Oregon Democrats have supermajority, but learned its limits

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — When Democrats won a supermajority in the Oregon Legislature last November, it seemed they had a clear path ahead to combat global warming, enact gun control and pursue other liberal goals.

Instead, it's been a bumpy road.

Eight months after Democrats toasted their victories, they have learned the limits of power during the Oregon Legislature's most acrimonious session in memory: Republican lawmakers boycotted the Senate — twice — even fleeing the state after Democratic Gov. Kate Brown ordered police after them.

Several major Democratic initiatives bit the dust, including a sweeping measure to curb climate-changing emissions that prompted a nine-day Republican walkout and threats of violence that closed down the Capitol.

Now, Brown says she may resort to using her executive powers to push through limits on greenhouse gas emissions and warns that the so-called quorum rules may need to be changed to prevent a repeat of the turmoil.

Read more: https://www.news-journal.com/ap/national/oregon-democrats-have-supermajority-but-learned-its-limits/article_d72fe921-b1ae-533a-89f3-6ea1cf75ba2e.html
(Longview News-Journal)