Betsy Johnson in 2022 OR Governor's race


On Abortion: I am pro-choice--it is a bedrock value for me

I am pro-choice--it is a bedrock value for me and for Oregon. As Oregon's independent governor, I will make sure Oregon remains a pro-choice state and I will oppose efforts to weaken state laws regarding access to reproductive health care services for all Oregon women.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Abortion: History as a Planned Parenthood board member

Kotek highlighted her legislative record and support from groups supporting abortion access, and Johnson noted her history as a Planned Parenthood board member and legislator supporting abortion access. Drazan said she is against abortions, but beyond that only that she would enforce Oregon's abortion laws. That led Kotek to point out that a governor could do a great deal to effectively restrict abortion even with the laws on the books. None answered the moderator's question about when life begins.
Source: Capital Chronicle on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race Sep 29, 2022

On Budget & Economy: Would veto any budget that did not have bipartisan support

On budget: "Imagine the transformational effect of a governor who would say, 'I'm not going to sign a bill into law, I'm not going to sign a budget into law, I'm not going to make appointments to boards and commissions without bipartisan support,'" said Johnson, 71. Although she is not the Republican nominee, she's said repeatedly that she fully intends to hand veto power to Republican lawmakers. Specifically, she would "veto any major legislation that didn't have bipartisan support."
Source: Canby Herald on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race May 24, 2022

On Civil Rights: Fight bigotry and protect marriage equality in Oregon

The gay community continues to face discrimination and threats of violence. I will fight bigotry and discrimination in all forms and protect marriage equality in Oregon. As Oregon's independent governor, I will speak out against and act against racism, prejudice, and discrimination in all its forms. I will promote equal opportunity for all Oregonians.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Crime: Won't defund or demonize our police; demand accountability

I will not tolerate rising violence, lawlessness, or mob rule. I will not defund or demonize our police, but I will always demand accountability and professionalism from anyone in a uniform. I will work to repeal Oregon's dangerous, deadly, and failed experiment to legalize hard drugs. I will end Kate Brown's policy of releasing violent criminals from state prisons.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Crime: I will enforce Oregon's twice-approved death penalty

I will enforce Oregon's twice-approved death penalty in cases where a judge or jury deems it appropriate for a heinous crime. Lastly, I will use the power of clemency in very limited cases and only with extensive consultation with crime victims and their families.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Drugs: Repeal the failed experiment to legalize hard drugs

Honestly address the role mental illness, drugs, addiction, and lawlessness play in the homeless crisis. This will include working to repeal the failed experiment to legalize hard drugs; supporting law enforcement; and mounting a full court press to provide services to those who need them, combined with job-training to ensure people are placed on the road to recovery, healing, and economic independence. Compassion without expectations is only creating more chaos, not durable solutions.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Education: Give parents more options for their children's education

I will appoint educators who will challenge--not defend--the failing status quo. When necessary, I will take-on the powerful teachers' union to put the needs of students first. I believe in giving parents more options for their children's education including charter schools, home schooling, and other alternative education opportunities such as career and technical education opportunities.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Energy & Oil: Support green energy but don't destroy good paying jobs

As Oregon's independent governor, I will lead the climate fight with practical, common-sense solutions: better forest management, green energy, and greater innovation in emission-reducing technologies. Democrats are right--we need to do more to reduce carbon pollution. But Republicans are right too--we don't need to destroy good paying jobs and rural economies to do it.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Government Reform: Get regulations out of the way to fast-track construction

End Oregon's politician-created housing supply crisis so every Oregonian of any income level can afford to live here. Oregon needs to build 580,000 new housing units over the next two decades just to close our housing supply deficit and keep up with population growth. I will get the politicians and outdated rules, regulations, and fees out of the way so we can fast-track construction and reduce the cost of building all types of housing options.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Gun Control: Don't disarm law abiding citizens; strong background checks

I will not disarm law abiding citizens, but I will do more to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, the mentally ill, and kids by implementing stronger background checks and raising the age to purchase certain firearms from 18 to 21.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Gun Control: Opposes bans on bump-stocks, high-capacity magazines

To liberals who want more gun safety measures, she is unapologetically pro-gun rights. She sees even attempts to ban bump-stocks and high-capacity ammunition magazines as chipping away at Second Amendment rights on gun ownership. Kotek denounced Johnson's stance, saying: "As the nation reels from one of the deadliest school shootings in history, Betsy continues to spout the talking points of the NRA."
Source: Statesman Journal on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race Jun 5, 2022

On Health Care: Expand mental health services, especially in schools

Oregon's mental health system ranks 50th in the nation. I will lead to fix that. As governor, I will ensure that Oregon secures access to some of the $8 billion in federal money available for mental health services, especially in our schools. We need more dedicated, trained counselors in schools empowered to take action when there are warning signs of trouble with a student.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Health Care: No to government take-over of the health care system

Democrats are right that health care should be accessible and affordable. Republicans are right that we must protect the role of the private sector in delivering care to ensure innovation, efficiency, and the unique relationship between providers and patients. I believe providing health care to those in need should be a collaborative partnership between government and the private sector. I do not support a government take-over of the health care system--from insurance to doctors or hospitals.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Principles & Values: Confront prejudice and racism honestly and directly

The KKK had a strong influence in state politics for many years. Blacks, Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Jews have faced discrimination and acts of intimidation and violence in our state, and still do today. I believe Oregon and America have made important strides in overcoming our racist past, but prejudice and racism still exist. I will confront these issues honestly and directly to protect our citizens and help our state live up to our values.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

On Principles & Values: Democracy needs to stop being so contentious

If you want a better Oregon, I believe my candidacy represents a better way. Democracy needs to stop being so contentious. We need the parties to bring people together to get stuff done instead of running through our partisan tribal corners and just poking at each other. We need an independent governor to make the parties work together for the common good.
Source: Canby Herald on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race May 24, 2022

On Tax Reform: Reduce some taxes, say no to new taxes

I will work to reduce some taxes and tap the breaks [sic] on runaway state spending. I will say no to new taxes, and I will lead to reduce and reform the CAT tax and the estate/death tax. I will dedicate more to the state's rainy-day fund, so we can ride out inevitable fluctuations in the economy without drastic services cuts or tax increases, and, where appropriate, I will exercise my line-item budget veto authority to stop inappropriate spending by the legislature.
Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

The above quotations are from 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
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Page last updated: Mar 09, 2024