Deschutes Democrats meet with possible Boddie replacements

Deschutes County Democrats, unable to force embattled House District 54 candidate Nathan Boddie to withdraw from the race, have passed a pair of resolutions urging him to do so and agreeing to meet with potential new candidates, should he step aside.

Here’s a news release issued Wednesday morning by Deschutes Democrats, in full:

On Sunday, at the Deschutes County Central Committee meeting, the Deschutes County Central Committee voted to affirm our Executive Committee’s decision to withdraw support from Nathan Boddie in House District 54 and call upon Dr. Boddie to withdraw his candidacy.

The Executive Committee are the elected officers of the Deschutes County Democratic Party (Chair, Vice Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer). The Central Committee (Precinct Committee Persons) also voted to support the Executive Committee meeting with potential candidates in the event Dr. Boddie does withdraw from the HD 54 race.

If Dr. Boddie decides to remain in the race, our state and county bylaws prevent us from endorsing a third-party or write-in candidate. The Deschutes County Executive Committee will continue to pursue all options and ensure that all members of the Central Committee remain fully informed.

You can read the full text of both resolutions at our website (www.deschutesdemocrats.org) or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DeschutesDems). Both resolutions are also below:

Resolution One

WHEREAS, Dr. Nathan Boddie has been accused of inappropriate touching of a sexual nature; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Boddie’s response to the allegation was to attack his accuser; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Boddie has made no further public statements explaining his behavior; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Boddie has refused communication with members of this committee; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Boddie’s actions do not represent the values of the Deschutes County Democratic Central Committee; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Deschutes County Democratic Party once again requests Dr. Boddie to formally withdraw his candidacy for Oregon House District 54.

Resolution Two

WHEREAS, The Democratic Party stands for progressive values, including equality, tolerance, and inclusivity ; and

WHEREAS, The elected members of the Deschutes County Democratic Central Committee desire a candidate who demonstrates these values; and

WHEREAS, In the event of a vacancy for the Democratic nomination in House District 54, the time available to select a replacement candidate will be limited; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Deschutes County Executive Committee shall continue the process of meeting with potential candidates for HD 54.