Oregon has one of the only Husband / Wife legislature duos. Senator Doug Whitsett (SD-28) and Representative Gail Whitsett (HD-56) represent the Klamath Falls area of Oregon. A very conservative area. And they really pulled a fast one on the voters of Klamath Falls.

Like Democratic Representative Joe Gallegos (HD-30) the Whitsetts had filed for re-election months ago, and like in the Gallegos district, minutes before the primary filing deadline in each of the Whitsett’s Districts a GOP primary challenger filed. Of course it wasn’t really a primary challenge because the next morning both Whitsett’s announced that they wouldn’t run again. Just as Gallegos had done.

Another coronation, because the Whitsett’s districts are both very safely Republican. In fact, no Democrats even bothered to file for the Democratic nomination in the Districts. So the two GOP candidates who were tipped off by the Whitsetts to file really are your next SD-26 and HD-56 Legislators.

The voters in these districts will not get to decide who represents them. And other potential candidates from the Klamath Falls Republican Party who wanted to serve, but didn’t want to challenge the incumbents from their own party, are now out of luck. And, there may have even been a Democrat or Independent who was interested in serving, but didn’t want to run against long time incumbents.

Whether its the Whitsetts, Gallegos, Fagan, Rosenbaum, Davis, or any other elected official who pulled this same coronation scheme this week. I’m here to tell you. It’s wrong and dishonest. It damages our Democracy and destroys your reputation for honesty and civil conduct (or should at least). You don’t own these seats and you are not the entitled to declare your successor by avoiding a vote of the people.

Interestingly, I came across the Mail Tribune editorial when I saw a facebook post by Mike McLane, the House GOP leader and HD-55. McLane posted this excerpt from the editorial

“In a regular email newsletter to constituents, Doug Whitsett frequently complained about the tactics of majority Democrats in Salem. One such recent message, criticizing the drafting of a bill to eliminate coal-generated power, was titled “Closed-Door Deals Are Not The Oregon Way.” Except, perhaps, in Senate District 28 and House District 56.”

Interesting that the House GOP leader would republish an editorial critical of a fellow local Republican. But just so you know, McLane’s HD-55 District is part of SD-26. Meaning he could have run for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Whitsett. If McLane had been informed of the Whitsett’s intent.