Tina Kotek Called for a Forum on Gun Violence Prevention Two Weeks Ago
[Portland, Oregon] – It has been two weeks since the Tina for Oregon campaign challenged Republican candidate Christine Drazan and conservative candidate Betsy Johnson to agree to an issue-specific forum on gun violence prevention policy. Neither candidate has responded.
Even if they refuse to talk to Oregonians directly, Johnson and Drazan have voting records that speak volumes about their opposition to common-sense gun violence prevention.
The horrific shooting in Uvalde has renewed calls for “red flag” laws, which allow family members or law enforcement to prevent someone from accessing a gun if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others. Oregon passed a bipartisan “red flag” law in 2017, but Betsy Johnson sided with the gun lobby and voted no.
In fact, Betsy Johnson spent over 20 years in the state legislature where she racked up a long record of opposition to common-sense gun violence prevention policies. Senator Johnson voted against legislation to require background checks for private gun sales and to prohibit individuals from possessing a firearm when they have been convicted of domestic abuse or stalking. In 2012, she joined with Republicans to vote against legislation that would have banned guns on school grounds, and her opposition contributed to the legislature’s inability to pass the bill. And just last year, she voted against a bill to require firearms be stored safely and securely.
As the Oregonian reported, Johnson is “among the state’s most elite firearms enthusiasts: machine gun owners.” And, according to the Associated Press, “she sees even attempts to ban bump-stocks and high-capacity ammunition magazines as chipping away at Second Amendment rights on gun ownership.”
As a member of the House of Representatives, Christine Drazan voted against common-sense legislation requiring gun owners to safely store their guns, a policy that is proven to prevent unintentional gun deaths, especially among children. Drazan’s fierce opposition to gun violence prevention policies earned her an “A” rating from the NRA, something that she has been proud to boast while on the campaign trail.
“I have a message for Christine Drazan and Betsy Johnson: we’re furious, we’re paying attention, and we vote,” said Hilary Uhlig, Volunteer Leader, Moms Demand Action Oregon Chapter. “It is startling that Drazan and Johnson are seeking our state’s highest office, but cannot even muster the courage to begin a discussion on this issue of deep importance to the majority of Oregonians.”
“The continued silence from Representative Drazan and Senator Johnson is deeply troubling,” said Tina Kotek, candidate for Governor. “Right now, Oregonians are looking for leaders who will have the courage to stand up to the NRA and fight to reduce gun violence. Representative Drazan and Senator Johnson’s silence makes it clear that they would rather cater to the gun lobby than stand up for common-sense policies to prevent gun violence.”
Tina Kotek is the only candidate for Oregon governor who has received the endorsement of leading gun safety groups. Tina has earned the endorsement of Giffords PAC as well as the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction.
Moms Demand Action affiliation is for identification purposes only and not an indication of organizational support or endorsement.