© Abigail Dollins / APAttorneys representing Republican Oregon senators and the Department of Justice speak before the Oregon Supreme Court in opening arguments on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 in Salem, Ore. Republicans are challenging the implementation of Measure 113, an effort to put a stop to legislative walkouts.
The high court decided in favor of Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, who had disqualified the senators from running for office again after voters approved a measure in 2022 to amend the state constitution to ban lawmakers with more than 10 unexcused absences from running again.
The measure to prevent walkouts passed after GOP lawmakers staged other walkouts from the Legislature in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Five of the 10 Republican state senators, Tim Knopp, Daniel Bonham, Suzanne Weber, Dennis Linthicum and Lynn Findle, had filed a lawsuit against the secretary of state over the decision.
The walkout, which was the longest in Oregon's history, resulted in hundreds of bills being stalled, according to The Associated Press.
Comment: With checks and balances removed, nothing can stay the heavy hand of majority rule.