Nike founder Phil Knight recently donated $3 million to the Bring Balance to Salem PAC, a Republican political action committee in Oregon, representing his largest single contribution to Republican causes in the state. This donation, reported by Willamette Week, brings the PAC’s cash on hand to $3.93 million. With an estimated net worth exceeding $31 billion, Knight’s increased financial support for Republicans, including past donations to Republican candidates and campaigns, could significantly influence the state’s legislative balance, particularly as he has expressed frustration with the state’s Democratic leadership in the past.
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Nike co-founder Phil Knight recently donated $3 million to the Bring Balance to Salem PAC, aiming to elect Republicans to the Oregon Legislature, representing his largest single political contribution in the state. This donation significantly boosted the PAC’s cash reserves, bringing the total to $3.93 million. Knight’s support for the PAC reflects his ongoing effort to diminish the Democratic supermajorities in the Oregon Legislature, a trend he began in 2022 with substantial donations. Previously, Knight also contributed to candidates like Betsy Johnson and Christine Drazan during the 2022 election cycle.
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Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi has announced he is switching parties, leaving the Republican Party to seek reelection as a Democrat. Javadi cited the Republican Party’s shift away from governing and toward divisive cultural issues as a key factor in his decision. He specifically referenced the party’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, including book bans that he believes violate First Amendment rights, as well as their unwillingness to support his proposed policies that would benefit his district. Javadi stated that the Democratic Party aligns more closely with his values and is more focused on actually governing and protecting minority rights.
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Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi has announced his departure from the Republican Party, becoming a Democrat. Javadi cited the GOP’s abandonment of core principles like fiscal responsibility and the rule of law as the reason for his switch. His move strengthens the Democratic supermajority in the Oregon House, weakening Republican influence. Javadi stated he found more common ground with Democrats focused on problem-solving. The switch comes amid a backdrop of shifting party affiliations nationwide.
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Oregon State Rep. Cyrus Javadi, formerly a Republican, has officially switched his party affiliation to the Democratic Party. This decision comes after months of voting with Democrats on key issues and ahead of a deadline to run as a Democrat in the upcoming election. Javadi cited his commitment to his community as the driving force behind the change, as he found himself increasingly at odds with his party’s stances on coastal priorities. The move is likely to solidify the Democrats’ majority in the House, though a recall campaign against Javadi is underway.
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Janelle Bynum, a four-term Democratic state lawmaker, has been elected to Congress, becoming Oregon’s first Black representative. Bynum defeated incumbent Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer in a highly contested race, with Bynum’s victory secured by strong support in Multnomah and Clackamas counties, despite Chavez-DeRemer’s dominance in Marion and Linn counties. This win allows Democrats to regain the district and potentially impacts the balance of power in the U.S. House. While Bynum’s victory marks a historic milestone for Oregon, the Republican majority in the House could limit her ability to advance her agenda, which includes establishing a national right to abortion, expanding infrastructure, and creating job opportunities.
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Republican senators who walked out of the Oregon Legislature have received a major blow as the state Supreme Court ruled that they cannot seek reelection. As a concerned citizen, I am elated by this decision. It is only fair that individuals who abdicate their responsibilities as public servants face consequences for their actions.
Some Republicans may be upset by this ruling, but I fail to understand their grievances. After all, they chose to walk out, effectively abandoning their positions. I initially believed there were more than five senators involved, but regardless, this is a positive step forward.
One Republican senator, Senator Kim Thatcher, expressed her disappointment, claiming that the court’s decision was based on political rhetoric rather than precedent.… Continue reading
As an Oregonian who believes strongly in the importance of democracy, I cannot express how thrilled I am with the recent decision by the Oregon high court. The court ruled that the 10 GOP state senators who staged a long walkout cannot run for re-election due to their deliberate absence from the state legislature. This ruling upholds the voter-approved Measure 113, which was passed in 2022 to prevent such boycotts by amending the state constitution.
For too long, it seems that Republican politicians have been treating their positions as a platform for obstruction and sabotage rather than fulfilling their duty to represent and vote on behalf of their constituents.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker