Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 26, 2018)
A6 State Blue Mountain Eagle Brown, lawmakers stage walkout supporting Kavanaugh accusers By Aubrey Wieber Wednesday, September 26, 2018 Expanded state government reporting comes to Oregon Capital Bureau Capital Bureau Gov. Kate Brown and House Majori- ty Leader Jennifer Williamson took to the Capitol steps Monday morning to publicly support Christine Blasey Ford and Debo- rah Ramirez, both of whom have alleged U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kava- naugh sexually assaulted them years ago. “I believe that sexual assault survivors should be heard, and particularly that there should be an investigation in this particu- lar case, now that there has been a second allegation,” Brown said in a later inter- view. Brown and Williamson were joined by dozens of lawmakers, mostly women, to take a political stance on sexual assault, as part of the greater #MeToo movement. The walkout took place on the opening day of September’s Legislative Days, where lawmakers from throughout the state convene at the Capitol to prepare for the 2019 Legislature. The walkout was short and silent, last- ing about four minutes. On Sunday, Ramirez joined Blasey Ford in making public allegations against Kavanaugh, nominated by President Don- ald Trump to replace Anthony Kennedy on the high court. U.S. Senate Republicans were attempting to get Kavanaugh ap- proved quickly so he could join the court when it opens its next session on Mon- Salem Reporter/Aubrey Wieber Gov. Kate Brown and House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson stand in solidarity with victims of sexual assault on the Capitol steps Monday. day. Blasey Ford’s accusation, followed by Ramirez’s accusation, has thrown a wrench into that plan. The two accusers are asking that the FBI investigate the allegations. Brown, surrounded by lawmakers holding signs, said she believes the alleged victims. Brown said Kavanaugh should with- draw from consideration of the lifetime appointment. “I think the U.S. Senate, if they decide to move forward, are doing a disservice to the American people and a disservice to the U.S. Supreme Court,” Brown said The two accusers are asking that the FBI investigate the allegations. A news collaborative to sharpen and expand coverage of Oregon state government and politics has launched, com- bining the strengths of three news organizations. The new team represents Pamplin Media Group, publish- er of the Portland Tribune and 24 other newspapers, EO Me- dia Group, which publishes the East Oregonian, Daily Astorian and nine other newspapers, and Salem Reporter, a digital news service. A reporter from each orga- nization has been assigned to the Oregon Capital Bureau op- eration. They are Paris Achen of the Portland Tribune, Claire Withycombe of the East Ore- gonian and Daily Astorian, and Aubrey Wieber of Salem Re- porter. They will work under the direction of Les Zaitz, editor of Salem Reporter and a veteran investigative reporter. “This collaboration will dra- matically boost our in-depth coverage of state government,” said Pamplin Media Group Capital Bureau/Les Zaitz Aubrey Wieber of Salem Reporter, Claire Withycombe of EO Media Group and Paris Achen of Pamplin Media Group. President Mark Garber. “We al- ready were partnering with EO Media Group to provide time- ly and comprehensive stories about the Legislature, the exec- utive branch and state agencies. Now, by adding Salem Reporter, we will increase the number of journalists watching the capi- tal and also benefit enormous- ly from Les Zaitz’s journalistic leadership.” “Throughout its 110-year history the EO Media Group has been committed to quality journalism,” said Heidi Wright, the group’s chief operating offi- cer. “That commitment led us to our original collaboration with Pamplin Media Group to pro- vide our readers with import- ant stories other news outlets had abandoned. This coverage has never been more vital and the resources Salem Reporter brings to the effort will increase the value of this coverage to our readers.” “News organizations across the state have whittled away at their coverage of state govern- ment, leaving citizens with less information than ever before. By combining forces, we give Oregonians the largest news team in the state focused exclu- sively on state government. We intend to be a potent watchdog over public money and govern- ment power,” said Zaitz. The new Oregon Capital Bu- reau team will provide breaking news, enterprise and investiga- tive stories. The bureau’s stories will be shared with each of the news organization’s publica- tions and their websites, provid- ing an unprecedented statewide reach. This collaborative also produces Oregon Capital Insid- er e-newsletter, delivered week- ly to over 84,000 subscribers. RV ING PARK BEST S R BURGE ND AROU 541-448-2526 www.austinhousecafecountrystore.com 81033 We are located at Austin Junction (Hwy 26 & 7) Join us on Church Services In Grant County Come Worship with us at 77204
