Power Brokers Plan to Spend $700,000 to Shape City Council

Last night the Oregonian broke a story that one of Jo Ann’s leading opponents will be backed by big corporations and conservative forces who will spend up to $700,000 to prop him up. Voters should be asking why a corporate candidate who is participating in Portland’s public finance program, designed to reduce the corruption of money in politics, is now accepting dark money from a few wealthy groups. Clearly his message isn't resonating given he is stuck in 3rd place in collecting small donations.

Democracy is stronger when we reject the control of wealthy special interests. Four years ago, 87% of Portlanders passed the Honest Elections measure that set $500 limits to protect our democracy from the corruption of money in politics. Recently the Willamette Week proclaimed this change was one of the Top 10 things to love about Portland.

We join the growing chorus calling on everyone in the Portland Small Donor Election program to publicly refuse outside money and tell their corporate backers to respect the will of the voters. Otherwise, we know the playbook will be about distracting voters from tackling our toughest challenges by swamping Portlanders with negative media that is about protecting the power of the status quo.

Help us fight back by giving $5 to Jo Ann’s campaign. If you’ve reached the $250 maximum, ask a friend if they would donate $5. If you haven’t yet volunteered, join #TeamJoAnn for an upcoming text bank or door knock. Your support means more than ever these final 5 weeks.