Date: 11/05/2014 03:59 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/255
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon voters have elected Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber to a historic fourth term. Kitzhaber already is the state’s longest-serving governor, and he’ll extend his run after defeating Republican state Rep. Dennis Richardson. Kitzhaber overcame ethical questions about his fiancee’s role in his administration and the revelation that she was in a fraudulent marriage years ago.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley has been re-elected to the U.S. Senate. Merkley defeated Republican Monica Wehby, a pediatric neurosurgeon from Portland. Merkley first was elected in 2008. In his first term, Merkley became well-known among Democratic activists as a champion for progressive causes, but he battled a low profile in Oregon.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon voters have legalized marijuana, making the state the third to approve the drug’s recreational use. The campaign to legalize pot spent more than $3 million on advertising in the month before the election. Opponents, largely composed of law enforcement and concerned citizens, failed to mount much of a counteroffensive. Oregon’s measure calls for pot legalization by July 1.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon voters have rejected a measure permitting four-year driver’s cards to those who cannot prove their legal status in the United States. Gov. John Kitzhaber signed a state law last year granting the cards, but an interest group put the measure up for a vote. Opponents, including 28 of the state’s 36 sheriffs, argued granting the driver’s cards would reward illegal behavior and facilitate crime.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
