Media reports Democrat seek revenge over tax vote

DEMOCRATS SEEK PAYBACK AFTER TAX VOTE
Tax Opponents Punished for Doing “What They Thought is Right”

Emotions Run High”¦
“”˜There is no doubt that as we convene here in between the January referenda campaign and the November legislative elections that emotions are running high,’ said Hunt, a Democrat and key figure in the tax increase campaign.”
(Lawmakers back in Salem, Tim Fought, Associated Press, 2/2/2010)

“¦As Democratic Leaders Seek Payback Over Ballot Measures.
“Lobbyists and business officials say House Democratic leadership is engaging in a campaign of payback against lobbyists and industries who opposed the tax increases approved by voters last month.”
(Area Lobbyist Among those Alleging a Tax Vote Vendetta, Nick Budnick, The Bulletin, 2/9/2010)
“˜Have You Fired Him Yet?’
“[Lobbyist Mark] Nelson says Hunt and other lawmakers have contacted at least four or five of his clients, starting during the campaign. He said Hunt sent clients e-mails noting that Nelson was opposing the taxes they relied on for funding; Hunt then asked one client in a follow-up e-mail, “˜Have you fired him yet?’ Nelson said.”
(Area Lobbyist Among those Alleging a Tax Vote Vendetta, Nick Budnick, The Bulletin, 2/9/2010)

“˜Payback Politics’ Drives the February Agenda.
“It’s not just Nelson making the allegations. On Monday, a similar claim was made in a hearing about a bill that would give credit unions equal standing with banks in competing to be repositories for public funds. Banks were a key supporter of the opposition campaign, contributing $150,000.

“Raymond Davis, the president and CEO of Umpqua Bank, faulted “˜political gamesmanship’ and said that the bill, because it was introduced without notice or surprise, appeared to be payback.

“”˜People in Salem have stated that this bill is being quickly brought to a vote in retribution to Oregon bankers taking a position against Measures 66 and 67. I ask the question: Pay back for what? For standing up and voicing their opinion, for doing what they thought was right?'”
(Area Lobbyist Among those Alleging a Tax Vote Vendetta, Nick Budnick, The Bulletin, 2/9/2010)