Rep. Knute Buehler to run for governor — or not

People from all over Central Oregon gathered Friday to discuss the 2015 legislative session with state Rep. Knute Buehler. More than 50 people were in the crowd at St. Charles Bend.

The Bend Republican discussed his thoughts on the session but started by saying the point of the meeting was for the people there. He said he wanted to hear from them and make himself available to answer questions.

The first-term lawmaker held the gathering more than a month after the session ended in order to let people, including himself, have time to digest just what happened

“I really tried to stress, like I did in the campaign, to be that independent vote and voice in Salem,” Buehler said.

That was not an easy task, as the session was labeled one of the most partisan ones in recent history.

“It was like they had a big party and didn’t invite everyone — and then, when it was all done, they were like, ‘Wait come help us clean up this mess,'” Buehler said.

Even so, Buehler successfully passed two bills, the “right the try” bill and one increasing birth control access.

The session had an impact on Buehler, who tweeted on July 13:, “Important decision. Re-election to State Rep. #inBend or run for Gov in 2016? I’d appreciate your support and advice.”

“During the end of session, it kept coming up,” he said. “Enough people, locally and nationally, asking me to give it some consideration, so I’m looking into it.”

Buehler said he still has a lot to think about, like his medical practice.

“So I’m weighing all those things and hope to make a decision in the next few weeks,” Buehler said.