Why Need Campaign Finance Reform in Oregon
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Big money weakens our democratic institutions, undermines confidence in government, and excludes the vast majority of citizens from seeking public office. Strong campaign finance laws are critical to protect the integrity of elections.
Oregon is one of only 5 states with no limits on political campaign contributions. Campaign spending in Oregon has skyrocketed by a factor of 13 (1,300%) since 1996. 
The 2022 campaigns for Governor spent over $80 million, again more than doubling the previous record set in 2018. The three major campaigns raised 78% - 81% of their funds from contributions exceeding $10,000 but only 5-8% of their funds from contributions of $1,000 or less. |
The State Integrity Investigation of the Center for Public Integrity graded Oregon an overall "F" in systems to avoid government corruption. Oregon ranked 2nd worst of the 50 states in control of "Political Financing," beating only Mississippi. |
The OREGONIAN reported that candidates for the Oregon Legislature raise and spend more campaign money, per capita, than for any other state legislature, except New Jersey. Many candidates spent over $1 million, over $100 per vote received.
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We Need Limits & Disclosure
The Corporate Reform Coalition (75 progressive organizations) concluded that only 6 states are worse than Oregon in disclosing independent expenditures. They graded Oregon an "F" in disclosure; Washington earned an "A." Now, these 11 states require that political ads identify their top funders:
When Chevron, Inc. tried to take over the government of the California city of Richmond (population 110,000) by running hand-picked candidates for the mayorship and city council positions in 2014 (and spending over $3 million to fund their campaigns), all of Chevron's candidates lost--because California law required its ads and brochures and billboards to say: "Major Funder: Chevron, Inc." All their opponents--who were outspent by about 50 to one--won. Voters need this information to judge the credibility of political ads. Oregon voters are in the dark. |
Honest Elections Oregon honest-elections.com [email protected]
Honest Elections Oregon honest-elections.com [email protected]