Sunriver, Ore. — Going head-to-head for the second time, Governor John Kitzhaber and Oregon Representative Dennis Richardson participated in a debate today hosted by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters. The debate was televised across the state.
Among the many topics discussed, recreational marijuana, education, healthcare and economic recovery for rural counties as well as how to handle the lack of law enforcement plaguing some communities.
However, a touchy moment arose when Richardson accused Kitzhaber of paying women on his staff less than men.
“The Governor’s office, he pays 79-cents for women for every dollar he pays to men. That is wrong,” said Richardson.
“It is categorically untrue, and even the reporter whose article you used to cook these numbers has repudiated the way you have done this,” responded Kitzhaber.
Kitzhaber then attacked Richardson’s 11-year record in the legislature saying few of Richardson’s votes indicate he believes in pay equality.
Regarding economic recovery for rural counties, Richardson supported helping companies expand in order to sell Oregon-made products overseas.
Kitzhaber backed investing in research and innovation to build on natural resources available in the state.
Governor John Kitzhaber is seeking a fourth term. Representative Dennis Richardson has served in the Oregon House since 2002.
It’s expected they will face off again in another debate on October 14th in Portland.
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