Multnomah County to appeal campaign finance ruling Despite advocates' request, commissioners won't follow voter-approved rules while they are on appeal Multnomah County will join supporters of campaign contribution limits in appealing a local judge's ruling against 2016 campaign finance reforms that were approved by 89 percent of voters. And if anything, the activists behind passage of the measure plan to step up their efforts despite an 11-page ruling that was issued by Multnomah Circuit Judge Eric Bloch calling the limits a violation of the free-speech clause of Oregon's Constitution. The advocates say they intend to keep pressing for a similar set of reforms at Portland City Hall and are prepared to pursue a statewide measure if necessary. Currently, Oregon is one of only a handful of states that does not limit campaign contributions.

Multnomah commissioners flip after backlash on campaign finance reform County will defend voter-approved contribution limits after all, instead of standing on sidelines. In an abrupt about-face, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on April 13 decided to defend the constitutionality of a campaign finance reform measure overwhelmingly approved by voters. The change of stance was announced hours after dozens of reform supporters packed the board's Thursday morning meeting, protesting an earlier board decision to not defend the reform measure. Speakers noted repeatedly that 89 percent of the voters approved the change in November. The voters "spoke loud and clear," said Juan Carlos Ordonez, who sat on the county committee that recommended the charter change. "If you respect the will of the people you should instruct the lawyers to go defend the measure."