Medical Malpractice Reformers Poised to Break Fundraising Records

Publication Date: October 2004

Publisher: Democracy Reform Oregon

Author(s): Sarah Wetherson

Research Area: Politics

Type: News release

Coverage: Oregon

Abstract:

Two PACs have raised more than $5 million to pass measure 35, which would limit non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, threatening to break the record amount of money raised for either side of a ballot measure fight since 1986. The record, raised in a successful effort to stop a 1992 ballot measure to shut down the Trojan nuclear power plant, neared $6.5 million in inflation-adjusted dollars.

Two more disclosure periods remain in this election to determine whether the campaign will break the record. The "yes on 35" fundraising figures include dollars carried forward from that effort's signature gathering PAC, which raised far more money than was required to qualify for a spot on the November ballot. Of the remaining five measures, four of the "no" sides are winning the fundraising race. The last measure, which would change Oregon's medical marijuana laws, is not facing an opposition political committee.