GOP gubernatorial candidates trade barbs in final stretch

Two Republican gubernatorial candidates are taking off the gloves, less than two weeks before the state primary.

State Rep. Knute Buehler, who is hoping to clinch the GOP nomination for governor is accusing Central Oregon businessman Sam Carpenter of not paying his personal and business taxes.

Buehler told NewsChannel 21 the claims are public records and can be viewed by anyone interested in finding out.

Records show that Carpenter had federal and state tax liens in the 1990s and his business also had liens.

“If Oregonians can’t trust Carpenter to pay his own taxes, how can they trust him to manage theirs as head of our state government?” Buehler said.

Buehler has released radio ads attacking Carpenter.

“For months, he’s been bullying people, lying about other candidates and making outrageous claims,” Buehler said. “Calling people homophobic, tearing down signs, bullying another candidate to drop out of the race. It’s time for people to know the truth about Carpenter.”

Carpenter spoke to NewsChannel 21 on Friday via Skype, calling it a desperate attack from Buehler, who he said is afraid of losing the primary as Carpenter’s campaign is gaining traction.

“We’re showing a comfortable lead right now, and it is a groundswell of regular Oregonians,” Carpenter said. “He knows it. Why would he attack us?. Why would he stay silent for four months, and than all of a sudden, a week and a half before the primary, come out viciously attacking and misleading?”

Carpenter said he’s going to be sticking with the issues that matter to Oregonians.

Special session: Could plans unravel?

A week after the primary, Buehler and other state lawmakers will be heading to Salem for a special session.

Governor Kate Brown ordered the one-day May 21 special session in April after signing a bill that would ditch federal tax breaks for small businesses resulting from the new federal tax reform law.

Brown wants to make small businesses eligible for existing discounts.

House Minority Leader Mike McLane said there is some talk that some lawmakers will introduce a variety of bills on topics from gun control to affordable housing, possibly turning the one-day session into a week-long session.

McLane said if Democrats can craft a simple tax break bill, the session could be just one day.

His goal is go give small businesses a break.

“If they don’t stick to their word, and it appears they’re not going to do that, there is gun control, gun confiscation bills, and extreme carbon reduction bills, and rent control bills. If they start to move those, then we’re going to shut this session down immediately,” McLane said.

Buehler said this is Brown playing politics, as she is calling on Democratic leadership to pass republican ideas, when it comes to small-business tax breaks.

“You look back at the history of special sessions — many times all kinds of surprises come up,” Buehler said. “Once you open up the Legislature, it’s a big unknown. I wouldn’t be surprised (if) we see some sneaky bills in the process.”.