Willamette Week Article on Tina Kotek's Claim to Take Contribution Limits Seriously

Oregon’s Wealthiest Man Has Caused Tina Kotek to Take Contribution Limits Seriously—or at Least Claim She Does

October 12, 2022

Tina Kotek, the Democratic nominee locked in a dead heat in the Oregon governor’s race, took time out from campaigning Oct. 10 to hold a “roundtable on campaign finance reform.” The event was occasioned by Nike co-founder Phil Knight writing Kotek’s Republican opponent, Christine Drazan, a check for $1 million on Oct. 6.

“Oregon is in danger of flipping red due to the influx of large donations from billionaires and corporate special interests looking to influence the election,” Kotek’s campaign wrote in an email publicizing the roundtable.

There’s some irony in Kotek’s newfound interest in limiting campaign contributions.

First, despite Knight’s check, Kotek led Drazan as of Oct. 10 in total fundraising: $16 million to $14.5 million.

Second, as the longest-serving House speaker in Oregon history (nine years, ending in January 2022), Kotek demonstrated a steely efficiency at passing difficult bills—except ones that would limit campaign contributions.

Will Democrats Ever Wake Up to the Need for Campaign Finance Reform in Oregon?

 Now that Phil Knight (retired from Nike) has contributed $3.75 million to Betsy Johnson (NAV) and $1 million to Christine Drazen (R), the Democrats appear to be waking up to the need for campaign finance reform in Oregon.  Too late.

The Democrats have been in control of the Oregon Legislature since 2007 (except for the even split in 2011) and have controlled the Governor's Office since 1987.  They have adopted zero limits on campaign contributions and almost entirely meaningless tagline requirements on political advertisements (after repealing Oregon's previous tagline requirements in 2001).

Now the Democrats are being outspent 2-1 in the Governor's race by the opponents.  All rely heavily on gigantic contributions.