Oregon delegation, candidates react to Biden race withdrawal; Chavez-DeRemer questions his fitness to stay in office
(Update: Adding Senator Wyden statement)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon's congressional delegation voiced their reactions Sunday to President Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorsement of Vice-President Kamala Harris in his place.
Senator Ron Wyden's statement:
“I’ve been proud to work with President Biden on a record of Democratic successes these past 3 1/2 years that includes historic wins over Big Pharma, and major gains in the fights against both wealthy tax cheats and the climate crisis,” Wyden said. “History will judge well those landmark achievements. I’m all in to support Vice President Harris with all my energy to go forward building on that impressive record and defeating Donald Trump – a convicted felon who wants to yank America backward with his checkered and erratic past of right-wing extremism on women’s health care, dirty energy and more.”
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An aide provided NewsChannel 21 with this statement from Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore.:
“I'm concerned that President Biden is unfit to carry out the demanding responsibilities that come with being the leader of the free world. If he’s unable to run for re-election, he shouldn’t be making day-to-day decisions that impact our national security.”
Chavez-DeRemer Campaign Statement on Joe Biden Dropping Out of the Presidential Race
HAPPY VALLEY, Oregon – Following reports that President Joe Biden will no longer seek re-election, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s (OR-05) campaign released the following statement:
“Joe Biden’s inability to continue campaigning raises serious concerns about his capacity to serve the remainder of his term. After weeks of dodging questions, Oregon voters deserve to know if Janelle Bynum believes President Biden is fit to serve as commander-in-chief for four more months. Additionally, Democrats will be scrambling to choose their new nominee as we quickly approach Election Day. Liberals like Bynum owe it to the millions of Americans who voted for Biden to be transparent in who they will support during this process,” Senior Advisor Nick Trainer said.
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Chavez-DeRemer's Democratic challenger, Janelle Bynum, posted on X (Twitter):
"Thank you to President Biden for your tireless work and dedication to our country. In the midst of crisis, this administration created the strongest economy in the world and lifted up the middle class.
"This November, we must come together to stand up for democracy, reproductive rights, and all Oregonians. The work continues!"
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CONGRESSWOMAN ANDREA SALINAS STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
Tualatin, OR – Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR) issued the following statement on President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election bid:
"President Biden has been a faithful public servant who has delivered on his promise to restore stability and rebuild the middle class. He has done more for working families during times of crisis than any other modern day president.
As we enter this unprecedented moment in history, we must stand together in our common goal of defeating Donald Trump and his extreme agenda. This is not a choice between Republican or Democrat. It’s a choice between democracy and authoritarianism. We must make our voices heard loud and clear at the ballot box this November and protect democracy for future generations."
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KGW reports that Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Portland, commended the move, saying, in part, "He made the right decision to spend the remainder of his presidency implementing his landmark achievements rather than fighting a campaign against Donald Trump."
Blumenauer was the first member of Oregon's congressional delegation to publicly call for Biden to drop out of the presidential race, calling it "a painful and difficult conclusion" made in the interest of "protecting democracy."
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., who represents Oregon's First District, said, "I thank Joe Biden for his many years of exemplary service, and am grateful to have worked together during his very productive years as President of the United States. Now we must move forward and come together as a country to help Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance."
