For Immediate Release
Contact: Eddie Kurtz
[email protected]
Following a new report with video evidence from The Oregonian/OregonLive that Representative Mike Nearman gave detailed instructions on how to get his help to breach Capitol security during a special legislative session, the Democratic Party of Oregon renewed our call for Nearman to resign or be expelled from the Oregon House of Representatives.
Democratic Party of Oregon Chair Carla “KC” Hanson issued the following statement:
“New video evidence shows that Rep. Mike Nearman not only opened the door for armed, violent rioters to enter the Oregon Capitol building and attack Oregon State Police on December 21st, 2020, but confirms his actions were also planned days in advance. The video taken on December 16th shows him literally giving step-by-step instructions on how to get his help to breach Capitol security.
“We applaud House Speaker Tina Kotek’s decision to create a new bipartisan special committee to expedite the process of expelling Rep. Nearman. His unconscionable actions put his House colleagues and everyone else in the Capitol building – especially BIPOC legislators, legislative staff and Capitol staff – in grave danger. The Oregon House of Representatives has a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of legislators and Oregon Capitol personnel. Nearman’s words and, more importantly, his actions have proven that he is unfit to serve and cannot be trusted with the duties and responsibilities of a member of the Oregon Legislature.
“If Rep. Nearman refuses to resign, we call upon all members of the Oregon House of Representatives – Democrats and Republicans – to do the right thing and hold Representative Nearman accountable for his actions. Representative Nearman must resign or be expelled.”
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