Again on Thursday, the Oregon Senate could not reach quorum, meaning that six more Republican senators have violated Article IV, Section 15 of the Oregon Constitution and are therefore ineligible to seek reelection.
There were ten unexcused absences among the Republican senators of Oregon: Lynn Findley (Vale), Bill Hansell (Athena), Tim Knopp (Bend), Art Robinson (Cave Junction), Kim Thatcher (Keizer), and Suzanne Weber (Tillamook).
The senators can no longer run for reelection to their current Senate seat under Measure 113, which was approved by 68% of voters in November.
As a result, only three of the state’s Republican senators will be eligible to seek re-election after their term unless the regulation is overturned in court, as is likely.
It also means the Senate will be at a stalemate for another day.
‘Continue To Disrespect Our Democracy’
Rob Wagner, Democrat of Lake Oswego, President of the State Senate, referred to it as “another extremely challenging day for Oregon.”
After the sergeant at arms confirmed that Republican senators were missing, he spoke out, expressing his dismay and frustration over the two-week walkout that has stalled legislation in the state legislature.
“By walking out in defiance of Article IV, Section 15 certain senators continue to disrespect our democracy,” says Wagner.
He argued that the minority should not be able to veto the will of the majority, citing the words of Alexander Hamilton and other founders who said things like “we do not have a democracy” if the minority can veto the will of the majority.
“If the voters wanted different policies, they would have voted that way. That is how a democracy works,” says Wagner. “This walkout must end. The people of Oregon desire it. Democracy demands it.”
KATU News shared a Tweet about the same incident. You also read.
A Republican-led walkout in the Oregon Senate hit its tenth day on Monday, and three senators are now banned from running for re-election under a state rule regarding unexcused lawmaker absences.https://t.co/d6r9CU9GOB
— KATU News (@KATUNews) May 15, 2023
As a “peaceful, constitutional protest” against highly politicized legislation, Republicans are hailing the walkout. House Bill 2002, which deals with abortion and transgender healthcare, has been stalled in the legislature.
Only two Republicans (including Senator David Brock-Smith) were on the floor. He praised his fellow Republicans for their “selfless” efforts to “defend the political rights of every Oregonian in this state.”
Political Game Playing
Senate minority leader Tim Knopp sent an email saying his party had told Oregon citizens and Democratic colleagues they would return before the session ended to postpone reading and rules on “lawful, substantially bipartisan budgets and bills.” This would allow the Senate to vote quickly on these bills before the deadline to end the session.
Statesman Journal also posted the same news on Facebook. You can read it below.
This year, state law says the Legislature must pass a budget.
“While Democrats are laser-focused on the issues that do nothing but divide, we are focused on the real issues Oregonians care most about – homelessness, affordable housing, public safety, cost of living, job creation and fully-funded education,” in keeping with the declaration.
Wagner has already stated his opposition to the plan.
At a press conference, he referred to comments then-House Speaker Tina Kotek made in 2020. She accused Republicans of deceit during the 2020 boycott and panned their proposal to return 12 hours early.
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“That’s not what democracy is. It just isn’t. The same standard is going to apply here,” says Wagner.
It has been 11 hours of talks with Republicans, he and Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton) remarked.
They have already requested a “wish list” of requests from the Republican leadership. Lieber as stated in, they have repeatedly failed to do so and have instead provided a “kill list” of proposals they wish to see voted down.
Lieber said these measures included House Bill 2005, Senate Joint Resolution 33, and Senate Bill 27.
HB 2005 also allows local governments to restrict hidden handguns in public buildings and grounds by prohibiting unserialized ghost guns and increasing the minimum age to purchase certain firearms.
The proposed constitutional amendment regarding safeguards for same-sex marriage and abortion is related to SJR 33 and SB 27.
She emphasized that Democrats are still uninterested in compromising on HB 2002.
It made her sad to watch other Republicans, like Knopp, “abandon” long-standing alliances, she said.
Wagner and Lieber have stated that there are no plans for further talks with Republicans. Wagner remarked that they should take a moment to relax after the hectic morning.
The Senate will not be in session this weekend.
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