Kate Brown picks up Independent Party endorsement

by Janie Har
October 07, 2008

The Independent Party has endorsed Democratic Sen. Kate Brown for secretary of state.

The party, Oregon's third largest with 33,000 registered voters, applauded her willingness to put a referral on the ballot asking voters to limit campaign contributions. Such a change would have to be in the state Constitution, and Brown, a former Senate majority leader, has never voiced such clear support for limits.

In her response to the Independent Party's questionnaire, Brown wrote: "I generally have reservations about making changes to the constitution, but in this case I see no other options."

The Republican in the race, former television news anchorman Rick Dancer, wrote: "If Oregonians want campaign limits they have the ability to place them on the ballot through the initiative process. Any limits in the future need to apply to both individuals and groups."

The Pacific Green Party candidate, Seth Woolley, also supports a limit on contributions.

Kate Brown states her support for an Oregon constitutional amendment to allow limits on political contributions in state and local races.

With 33,000 registered members, Independent Party of Oregon supports candidates who take action to increase government accountability, including campaign finance reform. The IPO endorsement hinged on the fact that Kate Brown agrees that the Oregon Legislature should refer to voters an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to allow limits on political campaign contributions in state and local races.