Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle, Author at The Source

Independent review: Secretary of State auditors failed to safeguard against Fagan’s moonlighting

A report commissioned by the Department of Justice finds that the former secretary of state didn’t influence an audit’s outcome, but said auditors failed to properly weigh the public perception of her outside work

by Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle October 18, 2023May 2, 2024

Auditors under former Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan failed to maintain the public trust when their boss moonlighted for a cannabis company amid an audit about marijuana regulation, an Oregon Department of Justice review has concluded. The report, released on Oct. 11, recommends that the state temporarily remove the audit linked to the rapid […]

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Tears and High-fives: Session Ends, But More Work to Do

Gov. Tina Kotek, who’s signed about 250 bills, has about 350 more to review

by Lynne Terry and Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle and Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle June 28, 2023July 25, 2023

The 2023 legislative session is over, drawing smiles and high fives in the wood-paneled chambers. There were tears, too, on Sunday: Lawmakers and observers said the session was one of the most chaotic, frustrating and, at times, suspenseful sessions in recent history. “Six long months ago we came here with high hopes and great expectations,” […]

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Senate GOP-led Walkout Gridlock Deepens

Talks between the two sides have stalled, with Republican leaders accusing Democrats of lacking good faith

by Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle May 17, 2023June 23, 2023

The state Senate impasse deepened on Monday with no Republicans showing up and three senators who’ve participated in the GOP-led walkout now banned from serving new terms. With the walkout hitting the 10th day, two Republicans – Sens. Daniel Bonham of The Dalles and Dennis Linthicum of Klamath Falls – and Independent Sen. Brian Boquist […]

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