In a stunning turn of events, two Republicans and an independent senator participating in a boycott that has paralyzed the Oregon Senate found themselves disqualified from re-election under a newly implemented constitutional amendment. The boycott, led by Republicans, has now entered its 10th day, obstructing numerous bills, including those pertaining to abortion rights and gender-affirming care. This constitutional amendment, designed to prevent such walkouts, was overwhelmingly approved by voters last year.
The Senate President, Rob Wagner, expressed his disappointment from the Senate podium, stating, “The majority of Senate Republicans continue to walk off the job that the voters elected them to do, in which our Constitution compels them to attend.” Wagner emphasized that three senators had now rendered themselves ineligible for subsequent terms in the Legislature due to accumulating ten unexcused absences.
Amid negotiations to end the boycott, Senator Tim Knopp, the Senate Republican Leader, conveyed to Democratic leaders that the Republicans would cease the boycott in order to pass bipartisan budgets and lawful, constitutional bills. However, Wagner firmly asserted that the comprehensive legislation addressing abortion rights and gender-affirming care was not up for negotiation, which is a point of contention for Republicans who seek its removal from the table.
Knopp stood in solidarity with the three disqualified senators, with all twelve Republican senators participating in the boycott on Monday. In a statement, Knopp criticized Democrats for pushing an “extreme” agenda and declared, “Let it be abundantly clear: this is just the beginning of the fight.”
Ballot Measure 113, passed by nearly 70% of voters last November, aimed to resolve the persistent issue of walkouts that have plagued the Oregon Legislature for years. The measure now resides within the state Constitution, stating that missing ten or more floor sessions would be deemed disorderly behavior, disqualifying the member from holding office in the subsequent term.
The question of whether these disqualified senators can run for office as candidates remains unclear. The resolution may come when the filing window for the 2024 election opens in September. While the Elections Division may not allow disqualified candidates on the ballot, as per existing interpretation of election statutes, the explanatory statement for Ballot Measure 113 suggests that disqualified candidates can still run for office but cannot hold office.
Senator Brian Boquist, one of the disqualified senators, expressed confidence that he will be permitted on the ballot in 2024, stating, “The Elections Division has no authority on the absence clause of the Oregon Constitution. They will avoid it completely.”
As the Senate convened on Monday, only 16 senators were present, four short of the quorum required by Oregon law. Senate President Wagner urged absent senators to fulfill their duties and return. With 41 days remaining in the 2023 legislative session, crucial work awaits, including funding schools, supporting seniors, repairing infrastructure, and approving the biennial state budget before the end of June.
In the midst of this ongoing turmoil, the impact on crucial issues such as abortion rights and gender-affirming care remains uncertain, leaving many Oregonians concerned about the future of progressive policies in the state.