Resolution 2019-01 – In Support Of Campaign Finance Reform in Oregon

RESOLUTION #2019-001

A RESOLUTION OF THE Yamhill County Democrats 

IN SUPPORT OF Campaign Finance Reform in Oregon

WHEREAS, the 2018 Platform of the DPO Article 5 Plank 2 states “We believe in publicly funded candidate election campaigns, with duration limits for campaign contributions and disbursements, to ensure democratic elections at all levels.”

WHEREAS, the 2018 Platform of the DPO Article 5 Plank 5 states “We believe money is not speech and government at all levels shall regulate, limit, or prohibit campaign contributions and expenditures to restrict the influence of private or corporate wealth in the election of candidates or passage of ballot measures. Any permissible contributions and expenditures shall be publicly disclosed.”

WHEREAS, the 2018 Platform of the DPO Article 5 Plank 9 States, “We believe a government of the people must not be unduly influenced by special interests, corporate power, religious beliefs, or money.”

WHEREAS, Legislative Action Item 3 ranked by priority of the Democratic Party of Oregon states, “Amend the U.S. and Oregon constitutions to clarify that the rights protected by the U.S. Constitution are the rights of natural persons only, and government shall regulate, limit or prohibit campaign contributions and expenditures to ensure that corporations and wealthy individuals do not dominate the political process.”

WHEREAS, our democratic Governor Kate Brown has said, ““I want to see change that makes elections more competitive and that reduces barriers to participating for candidates and frankly for donors as well.”

WHEREAS, Oregon is 1 of only 11 states with no limits on individual contributions,

WHEREAS, Federal elections have a contribution limit of $2700 per individual,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT that the Yamhill County Democrats support Oregon being a leader in campaign finance reform by passing 

HB 2714 to Establish Task Force on Campaign Finance Reform, 

HB 3004 to establish a 6 to 1 small donor matching program, and 

SJR 18 to amend the Oregon Constitution to allow campaign finance limits.