Oregon District 3 candidates criticize 'dark money' in race

Two candidates for Oregon's third congressional district-- Susheela Jayapal and Eddy Morales -- held a press conference on Thursday calling for transparency in dark money spending after one group spent $1.6 million in support of another candidate.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Two candidates for Oregon's third congressional district-- Susheela Jayapal and Eddy Morales -- held a press conference on Thursday calling for transparency in dark money spending, alleging one group spent $1.6 million in support of another candidate.

During the press conference, Jayapal and Morales criticized spending in support of fellow candidate Rep. Maxine Dexter by 314 Action, a Washington D.C.-based political action committee that supports "Democrats with a background in science."

“Maxine Dexter claims to be for transparency in politics, but she and 314 Action are engaged in a dishonest and cynical ploy to obscure the donors propping up her campaign until just one day before the primary," Jayapal and Morales said in a joint statement.

"At a time when MAGA Republican mega-donors are interfering in Democratic primaries across the country, particularly against qualified candidates of color, voters deserve to know who is trying to buy this seat for a centrist candidate who doesn’t even live in the district. Some of these are the very same donors pushing anti-choice and election-denier politicians across the country,” the candidates added.

Jayapal and Morales also encouraged Dexter to call on her "dark money backers" to disclose their donors and to stop spending on her behalf until they do so.

The candidates highlighted a Federal Election Commission filing showing a group supporting 314 Action has spent $1.6 million to date on behalf of Dexter.

“314 Action will not have to report their April donors until May 20th, the day before this primary, significantly hamstringing Oregon voters’ education,” the candidates said.

In response to the press conference, Rep. Dexter released the following statement:

I believe in listening and dialogues; not demands. That is how I speak with my patients and it's how, in our divided state legislature, I’ve successfully secured the strongest abortion rights in the country, saved lives by passing a broad opioid harm reduction package, strengthened our gun laws, and banned forever chemicals that hurt our kids.

My opponents know where I stand on outside spending as they pointed out today that I am the only candidate in this race who has championed and successfully passed landmark campaign finance reform here in Oregon. 

At a time when science is under attack and Congress is full of climate deniers I’m proud to have the support of 314, scientists, and grassroots supporters of science in public service. In Congress, I will continue to listen and work with others to get results for Oregon.

I took an oath as a physician to do no harm and have been steadfast in putting the best interests of my patients first. I’ve taken that same approach in my work as a legislator. I always put my community first. I work for them, no one else. 

Any insinuation that doctors and scientists looking for facts and reason in public policy are cutting deals is ridiculous and it’s insulting to my integrity. I’m genuinely disappointed that my opponents have decided to take this turn. Oregonians deserve better.

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, 314 Action emphasized their support for Dexter, stating, "We are an organization founded by scientists and our movement is fueled by over 6 million grassroots supporters who are energized by our mission to elect Democratic scientists to public office at every level, from Congress to school boards. At a time when science is under attack, we need more scientists like Maxine in the room making critical decisions about our reproductive rights, healthcare access and climate protections.” 

“We proudly endorsed Dr. Maxine Dexter when she ran for the state house and we're once again proud to support her in Oregon’s 3rd District race. She’s a doctor, state representative, and an experienced progressive who gets results. She led the fight to expand abortion rights, address homelessness, and pass tough new gun laws. We’re proud to stand with her and look forward to electing another doctor to Congress," the PAC added.