NEWS

Democratic Party supports marijuana legalization, GMO labeling

Anna Staver
Statesman Journal

The Democratic Party of Oregon want voters to check yes on every ballot measure before them this fall except a proposal to eliminate partisan primary races.

The Oregon Republican Party has yet to announce its position on six of the seven ballot measures, but its central committee delegates are scheduled to meet this weekend in Wilsonville.

Here's a quick look at where the state's two major parties stand.

Measure 86: Education Investment Bonding

Democratic Party supports: "This smart investment in Oregon's students will help maintain the skilled workforce we need to grow our economy and ease the financial burden our college students are facing. Treasurer Wheeler has shown impressive leadership crafting and promoting Measure 86, and we're proud to endorse it. Vote Yes on 86."

Measure 87: Allow state judges to work at colleges and in National Guard

Democratic Party supports: "This simple, uncontroversial bill should attract broad support from Oregonians of all stripes. Oregon's state judges should have the same opportunities to serve in uniform and in the classroom as any other citizen. Vote Yes on 87."

Measure 88: Driver cards for all Oregon residents

Democratic Party supports: "Measure 88 will make our roads safer for everyone. Oregon Democrats join business leaders, community leaders, and working Oregonians in supporting this common-sense measure. Vote Yes on 88."

Measure 89: Equal Rights Amendment

Democratic Party supports: "We can't take women's equality for granted—it needs to be law. We can make that happen this year by giving women full equality in the Oregon Constitution. Vote Yes on 89."

Measure 90: Top-Two Primary

Democratic Party opposes: "Oregon voters already rejected this bad idea in 2008 by 66%-34%. Measure 90 is complex, confusing, ripe for all sorts of mischief, and could double the cost of elections. Democrats shouldn't have to compete for the votes of Republicans to win our Party's nomination. It doesn't work in California or Washington now, and it won't work here. Vote No on Measure 90."

Republican Party opposes: "Oregon voters decisively rejected this scheme six years ago. We, along with nearly every political party in Oregon, supported their decision then and oppose second guessing the voters now."

Measure 91: Marijuana Legalization

Democratic Party supports: "A majority of Americans and large majority of Democrats now support state regulation of legal marijuana use. Measure 91 is the right approach to legalization in Oregon, strictly regulating use while funding law enforcement and schools. Vote Yes on 91."

Measure 92: Genetically Engineered Food Labeling

Democratic Party supports: "We need a precautionary approach to genetically engineered foods that includes full disclosure to consumers through labeling. Measure 92 would provide that disclosure and protect the interests of Oregon farmers. Vote Yes on 92."