake off the recession.

In general, though, the biggest engine for economic and community success is business, he said.

"The government's job is to stay away from the people being successful," he said.

Tax measures 66 and 67 — approved by voters in November — are going to be brutal on businesses, he said.

"That is going to be a monster issue," he said.

Bringing in new businesses will be key to generating more jobs locally, he said. He cited Facebook's plans to build a $180 million data center in Crook County and construction of a facility by Envirotech Services Inc. of Greeley, Colo., as two examples of changing economy in the area.

Compared with his opponent, Wendel cites his experience in political office, having been mayor for five years and on the City Council two years before that.

He's also been involved in the League of Oregon Cities, the local Commission on Children and Families and other organizations.

McLane said he has had extensive experience on the judiciary side of state government. He has received support from Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Central Point, who is his campaign's honorary co-chair.

He said he's picked up endorsements from former state Sen. Steve Harper and sheriffs in Crook and Klamath counties.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com.