By Ben Botkin

Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney has blocked legislation several times since 2009 that would allow Oregon to join the National Popular Vote Compact.

But state senators Wednesday will have a public hearing on legislation to join the compact, which would ensure that the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote is elected.

Senate Bill 870 will get a hearing at 1 p.m. in the Senate Committee on Rules. If the bill passes the committee, as expected, it would go to the Senate floor for a vote, which hasn't happened before.

Courtney said in an interview with the Statesman Journal that his stance on the issue hasn’t changed. He believes Oregonians should decide the popular vote issue instead of lawmakers.

“This is one of those special moments that the Oregon electorate should be asked yea or nay,” Courtney said. He expects the bill has enough support to pass in the Senate. Read the full story at the Statesman Journal.

— Statesman Journal