Oregon is one of five states that allows unlimited donations to state campaigns. The Oregon Supreme Court has ruled political giving is protected by the state constitution.
This year, on the final day of the legislative session, Oregon lawmakers referred a measure to voters that would change the constitution in a way that would allow campaign finance limits. That will be decided on the November 2020 ballot.
But even if it’s passed, the measure wouldn’t actually create any limits. That would require a separate initiative or legislative action.
Rep. Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, is trying to convince lawmakers to pass such a bill in the upcoming legislative session. He’s also making his case during a seven-city tour that kicks off this week with stops in Medford and Eugene. "I want to hear directly from Oregonians on what they want their campaign finance system to look like," said Rayfield in a press release announcing the tour.
Information about the Eugene stop on the tour:
Eugene
• September 5th from 7:00-8:30pm
• Univerity of Oregon, Global Scholars Hall Room 123 -- 1710 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403
