McLane bill targets politicians hand-picking successors

House Republican Leader Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, introduced legislation Thursday intended to prevent incumbent lawmakers from hand-picking their successors.

The measure, co-chief sponsored by House Democratic Leader Jennifer Williamson, Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli and Senate Democratic Leader Ginny Burdick, would re-open the window for candidates to file to run for office when an incumbent office holder withdraws from a race after the regular filing deadline.

“The power of the incumbency alone can be an enormous impediment for Oregonians who are interested in running for office,” McLane said in a news release. “But things become even worse when incumbent office holders use their position to handpick successors and prevent fair competition in our elections.

“This is a practice that has been employed by Republicans and Democrats alike, and it is time to put an end to it. Oregonians have had enough.”

Under HB 2945, if an incumbent office holder withdraws from running for re-election within three days prior to the regular filing deadline, the deadline would be extended to allow a full three days for new candidates to file.

If a candidate withdraws from running for re-election after the regular filing deadline, a new filing window of three business days would automatically open.

If passed, the legislation would effectively prevent incumbent lawmakers from anointing a successor without the possibility of a competitive election.

HB 2945 is expected to be referred to the House Rules Committee for consideration.