Oregon Right to Life launches ‘No on Knute’ campaign

Spending $250K to oppose Buehler, one of 10 2nd District GOP candidates

(Update: Adding Buehler statement)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Right to Life's Victory PAC announced Thursday afternoon at a Bend news conference the No on Knute campaign, committing $250,000 to defeating Knute Buehler in the race for the newly open seat in Congressional District 2.

“Over the years, Knute Buehler has stated repeatedly that he is supportive of abortion rights," said Lois Anderson, ORTL executive director/ "Knute Buehler’s defense of Oregon’s reprehensible lack of basic protective laws precludes his candidacy to represent Congressional District 2. In aligning himself with Oregon’s legal position on abortion, Knute has rendered himself also pro-abortion."

"Today, Oregon Right to Life’s Victory PAC is kicking off a quarter of a million dollar campaign that will tell the true story of Buehler’s record," continued Anderson. "We are confident that once reminded of that record, the majority of voters in CD 2 will say no to Knute."

Buehler, a Bend former state representative and surgeon, is one of 10 Republicans who have filed for the 2nd District seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Greg Walden. But he likely is the best-known, after his unsuccessful bid for governor against Democrat Kate Brown in 2018.

Five Democratic candidates also have filed, ahead of next Tuesday's filing deadline for the May 19 primary election.

ORTL officials said they will endorse a pro-life candidate around the time ballots are mailed in April.

For the complete statements made at the press conference, click here.

Buehler later issued a news release in response. Here it is, in full:

Buehler Highlights Common Ground Voting Record with Pro-Life Community

The former GOP State Representative supported the pro-life community on their highest priority legislation in recent years – opposing taxpayer funded abortions for undocumented immigrants and a religious organization mandate 

BEND - Dr. Knute Buehler released a statement today on his record of finding common ground with the pro-life community and voting against extreme legislation pushed by Planned Parenthood and Kate Brown (HB 3391, 2017). 

“When Planned Parenthood pushed extreme anti-life legislation, I voted with the pro-life community to oppose taxpayer funded abortions for undocumented immigrants and forcing religious affiliated organizations to provide abortion services. In Congress, I will oppose federal funding of abortions, I will vote to ban late term abortions and I will defend religious liberties. Being pro-choice doesn’t mean you are pro-abortion and my conservative voting record reflects that,” said Buehler.

The Oregon legislation was opposed by every Republican in the legislature. 

“I will always work to find common ground with the pro-life community to make abortion as rare as possible in Oregon and America,” said Buehler. 

In Congress, Buehler says he will support the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding of abortion except in the case of rape, incest or the life of the mother. The Hyde Amendment has been federal law since 1976 under both Democrats and Republicans.