GOP chair urges Rep. Smith and Jenson to reject union support or quit

ORP CHAIRMAN TO REPS. SMITH AND JENSON: REJECT CAMPAIGN SUPPORT FROM UNIONS FOR VOTES IN SUPPORT OF TAX INCREASES
Representatives should reject support or consider withdrawing from Primary Election

Portland, Ore. — Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bob Tiernan has released the following statement concerning the Primary Elections in Oregon House Districts 57 and 58:

“The passage of the corporate and personal income tax increases during the 2009 legislative session was unfortunately made possible by the support of two Republican Representatives, Greg Smith and Bob Jenson. The devastating impacts of these tax increases on Oregon’s economy are just beginning to be realized. To make matters worse, it has recently come to light that the same public employee unions who bankrolled the misleading pro-tax campaign are planning to provide monetary, consulting and grassroots support to Representatives Smith and Jenson in recognition of their votes in favor of the tax increases,” said Chairman Tiernan.
“I strongly urge Representatives Smith and Jenson to refuse any support or assistance from the public employee unions and their Democrat allies and provide the Republicans in House Districts 57 and 58 an explanation of how their recent actions and votes have represented their interests and the Republican Party they represent,” continued Chairman Tiernan. “Otherwise, I respectfully request that they consider removing themselves from the election for the Republican Party nominations for House Districts 57 and 58.”

The filing deadline for Oregon’s 2010 Primary Election is March 9th.