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This ballot drop box was placed outside Sherwood City Hall for the May primary.
(Anna Marum/Beaverton Leader)
The ballot measure that would end the current partisan political primaries in Oregon has just reported receiving another $100,000 in contributions from business-oriented groups and individuals.
The Yes on 90 campaign, which wants to create a "top two" primary system similar to those in California and Washington, received $60,000 from the Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Administrators and $25,000 from the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association. Roderick Wendt, vice-chairman of the board at Jeld-Wen, gave $10,000 and James Johnson, the CEO of Tripwire, gave $5,000, according to disclosure reports filed late Thursday.
The measure has received strong support from many in the business community, who argue that it would have a moderating impact on politics in the state. Critics have said it would reduce voter choice and have raised questions about whether the business community is attempting to increase its influence on state politics.
Under the initiative, candidates of all parties would be placed on the same primary ballot open to all voters. The top two finishers, regardless of party would go on to the general election.
Sponsors of Measure 90 reported that they have raised $322,000 since qualifying the ballot. They spent another $623,000 on their petition drive.
The opposition campaign, which is a coalition including both the Democratic and Republican parties, has so far reported only about $20,000 in contributions. But at this point in the campaign, the group has 30 days to report donations.
-- Jeff Mapes