BEND, OR -- Ballots start hitting mailboxes any day and the two women running for Oregon's Fifth Congressional District had one last chance to talk directly to voters Tuesday, in a debate that aired on Central Oregon Daily and KBND.
Democratic State Representative Janelle Bynum has said she wants to codify abortion rights at the federal level. She was asked why she should get to decide what's legal in other states. She answered, "It doesn't matter where in this country you exist. You should have the right to have your reproductive health options safeguarded by this country."
Republican Incumbent US Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, was good for Oregon, "Oregonians have determined what they want by their state. And now, SCOTUS has ruled in their favor, agreed with Oregonians to say, 'this is what you want.' That is the position I take, that's the position I stand."
KBND's Heather Roberts co-moderated the debate and asked Bynum, "If elected, how do you plan to bridge the urban-rural or east-west divide to represent all constituents?" Bynum responded, "I'm a firm believer in town halls. And, as I was driving here today, I was thinking Lori Chavez-DeRemer came to my first town hall, sat in the back with her husband and daughter, hired a heckler to sit up front. I taught her how to do town halls." Responding to the accusation of hiring a heckler, Chavez-DeRemer said, "Nonsense. I remember that tele-town hall; it was on transportation and the lack of leadership that she was going to show for the residents of Happy Valley as it was growing."
The two frequently talked over each other, both accusing the other of lying about a variety of topics. During closing statements, Chavez-DeRemer brought up allegations Bynum failed to report potential sexual harassment by a campaign staffer. Bynum repeatedly said, "That's a lie," during the statement, and said, "You will not repeat that lie in front of my face."
Regardless of who wins, the Fifth Congressional District will be sending a minority woman to Washington. When asked whether that adds to the responsibility of the job, Bynum noted she is just one generation removed from segregation, "I think it is my job to continue to carry the mantle of bridging talent with opportunity. Whether it's for our rural kids, underrepresented minorities, for all kids across Oregon. Chavez-DeRemer said, "We have to be forward thinking for all Oregonians. That's our job. That's our responsibility. But a diverse table is the most exciting table that you'll ever be at."
Both campaigns sent statements claiming victory. Tuesday's debate was the third match-up for the pair and the second in Bend in just five days; their first debate was in Portland a week ago.
Click HERE for more on the November election, including the full CD5 debates.
