Oregon Senators Face Re-election Ban After Prolonged Boycott
The News
Frustrated, powerless and with little hope of regaining significant influence anytime soon, Republican lawmakers in Oregon have in recent years turned repeatedly to a disruptive tactic: boycotting their own legislature.
The stalling strategy, with senators fleeing the State Capitol to avoid casting a vote, has at times proved effective in a state where two-thirds of lawmakers must be present in order for the legislature to conduct business. It has been so disruptive that voters altered the Constitution last year to punish those who were repeatedly absent by barring them from re-election.
But now, as the legislature debates contentious bills over abortion and transgender rights, some lawmakers are boycotting once again. This week, in the first significant test of the new law, three state senators reached the legal threshold of 10 unexcused absences.
“Let it be abundantly clear: This is just the beginning of the fight,” Tim Knopp, the Republican Senate minority leader, said in a statement.
Republicans have signaled that they may challenge the new constitutional provision in court. The three lawmakers who have reached the 10-day mark are Dennis Linthicum and Daniel Bonham, both Republicans, along with Brian Boquist, a former Republican who is now an independent. There are no term limits in the legislature, but some senators are facing re-election campaigns as soon as next year.
Mr. Knopp has called for a more bipartisan approach to deal with the concerns of Republicans, who have made it clear that they oppose bills that would expand access to abortion and require insurance companies to cover gender-transitioning treatment when a health care provider deems it medically necessary.
Source: The New York Times
