Monday June 29, 2010 – 11:00 AM

JOHN KITZHABER & SENATE DEMOCRATS ACCEPT
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS IN EXCHANGE FOR
INFLUENCE OVER THEIR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Salem, Ore. – Despite repeated demands by the ORP to cancel a fundraising event that promised influence over legislation in exchange for campaign contributions, John Kitzhaber and Senate Democrats stubbornly pushed forward and held their backroom, closed-door event today. John Kitzhaber (whose name appeared first on the invitation) and Senate Democrats raised over $20,000 and in the process, practically sold 2011 senate bills to the highest bidder.

Last week, the Oregon Republican Party filed a complaint with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission charging that there appeared to be a direct link between fundraising and the development of the legislative agenda. The complaint showed the event was in violation of ORS 244.040, should be canceled, and money returned to donors.

“John Kitzhaber and his cronies should know that Oregon’s laws are not up for sale,” said Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bob Tiernan. “Our state has a strong tradition of transparency, open government, and granting access to its citizens. It is the old style insider politicians like John Kitzhaber who have dug our state into the fiscal and economic crisis that we are now experiencing. The average Oregonian clearly has no seat at his table. John Kitzhaber’s message to Oregonians is clear: 'if you want to participate in my agenda, you better pay up'.”

“Kitzhaber should be reminded that over 200,000 Oregonians are unemployed – and thousands more are underemployed and cannot afford the $1,500 that is necessary to discuss his legislative agenda. It is appalling that given the challenges that Oregonians face, John Kitzhaber is charging them $1,500 to grant them access to his agenda. Kitzhaber should return the money collected from this event and respect the open, transparent process that Oregonians deserve," concluded Chairman Tiernan.

Click Here to view the Private Luncheon invitation.