TONIGHT: Greg Walden, Speaker Paul Ryan bring Trump Agenda to Oregon for high-dollar fundraiser

WILSONVILLE — Rep. Greg Walden is bringing the top GOP leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives in for a high-dollar fundraising event at an undisclosed location in Wilsonville this evening. Both Speaker Paul Ryan and Republican Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy are listed on the invitation, which will benefit the Walden Victory Fund.

“It's already crystal clear that Ryan and his band of Republicans govern solely with the interests of ultra-rich in mind, from pushing through Trump's tax scam to their attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act,” said Jeanne Atkins, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. “Now, they’re here to try and reap the benefits of their giveaways and undo the progress we’ve made here in Oregon.” 

Walden, Ryan, and McCarthy — who is widely rumored to be gunning for the top leadership position in the House GOP upon Ryan’s retirement — hold three of the most powerful positions in Washington, D.C., and all were instrumental in passage of the GOP Tax Scam and attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and strip health insurance from millions of Americans. 

“While he may have announced his retirement, generations of Americans will suffer for Speaker Paul Ryan’s failure to stand up to the Trump White House,” said Atkins. “GOP House Leadership see that their time in control is in peril and, here in Oregon, Walden faces a formidable challenge from Jamie McLeod-Skinner. Voters need to know that Walden has decided to spend his time out of his districttonight, rubbing elbows with his rich donors instead of hosting town halls and hearing directly from his constituents.”

Big-money donors know they get more than a seat at the table. Local hotelier Gordon Sondland got an appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the European Union after doling out $1 million for President Trump’s inauguration. Tickets for tonight’s event range from $2,500 to attend to $25,000 for a special “V.I.P.” reception.