Following the release this past weekend of video surveillance footage showing Representative Mike Nearman of House District 23 aiding protesters in a breach of the Oregon Legislature during a closed special session, Yamhill County Democrats call for his immediate expulsion from the legislative assembly.
YCD PRESS RELEASE
Yamhill County Democrats Call for the Expulsion of Representative Mike Nearman from the Oregon Legislative Assembly
(McMinnville, OR) Following the release of video surveillance footage showing Representative Mike Nearman of House District 23 aiding protesters in a breach of the Oregon Legislature during a closed special session, the Yamhill County Democrats call for his immediate expulsion from the legislative assembly.
Tiffany Henness, HD23 Constituent:
“I am calling for the removal of my House District 23 Representative, Mike Nearman for his actions on December 21st, 2020. Nearman knowingly put his colleagues at risk. Nearman supported a radical group in their attempt to disrupt, or possibly overthrow, our State leadership. While I am sympathetic to those who do not feel heard by our State leadership and support anyone’s right to disagree with the legislature’s special session being closed, this was a wholly inexcusable and dangerous way for Representative Mike Nearman to handle his disagreement. His judgement cannot be trusted and he must be removed as soon as possible.“
Jay Nelson, HD23 Constituent:
“It seems to me that respect for the rule of law is a basic qualification for serving as a lawmaker. If Nearman can’t follow the law, he has no business making it.”
Thomas Lenon, HD23 Constituent:
“I call for the expulsion of Mike Nearman from the Oregon House of Representatives if he has not resigned by the time the legislature convenes tomorrow. His contempt for democracy and civility is on the record. His actions have endangered his legislative colleagues. He should not represent my district in the House due to violation of his oath of office and unethical conduct.”
Marsha Bacon, HD23 Constituent:
“As a voter in HD23 I’m not surprised at Nearman’s action to put police, and his fellow legislators, in jeopardy by these hooligans. He should be prosecuted for his actions.”
Alyson Lafky-Larkin, HD23 Constituent:
As a constituent of Representative Nearman, I am appalled and worried about his actions at the Oregon Capitol on December 21st. As we saw the horrific events unfold in Washington DC last week, we are reminded that the same situation occurred here in Oregon. Luckily, it did not escalate as bad but it could easily have. Representative Nerman put citizens, law enforcement, his colleagues, and our Oregon legislative leaders and staff all at risk and endanger. He must be held accountable and we must take this matter seriously and not normalize this situation. I ask, as his constituent, that he resign or be removed from office immediately.
Gustavo Guerrero, Vice Chair:
“The last several months have tested both our resiliency as a community to overcome a global pandemic and as a democracy to withstand the dismantling of our institutions by fascist actors with self-serving interests. Americans across the country, and here in our home state, have been divided by a type of politics that sees no boundaries or limits to the grotesque actions bad actors are willing to take to meet their agendas and disrupt our democratic system. It is clear by the information released today that our legislators are no exception. Representative Mike Nearman’s actions on December 21st, 2020, demonstrated a complete disrespect of the legislative process and a complete disregard for the lives of his colleagues, their staffers, and the men and women who serve and protect the Oregon legislature. His actions are inexcusable, intolerable, and warrant expulsion from the Oregon Legislative Assembly, pursuant to Article IV Section 15 of the Oregon Constitution. It is incumbent upon leadership to protect staffers and members alike by removing walking threats like Representative Mike Nearman.”
Omar Sandoval, Chair:
“Representative Nearman’s actions are inexcusable. Given the devastating events that occurred on January 6th, 2021 in Washington DC, where violent mobs similar to the ones we saw on December 21st, 2020 attacked the US Capitol with the intent of harming congressional leaders and stopping the voice of the American people, Rep. Nearman must be held accountable. We must take these matters seriously, and consider the lives of our legislators, staffers, and all other employees at the Capitol who serve our great State.”