Oregon Business and Labor Groups Negotiating Campaign Contribution Limits
Oregon business and labor groups are in talks to potentially establish campaign contribution limits in state races. This surprising development aims to avoid the expense of a ballot fight in November. Negotiations between business groups like Oregon Business & Industry and representatives of large labor unions have been ongoing for nearly a week. Oregon is one of five states with no limits on political giving, making this a groundbreaking proposal.
Details of the Potential Deal Remain Confidential
The specifics of the deal being negotiated are being kept under wraps. However, the fact that both business and labor groups are engaged in discussions is unprecedented. Typically, these groups oppose each other in political campaigns and policy matters. It remains to be seen what a system of contribution limits might look like, as labor unions have proposed a looser system that includes public funding for candidates who limit the size of individual donations.
Ballot Proposal by Good Government Groups Sparks Interest
Business and labor interests are keeping a close eye on a campaign finance proposal by good government groups, known as Initiative Petition 9. This proposal combines strict contribution limits with new rules for campaign disclosure. Supporters, including Honest Elections Oregon and the League of Women Voters of Oregon, have collected approximately 100,000 signatures to date. To qualify for the ballot, they must obtain 117,173 valid signatures by July.
Rush to Find a Compromise
The potential for a costly and confusing ballot fight between two measures has spurred both labor and business groups to seek a compromise. This compromise would need to be agreeable to lawmakers before the session ends in March. Legislative leadership is not keen on competing ballot measures and has suggested the possibility of a referral instead. The outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain, as both sides are hesitant to offer specifics.
Oregon Legislature’s History of Failing to Pass Contribution Limits
Despite campaign finance reform being a priority for many top Democrats, the Oregon Legislature has repeatedly failed to pass contribution limits. Governor Tina Kotek called for action on the issue last year but the bill never gained traction. House Speaker Dan Rayfield, a proponent of contribution limits, has made numerous attempts to pass such legislation but has been met with resistance. The likelihood of campaign finance reform being addressed in this year’s session appears low.
Oregon Voters Support Contribution Limits
Although Oregon currently has no limits on political giving, voters have expressed a desire for contribution limits. In 2020, a ballot measure to modify the state constitution to allow contribution limits passed with over 78% support. Previous attempts to institute limits have drawn partisan objections, particularly regarding higher limits for “small-donor committees.” It remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached that satisfies both business and labor groups, as well as the supporters of Initiative Petition 9.
Analyst comment
Positive News: Oregon Business and Labor Groups Negotiating Campaign Contribution Limits
Analyst View: The negotiations between business and labor groups to establish campaign contribution limits in Oregon indicate a potentially groundbreaking proposal. The fact that both groups are engaged in discussions is unprecedented. However, the outcome remains uncertain, as specifics of the deal are confidential and both sides are hesitant to offer details. As a result, reaching a compromise agreeable to lawmakers before the session ends in March is challenging.
