Oregon high court says 10 GOP state senators who staged long walkout can’t run for reelection

Keloland ^ | 2/1/24 | Claire Rush

[CFW]

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Supreme Court said Thursday that 10 Republican state senators who staged a record-long walkout last year to stall bills on abortion, transgender health care and gun rights cannot run for reelection.

The decision upholds the secretary of state’s decision to disqualify the senators from the ballot under a voter-approved measure aimed at stopping such boycotts. Measure 113, passed by voters in 2022, amended the state constitution to bar lawmakers from reelection if they have more than 10 unexcused absences.

Last year’s boycott lasted six weeks — the longest in state history — and paralyzed the legislative session, stalling hundreds of bills.

Five lawmakers sued over the secretary of state’s decision — Sens. Tim Knopp, Daniel Bonham, Suzanne Weber, Dennis Linthicum and Lynn Findley. They were among the 10 GOP senators who racked up more than 10 absences.

[Adder]

Seems to me that it violates the 14th USC....denies representation

Besides, since when do the dumbles decide who is on the ballot?

[napscoordinator]

The law passed in 2022 by the voters. Try it in 2025 and they will be kicked off the ballot.

[fruser1]

Seems to me that it violates the 14th USC....denies representation

It's an interesting question. Can a federal statute override a State's Constitution? I would think it'd require a fed constitution to state constitution duke out so the only chance to override would be to argue that the fed constitution denies such limits.

[TBP]

Write them in.

[Twotone]

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