Sen. Knopp: Consequences of soft-on-crime agenda

By Oregon Senate Republican Caucus,

SALEM, Ore. – Willamette Week broke news that Jesse Lee Calhoun, one of over 1,000 criminals former Governor Kate Brown let out of prison early, is a suspect in the killing of at least four women found dead this year around the Portland metro area.

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) released the following statement:

“Even after leaving public office as America’s most unpopular governor, Kate Brown’s legacy continues to have dire consequences for Oregonians. If Jesse Lee Calhoun is found guilty of these murders, Kate Brown will have signed the death warrants of four innocent women in the name of ‘second chances’.

“Oregon Democrats have a pathetic record of putting criminals over victims and patting themselves on the back for it. We have not forgotten that the Democrat majority stayed totally silent while Governor Brown issued a record number of commutations and pardons for drug dealers, murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders like Calhoun. This is disgraceful.

“On behalf of all Oregonians, we demand that Democrat leaders govern to protect–not jeopardize–the lives of Oregonians by holding criminals accountable and allowing law enforcement to keep us safe. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families, and we pray for healing in the years to come. The perpetrator must be fully held accountable.”

Governor Brown, whose words have come back to haunt, had this to say about clemency:

“If you are confident that you can keep people safe, you’ve given victims the opportunity to have their voices heard, and made sure their concerns are addressed, and individuals have gone through an extensive amount of rehabilitation and shown accountability, what is the point of continuing to incarcerate someone, other than retribution?”

Are you still as confident as you were then, Governor?