Brief History of CFR in Oregon

1
Brief History of CFR in Oregon

• In 1994, Oregon voters enacted CFR by vote of 72
• Banned corporate and union contributions
• Limits on individuals were 500 for statewide
  race and 100 for legislative race
• In 1997, Oregon Supreme Court decided that Oregon
  Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) does not
  allow any limits on contributions

2
What Tom Delay is accused of doing in Texas is
perfectly legal in Oregon. He is accused of
channelling 190,000 of corporate campaign
contributions into candidate races for the Texas
Legislature. Corporations contribute 15 million
to Oregon legislative candidates.
3
Campaign Spending Skyrockets in Oregon

• In 1996, total spending on Oregon campaigns was
  4.2 million
• In 2002, total spending was 42 million
• With McCain-Feingold in effect on federal level,
  more corporate money will flow into Oregon, one
  of 5 states with no limits on contributions
  (Illinois, New Mexico, Utah, Virginia)

4
Loot for Legislative Races

• State Senate Races Candidates spending more
  than 500,000 each
• In 2004 7
• In 2002 6
• State House Races Candidates spending more than
  250,000 each
• In 2004 11
• In 2002 10

5
Governor Race Gushes Cash

• Candidates for Governor of Oregon spent 15
  million in 2002
• Each major party candidate spent over 4 million
  in general election
• Four losing candidates in primaries spent average
  of 1.5 million each

6
Business Outspends Everyone

• Corporations outspend labor unions by 5-1 and
  environmental groups by 100