Oregon’s secretary of state bars Senate Republicans from 2024 run after walkout.
Over a Dozen Republican Oregon State Senators Disqualified from Reelection
In a move aimed at curbing excessive walkouts, over a dozen Republican Oregon state senators have been disqualified from seeking reelection. The measure, which was passed by voters in 2022, states that lawmakers with more than 10 unexcused absences cannot run for office in the following term.
Oregon Secretary of State Upholds Referendum
The Oregon secretary of state, LaVonne Griffin-Valade, has pledged to uphold the referendum, certifying its validity. “My decision honors the voters’ intent by enforcing the measure the way it was commonly understood when Oregonians added it to our state constitution,” Griffin-Valade stated.
Republican Pushback
Republicans have pushed back against the measure, arguing that the wording is unclear and should not disqualify them from running in 2024. They believe that their interpretation of the measure allows them to run because their current terms are scheduled to end in January 2025, with the next election after their terms expire in 2028.
A History of Walkouts
Oregon Republicans have a long history of walkouts in response to Democratic-backed legislation. They have boycotted various issues, from climate legislation to tax plans, in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Interpretation of the Measure
Some GOP lawmakers argue that the measure disqualifies them from holding office in the term that begins in January 2029, based on the language of the title. However, Griffin-Valade disagrees, stating that there is no suggestion that the measure allows absent legislators to serve an additional term after accumulating too many absences.
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