State of Oregon Archives: on Crime
Val Hoyle:
Reduce sentences for non-violent offenses
HB 3194: Reduces Prison Sentences for Certain Crimes:- Whereas Oregon [should] focus prison resources on violent offenders
- Whereas Oregon can direct savings from averted prison growth toward investments in our local communities
- Therefore,
Be It Enacted:
- MARIJUANA OFFENSES: [Increase the definition of] "substantial quantities" of a controlled substance.
- CRIMINAL DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED: [Decrease penalty unless] the suspension resulted from any degree of murder, manslaughter, or
assault resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, or from a conviction for felony driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
- [MANDATORY MINIMUM guidelines are relaxed unless two or more previous convictions for any combination of
[serious or violent] crimes.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-11-0 on July 1; passed House 40-18 on June 27; State Rep. Val Hoyle voted YES; signed by Governor John Kitzhaber on July 25, 2013.
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: HB 3194
Jun 27, 2013
Andrea Salinas:
Ban use of chokeholds by police with few exceptions
HB4301: Provides that peace officer or corrections officer may not use force that impedes normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on throat or neck except in specified circumstances.
Oregon Public Broadcasting Summary: The bill further tightens the rules around chokeholds. Under the new bill, police are prohibited from using the holds except for instances when they are trying to defend themselves or another person.
The bill also folded in new rules for when police can use physical force--which under Oregon law includes the use of pepper spray or a stun gun--or deadly physical force.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 55-2-3 on Aug/10/20; State Rep. Andrea Salinas co-sponsored and voted YES; Passed Senate 22-5-3 on Aug/10/20; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Sept/1/20
Source: OPB on Oregon State Legislature voting records HB4301
Aug 10, 2020
Bob Niemeyer:
Death penalty is less cruel to families of victims
I ask the following question: What is the difference between "Life without the possibility of parole" and "Death by imprisonment"? Either way, the Government is taking away ALL of someone's life.For me, there is no real difference, other than YOUR
definition of "Cruelty".- It is 'Cruelty' to put someone in a box and then feed, clothe, and provide health care for that person until they die of old age.
- It is 'Cruelty' to risk the people's lives should some day, for some reason, that person is
put on the street and kills again.
- It is 'Cruelty' to the loved ones of the victims to force them to live with waiting for the person who took the life of their loved one to finally be punished for what they did.
- It is 'Cruelty' to everyone
to use 'Fear' that the Government will require the release of prisoners due to budget cuts as a way to increase taxes".
And if you do not have the Guts to be a Responsible Representative of the People of Oregon, then get out of office.
Source: 2016 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website, BobNiemeyer.com
Oct 9, 2015
Bud Pierce:
Says successful women not subject to abuse, then apologizes
Pierce criticized [Gov. Kate] Brown for not doing enough to drive down the state's high rate of sexual violence against women. But Pierce came under fire when he focused on what he saw as solutions to those problems. "A woman that has a
great education and training and a great job is not susceptible to this kind of abuse by men, women or anyone," Pierce said. He responded to the boos by telling the crowd he also believed in strong laws against sexual violence.
Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting on 2022 Oregon Governor race
Oct 1, 2016
Casey Kulla:
We need to shrink our prisons; address root causes of crime
21st century policing requires partnership to keep everyone safe. Oregon should lead the way towards safety for all: raise the state training and educational standards; use a transparent and independent system to hold officers accountable for
misconduct; cite traffic violations by mail, rather than with patrol officers; re-direct funding to start-up and technical support for community-initiated and -operated alternative responders; and invest in young people.
The idea that harsher punishments will deter crime and make us all safer has been debunked by most every research discipline and it's time to change the laws rooted in this type of thinking.
We need to shrink our prisons, fund critical services that address the root causes of crime and focus more on healing crime victim/survivors if we ever hope to realize the dream of safer local communities.
Source: 2021 OR Governor campaign website KullaForOregon.com
Aug 30, 2021
Christine Drazan:
End treating police like criminals, criminals like victims
Violent crime in Oregon is out of control, especially in Portland, which is experiencing an all-time high in murders. Under my administration, the days of treating police like criminals and criminals like victims will end.
I will support law enforcement and I will increase funding for our state troopers. I will ensure that laws are being enforced fairly. And when Portland politicians refuse to stop the nightly riots and bring peace to the streets, as Governor, I will.
Source: 2022 Oregon Governor campaign website ChristineForOregon.com
Mar 3, 2022
Gordon Harold Smith:
Supports use of federal death penalty
Smith supports the following principles regarding Crime Issues:- Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
-
Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
- Support strict penalties for internet crime (e.g. hacking, identity theft, worms/viruses).
Source: Oregon Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jun 18, 2008
Gordon Harold Smith:
Stiffer laws against gang crimes, rapists & child sex
On crime, Smith said his opponent has opposed stiffer laws against gang crimes, rapists and child sex offenders. "When I look at Jeff Merkley's stance on crime, I'm appalled," he said.Merkley responded, "Shame on you,
Gordon Smith, for portraying that series of lies." He said Smith took things he said or did out of context, and he affirmed that he has worked hard in the state Legislature to get better laws on the books to deal with criminals.
Source: 2008 Oregon Senate Debate, in Southern Ore. Mail Tribune
Oct 14, 2008
Jason Conger:
Voted NO on reducing sentences for non-violent offenses
HB 3194: Reduces Prison Sentences for Certain Crimes (Bill Passed House, 40-18); Conger voted Nay- Whereas Oregon continues to focus prison resources on violent offenders
- Whereas Oregon can maintain an effective public safety system by directing
savings from averted prison growth toward investments in our local communities
- Therefore, Be It Enacted:
- MARIJUANA OFFENSES: [Increase the definition of] "substantial quantities" of a controlled substance to mixtures containing 5 grams of marijuana
with detectable heroin, or 10 grams of marijuana with detectable cocaine or methamphetamine.
- CRIMINAL DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED: [Decrease penalty unless] the suspension resulted from any degree of murder, manslaughter, or assault resulting from the
operation of a motor vehicle, or from a conviction for felony driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
- [MANDATORY MINIMUM guidelines are relaxed unless two or more previous convictions for any combination of [serious or violent] crimes.
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon Senate & House legislative voting records
Jun 27, 2013
Jeff Merkley:
Opposes the death penalty
Merkley supports the following principles regarding crime:- Oppose the death penalty.
- Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
Source: Oregon State 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Jeff Merkley:
Increase rehabilitation & alternatives to incarceration
Merkley supports the following principles regarding crime:- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
-
Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
Source: Oregon State 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Jeff Merkley:
Mandatory minimum sentence for some 1st-degree sex offenders
Merkley sponsored HB 3511, "Minimum Sentence for Some First-Degree Sex Offenders" (Bill Passed, 54-6)- Increases mandatory minimum sentences and extends period of post-prison supervision for, and requires active tracking of, certain persons
convicted of rape in first degree, sodomy in first degree or unlawful sexual penetration in first degree if victim is under
12 years of age or of kidnapping in first degree if offense is committed in furtherance of commission or attempted commission of rape in first degree, sodomy in first degree or unlawful sexual penetration in first degree if victim is under
12 years of age.
- Provides that increased mandatory minimum sentences and extended periods of post-prison supervision apply only to persons at least 18 years of age at time offense is committed.
Source: Oregon State Legislative Voting Records
Apr 20, 2006
Jeff Merkley:
Worked hard to get better laws to deal with criminals
On crime, Smith said his opponent has opposed stiffer laws against gang crimes, rapists and child sex offenders. "When I look at Jeff Merkley's stance on crime, I'm appalled," he said.Merkley responded, "Shame on you,
Gordon Smith, for portraying that series of lies." He said Smith took things he said or did out of context, and he affirmed that he has worked hard in the state Legislature to get better laws on the books to deal with criminals.
Source: 2008 Oregon Senate Debate, in Southern Ore. Mail Tribune
Oct 14, 2008
Jim Huffman:
Death penalty is too inaccurate to deserve support
It makes sense why some liberal bloggers are attacking the bow tie. Getting into the issues with Huffman could prove problematic. Huffman is the kind of Republican that a lot of independent
Oregonians will be attracted to: He has supported the legal rights of gays and opposes the death penalty, saying it isn't applied with enough reliability or accuracy to deserve support.
Source: Elizabeth Hovde, columnist in The Oregonian
Mar 6, 2010
Jo Rae Perkins:
Answer to police shooting blacks: "stop committing crime"
Perkins said that cases of police brutality have been overstated. "There have been more white people killed by police officers than Black people. And that's a known fact and you can't skew the numbers," she said. She dismissed the fact that, on a per
capita basis, more Black people have been killed by police. "Then OK, well, if there's more Black people that are causing crimes and more Black people are going to face challenges, stop committing crime," she said. "That's the answer."
Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting on 2022 Oregon Senate race
Sep 28, 2020
John Kitzhaber:
Oppose the death penalty
Kitzhaber indicates he supports the following principles concerning crime:- Oppose the death penalty.
-
Kitzhaber adds, "Identification of high risk juveniles and increase prevention services."
Source: Oregon Gubernatorial 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
John Kitzhaber:
End parole for repeat violent felons
Kitzhaber indicates he supports the following principles concerning crime:- End parole for repeat violent felons.
-
Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
- Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
Source: Oregon Gubernatorial 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Kate Brown:
Supports community policing; opposes death penalty
Brown indicates support of the following principles regarding crime policy in Oregon:- Expand and promote `community policing` programs.
- Oppose the death penalty.
- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Incarcerate prisoners serving less than one year in county jails, rather than the state prison system.
- Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
Source: Oregon Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Kate Brown:
Ban use of chokeholds by police with few exceptions
HB4301: Provides that peace officer or corrections officer may not use force that impedes normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on throat or neck except in specified circumstances.Oregon Public
Broadcasting Summary: The bill further tightens the rules around chokeholds. Under the new bill, police are prohibited from using the holds except for instances when they are trying to defend themselves or another person.
The bill also folded in new rules for when police can use physical force--which under Oregon law includes the use of pepper spray or a stun gun--or deadly physical force.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 55-2-3 on Aug/10/20; Passed Senate 22-5-3 on Aug/10/20; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Sept/1/20
Source: OPB on Oregon State Legislature voting records SB582
Sep 1, 2020
Kevin Stine:
Give judges more leeway on sentencing
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?
A: Strongly oppose. We need prison reform to reduce recidivism and give judges more power to determine prison lengths.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Oregon Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 1, 2016
Knute Buehler:
A crime victim himself, vows to make citizen's lives safer
Rep. Buehler had the rear window of his car smashed in a break-in Friday morning when parked near the Portland Art Museum, a campaign official said. "No one should accept as a daily part of life, walking out to their car on their way to work,
or to a meeting, and coming to a smashed windshield and theft," Buehler said in a statement. "Oregonians need and deserve better. As governor, I will work with city officials to help improve the lives and well-being of all Oregonians."
Source: The Oregonian on 2018 Oregon Governor race
Dec 15, 2017
Nicholas Kristof:
Violence in Portland due to Feds more than protestors
[On BLM protests]: "It also must be said that while there's violence from both sides, what I've seen firsthand is that the most violent behavior overwhelmingly comes from the federal agents, and indeed the most serious injuries have been suffered
by protesters.""If you want to call one side 'rioters' or 'anarchists' working to create tumult in Portland, it's the uninvited feds who qualify," Kristof added.
Source: FOX News on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Oct 14, 2021
Tina Kotek:
Police not trained to deal with a mental health crisis
In the short term, she adds, the state is going to find ways to fund crisis-response programs, similar to Eugene's CAHOOTS. "Law enforcement does their job, but they are not trained to go out and have someone in a mental health crisis," she
says. "We don't want them accidentally killing someone because things get out of hand. You need to have a social worker; you need to have a mental health professional on the ground."
Source: Eugene Weekly on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Nov 24, 2021
Tina Kotek:
Ban use of chokeholds by police with few exceptions
HB4301: Provides that peace officer or corrections officer may not use force that impedes normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on throat or neck except in specified circumstances.Oregon Public
Broadcasting Summary: The bill further tightens the rules around chokeholds. Under the new bill, police are prohibited from using the holds except for instances when they are trying to defend themselves or another person.
The bill also folded in new rules for when police can use physical force--which under Oregon law includes the use of pepper spray or a stun gun--or deadly physical force.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 55-2-3 on Aug/10/20; State Rep. Christine Drazan voted YES; Passed Senate 22-5-3 on Aug/10/20; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Sept/1/20
Source: OPB on Oregon State Legislature voting records SB582
Aug 10, 2020
Christine Drazan:
Ban use of chokeholds by police with few exceptions
HB4301: Provides that peace officer or corrections officer may not use force that impedes normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on throat or neck except in specified circumstances.Oregon Public
Broadcasting Summary: The bill further tightens the rules around chokeholds. Under the new bill, police are prohibited from using the holds except for instances when they are trying to defend themselves or another person.
The bill also folded in new rules for when police can use physical force--which under Oregon law includes the use of pepper spray or a stun gun--or deadly physical force.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 55-2-3 on Aug/10/20; Minority Leader Christine Drazan voted YES; Passed Senate 22-5-3 on Aug/10/20; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Sept/1/20
Source: OPB on Oregon State Legislature voting records SB582
Aug 10, 2020
Betsy Johnson:
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
Betsy Johnson:
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
Betsy Johnson:
Voted NO on reducing sentences for non-violent offenses
HB 3194: Reduces Prison Sentences for Certain Crimes (Bill Passed House, 40-18); State Sen. Betsy Johnson voted Nay- Whereas Oregon can maintain an effective public safety system by directing savings from averted prison growth toward investments
in our local communities
- Therefore, Be It Enacted:
- MARIJUANA OFFENSES: [Increase the definition of] "substantial quantities" of a controlled substance to mixtures containing 5 grams of marijuana with detectable heroin, or 10 grams of marijuana
with detectable cocaine or methamphetamine.
- CRIMINAL DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED: [Decrease penalty unless] the suspension resulted from any degree of murder, manslaughter, or assault resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, or from a conviction
for felony driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
- [MANDATORY MINIMUM guidelines are relaxed unless two or more previous convictions for any combination of [serious or violent] crimes.
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting record HB3194
Jun 27, 2013
John Kitzhaber:
Reduce sentences for non-violent offenses
HB 3194: Reduces Prison Sentences for Certain Crimes:- Whereas Oregon [should] focus prison resources on violent offenders
- Whereas Oregon can direct savings from averted prison growth toward investments in our local communities
- Therefore,
Be It Enacted:
- MARIJUANA OFFENSES: [Increase the definition of] "substantial quantities" of a controlled substance.
- CRIMINAL DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED: [Decrease penalty unless] the suspension resulted from any degree of murder, manslaughter,
or assault resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, or from a conviction for felony driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
- [MANDATORY MINIMUM guidelines are relaxed unless two or more previous convictions for any combination of
[serious or violent] crimes.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-11-0 on July 1; passed House 40-18 on June 27; signed by Governor John Kitzhaber on July 25, 2013.
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: HB 3194
Jul 25, 2013
Tina Kotek:
Voted YES on reducing sentences for non-violent offenses
HB 3194: Reduces Prison Sentences for Certain Crimes:- Whereas Oregon [should] focus prison resources on violent offenders
- Whereas Oregon can direct savings from averted prison growth toward investments in our local communities
- Therefore,
Be It Enacted:
- MARIJUANA OFFENSES: [Increase the definition of] "substantial quantities" of a controlled substance.
- CRIMINAL DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED: [Decrease penalty unless] the suspension resulted from any degree of murder, manslaughter,
or assault resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, or from a conviction for felony driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
- [MANDATORY MINIMUM guidelines are relaxed unless two or more previous convictions for any combination of
[serious or violent] crimes.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-11-0 on July 1; passed House 40-18 on June 27; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; signed by Governor John Kitzhaber on July 25, 2013.
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: HB 3194
Jun 27, 2013
Tobias Read:
Voted YES on reducing sentences for non-violent offenses
HB 3194: Reduces Prison Sentences for Certain Crimes:- Whereas Oregon [should] focus prison resources on violent offenders
- Whereas Oregon can direct savings from averted prison growth toward investments in our local communities
- Therefore,
Be It Enacted:
- MARIJUANA OFFENSES: [Increase the definition of] "substantial quantities" of a controlled substance.
- CRIMINAL DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED: [Decrease penalty unless] the suspension resulted from any degree of murder, manslaughter,
or assault resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, or from a conviction for felony driving while under the influence of intoxicants.
- [MANDATORY MINIMUM guidelines are relaxed unless two or more previous convictions for any combination of
[serious or violent] crimes.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-11-0 on July 1; passed House 40-18 on June 27; State Rep. Tobias Read voted YES; signed by Governor John Kitzhaber on July 25, 2013.
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: HB 3194
Jun 27, 2013
Janelle Bynum:
Ban use of chokeholds by police with few exceptions
HB4301: Provides that peace officer or corrections officer may not use force that impedes normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on throat or neck except in specified circumstances.
Oregon Public Broadcasting Summary: The bill further tightens the rules around chokeholds. Under the new bill, police are prohibited from using the holds except for instances when they are trying to defend themselves or another person.
The bill also folded in new rules for when police can use physical force--which under Oregon law includes the use of pepper spray or a stun gun--or deadly physical force.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 55-2-3 on Aug/10/20; State Rep. Janelle Bynum sponsored and voted YES; Passed Senate 22-5-3 on Aug/10/20; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Sept/1/20
Source: OPB on Oregon State Legislature voting records HB4301
Aug 10, 2020
Maxine Dexter:
Ban use of chokeholds by police with few exceptions
HB4301: Provides that peace officer or corrections officer may not use force that impedes normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on throat or neck except in specified circumstances.Oregon Public
Broadcasting Summary: The bill further tightens the rules around chokeholds. Under the new bill, police are prohibited from using the holds except for instances when they are trying to defend themselves or another person.
The bill also folded in new rules for when police can use physical force--which under Oregon law includes the use of pepper spray or a stun gun--or deadly physical force.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 55-2-3 on Aug/10/20; Maxine Dexter sponsored and voted YES; Passed Senate 22-5-3 on Aug/10/20; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Sept/1/20
Source: OPB on Oregon State Legislature voting records SB582
Aug 10, 2020
Christine Drazan:
Supported Trump's sending troops to Oregon due to protests
Oregon House minority speaker Christine Drazan said in an email statement that she supports the federal military deployment. "The ICE facility in Portland has been subject to months of dangerously chaotic protests that have put
residents and federal agents in harm's way. The governor's assertion that there is no national security threat and the mayor's assertion that everything is fine is tone-deaf," she said.
Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle on 2026 Oregon Gubernatorial race
Sep 27, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026