Opinion
Ballots are out. If you have already voted, thanks for taking part in this election, as frustrating and pointless as it may seem.
If you have not yet voted, please don’t let your voice go unheard.
As we have noted recently, Oregon Firearms Federation’s Political Action Committee found very few candidates worth endorsing this year.
However, there are some candidates we are urging you to support if you live in their districts. These are the candidates of the people and NOT the candidates of the corporate lobbyists who buy elections to maintain the status quo and their grip on legislation.
The lobby’s main interest is ensuring the legislature continues to do its bidding uninterrupted. As a result, you can bet they will always support candidates who don’t rock the boat. But right now, Oregon’s boat is the Titanic, and it’s steaming full speed towards an iceberg.
Some of the strongest voices for our rights have been silenced by Republican “leadership’s” sellout to the Democrat bullies. Because they stood tall they cannot run for office again. But, at least in some cases, you can still vote to continue their dedication to principle, and against their paid-for opponents.
In Senate District 1 you can vote for Todd Vaughn and against David Brock Smith.
While some Senators risked their political futures by standing up and walking out, Smith sat on the Senate Floor day after day to do the bidding of the Democrats. His goal? Protect his seat and his ability to funnel taxpayer money into his own pocket. And while Smith hilariously crows about his NRA endorsement, we all know what a joke that is. His touting of an endorsement from“Oregon Gun Rights” is equally absurd.
It was the actions of people like Smith that helped the Democrats steal even more of your personal liberty.
Smith showed how out of touch he is with his constituents by twice voting to put tampons in kindergartner boy’s bathrooms and then denying it. Smith has demonstrated he is there to follow orders of the party in power and he really must go.
In Senate District 2, Senator Art Robinson stood up for your rights and helped deny quorum.
Then, of course, after Art walked out for you, ending his political tenure, the Senate Republican leader rolled over to the Democrats and gave them everything they wanted. Robinson’s sacrifice meant nothing to the inside players who run the show on both sides of the aisle. But you have a chance to keep Art’s principles and spirit fighting for you in Salem by voting for his son Noah Robinson who has been working with Art daily at the legislature and shares his passion, commitment, and values.
Noah’s Republican opponent is Christine Goodwin who saw the principled actions of Robinson as the perfect chance to move up from the House to the Senate. Goodwin, you will recall, was the lucky recipient of an “endorsement” from a “pro-gun” organization created solely to give her the appearance of gun owner’s support.
That “organization” consists of two people; the former Senate Republican “leader’s” son and a staffer for House Rep and sell-out former Republican “leader” Vikki Iverson!?
Now it what can only be seen as a total desperation, Goodwin is texting this bizarre ad of herself [endorsing Donald Trump]. We are sure Donald is thrilled at this endorsement and no doubt it will take his race for president over the top…
Senate District 28 is also losing one of the most dedicated defenders of gun rights because of his dedication to protecting them.
Senator Dennis Linthicum has also been stripped of his ability to seek his seat again, and voters in his district have been robbed of their right to vote for the candidate of their choice. But Dennis’s wife, Diane Linthicum, has filed to run, and that means voters can turn the tables on the Democrats and elect a person of integrity who will continue to stand up for the principles Dennis has fought for. We believe Diane will continue to take the tough stands for your rights. We cannot say that about her opponent.
House District 51
And, of course, no contest is more a race between the people and the lobby than the election in House District 51, where lobby darling and establishment suck-up Christine Drazan is trying to “regain” “her” seat from incumbent Republican James Hieb.
Hieb is certainly not an establishment stooge. If Drazan manages to buy her way back into that seat the damage she is capable of is incalculable. Please support Hieb if you live in the 51st District in Clackamas County.
The lobby, and their money, have made their picks. We urge you to vote for the people who care more about you than lobby money.
About Oregon Firearms Federation:
The Oregon Firearms Federation has proven itself to be Oregon’s only no-compromise lobbying group; OFF takes the same tough stands and serves as a vehicle for educating gun owners, promoting their rights, and, when necessary, fighting the freedom haters in court. Visit: www.oregonfirearms.org
