GOP senators who boycotted Oregon Legislature file for reelection despite being disqualified

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https://www.seattlepi.com/news/politics/article/gop-senators-who-boycotted-oregon-legislature-18367503.php

GOP senators who boycotted Oregon Legislature file for reelection despite being disqualified

By ANDREW SELSKY,
Associated Press
Sep 14, 2023

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon state senators with at least 10 absences during a record-setting Republican walkout are supposed to be disqualified from running for reelection, but several on Thursday filed candidacy papers with election authorities.

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There were nine Oregon Republicans and an independent who clocked at least 10 absences during this year's legislative session in order to block Democratic bills covering abortion, transgender health care and gun rights. The walkout prevented a quorum, holding up bills in the Democrat-led Senate for six weeks.

Thursday marked the first day for candidates to file declarations of candidacy with the Oregon secretary of state's elections division. GOP Senate leader Tim Knopp, who led the walkout, went to the election offices in Salem early Thursday and submitted a candidate filing form for the 2024 primary election, paying the $25 fee by check.

He and other lawmakers who boycotted the Senate insist that the way the amendment to the state constitution is written means they can seek another term. Also filing for reelection on Thursday were Sen. Dennis Linthicum and Sen. Art Robinson, according to the secretary of state's office. They both had exceeded the unexcused absences limit.

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