In a notable decision last week, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled against ten Republican state senators, barring them from seeking re-election due to their record-long walkout in 2023. The court’s ruling upholds the Oregon Secretary of State’s enforcement of Measure 113.
Passed by voters in 2022, Measure 113 is a constitutional amendment designed to prevent lawmakers from having more than ten unexcused absences by disqualifying them from the subsequent term’s election.
The court ruling directly traces back to a six-week boycott led by the ten GOP senators to strategically stall legislation on abortion, transgender healthcare, and gun rights. The court’s interpretation of Measure 113 underscored the intent of the voters – to ensure legislative attendance and participation, which received overwhelming public support.
During the oral argument last December, there was significant debate over how Measure 113 should be applied. The senators argued that they should be allowed to run in the next election and that any ban should commence only after that.
The court, however, favored the interpretation that the legislators could not run in the immediate subsequent election following their absences. The justices stated that the amendment’s wording indicated that voters intended for this suspension to apply to the lawmakers’ immediate next terms in office if they exceeded the absence threshold.
State Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook) criticized the ruling, expressing her disappointment about a court of judges appointed solely by Governor Brown and Governor Kotek deciding in favor of political rhetoric over their own precedent. You can read her full statement here.
Originally reported by JURIST.