Paul Evans deploys sexist attack on Selma Pierce

By Promote Oregon —

After previously stating he detests negative campaigns and claiming he would never attack an opponent’s character, Paul Evans has launched a new, sexist attack ad targeting Selma Pierce.

In the ad, which is paid for by Paul Evans’ campaign committee, a narrator claims Selma Pierce “has no qualifications to be a legislator.”

The ad includes reference to an opinion piece written by the Salem Weekly, which goes on to claim that Selma’s only qualification to be a legislator is her marriage to “a wealthy oncologist who ran unsuccessfully for Governor.” Evans and his supporters have repeatedly shared the opinion piece, despite its blatantly sexist overtones.

Below is a partial list of Selma Pierce’s resume, honors and experience serving her community:

• University of California, Berkeley – BA in Biochemistry

• University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry—DDS

• Medical Teams International Dental Van Dentist

• Salem-Keizer School District Dental Screening Program Volunteer Coordinator

• Marion Polk Dental Society Dental Day Free Clinic Coordinator

• Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic (Salem) Community Lead

• Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic (Portland) Dentist

• Marion-Polk Dental Society Board of Directors-Polk County Representative

• Medical Foundation of Marion Polk Counties—Medassist/Project Access

• Oregon Community Foundation Leadership Council

• Oregon Community Foundation Volunteer Grant Evaluator

• Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

• Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Inspire Foundation Board Member/Secretary

• Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Salem-Keizer School District Advisory Council

• Assistance League of Salem-Keizer member/volunteer/supporter

• Community Connect volunteer

• OHSU Foundation Board of Trustees

• Oregon Tech (formerly OIT)/Chemeketa Community College Dental Hygiene Program Advisory Board

• Chemeketa Community College Foundation Board

• Salem Leadership Foundation Advisory Board

• Mayor of Salem International Council

• First Christian Church of Salem Deacon

• North Salem High School math volunteer

• President’s Award, Blanchet Catholic School

• Salem Area Chamber of Commerce First Citizen Award

• City of Salem Willard C. Marshall Special Citizen Award

• Senate Bill 4, Community Service Recognition by the Oregon State Senate

“Selma Pierce is the daughter of Chinese immigrants who worked her way through dental school to become an accomplished dentist and has spent the better part of her life serving her community in dozens of different capacities,” said Preston Mann, Executive Director of Promote Oregon Leadership PAC. “Her background, perspective and experience are desperately needed in the Legislature. For Paul Evans to accuse someone like Selma of being unqualified to serve and for him to share such a blatantly sexist attack on her for political gain is despicable. The idea that Selma’s only qualification to serve in public office is her marriage to a man is ridiculous. He should be ashamed of his decision to promote this kind of attack.”