February 26th, 2021

Republicans turn their backs on Oregonians

Democratic Party of Oregon statement on Senate Republicans' latest walkout (Feb. 25)
By Carla "K.C." Hanson,
Democratic Party of Oregon chair
“Today, Oregon Republicans walked off the job and refused to show up to work — again. This marks the third consecutive year that Senate Republicans have walked out. 
“Let’s be clear: When Republicans walk out of the Legislature, they are walking out and turning their backs on Oregonians. At an urgent moment when Oregonians are looking to our elected officials to lead, Republicans have chosen once again to bring our democracy to a grinding halt.
“This refrain is all too familiar for Oregonians. But it has unfortunately become the sad reality for an Oregon GOP that now sees obstruction and sabotage as their preferred tactics, rather than working with their Democratic colleagues to solve the problems we all face as Oregonians.
“There is no shortage of critical and important work before the Oregon Legislature this session. Oregon Democrats have and will continue to show up and do the work to address the crises our state faces. But as we’ve seen time and time again over the last three years, Oregon Republicans would rather skip town and subvert our democracy than do the jobs they were elected to do.
“Enough. Oregonians are tired of this. These Republicans must be held responsible for their actions, and we will work tirelessly to hold them accountable at the ballot box."
​Majority Leader Rob Wagner statement on Senate Republicans walking out
SALEM – Today the Oregon Senate Republicans and Senator Brian Boquist (I-Dallas) walked out on their responsibility to serve their constituents when they refused to show up to work for today’s floor session. Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) released the following statement in response.
“Senate Republicans continue to sabotage Oregon’s democracy and undermine the will of voters. They have abdicated the oaths of office many of them took just weeks ago. They continue to accept pay, benefits and daily expenses from Oregon taxpayers all while completely obstructing the business before the Legislature – the people’s work.
“We have tremendously important work this session. Lives are at stake as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet the Senate Republicans continue their anti-democratic walkout tactics.
“Senate Republicans walked out in 2019, again in 2020, and now they are walking out on 2021. Oregonians are exhausted by Senate Republicans’ irresponsible actions against democracy. The Senate Republicans are denying their constituents the representation they deserve to have in the Senate.
“This must stop. Oregonians will hold Senate Republicans accountable and responsible for walking off the job. There will be consequences for their breach of the public trust. We will advance new rules and laws that will deter future walkouts and provide accountability for all elected officials who refuse to show up for Oregonians.”