Jackson County Commissioner David Dotterer said organizations' proclamations are meaningless.
Oh, yeah?
Dotterer's actual words sent to a constituent were these:
"I long ago learned to not pay attention to resolutions such as this. While I know of the resolution, I have not even read it. Resolutions accomplish nothing, they just make the people who passionately hold that particular position feel better." Dave Dotterer
That is his justification for failing to speak out against the local Republican Party's resolution rejecting the 2020 presidential election. Most local Republican leaders. including candidates, are joining him in keeping mum. Their silence lends credibility to the GOP proclamation. After all, if the Republican county commissioners don't disagree, and the Republican mayor of Medford doesn't disagree, it must not be objectionable. Maybe it is justification for overturning an election. Or painting "Vote don't work-- Next time bullets" on the parking lot of the Jackson County Elections office.
Dotterer needs to come up with a better reason for shirking his duty. So do the other Republican candidates. They each take proclamations seriously. They themselves authorize and sign them! Some proclamations are ceremonial. Some announce policy on issues of significance. Some make requests of the governor and legislature. The county posts them. Examples:
March 23, 2022: Proclaiming a Local Disaster and a request of the Governor to Declare a State Drought Emergency for Jackson County.
May 7, 2021: Proclaiming Jackson County's Opposition to Requirements to Verify the Vaccination Status of an Individual
January 30, 1999: Proclaiming Opposition to Senate Bill 1532 Which Increases the Oregon Minimum Wage.
January 30, 1999: Proclaiming Opposition to Background Checks for the Purchase of Firearms.
Like the GOP's resolution. the County's proclamations are formatted with a series of "Whereas" clauses, and a statement in conclusion. They culminate like this:
Randy Sparacino is a Republican candidate for state senate. As Mayor of Medford he signs similar statements. Some recognize and honor veterans and law enforcement. Some advocate a position on issues, including school choice.
Republican Party leaders forced the hand of its candidates. Inaction has consequence. My original post on this issue had a subtitle: "This is how Republicans lose elections." Republican candidates who won't level with their Trump-blinded party activists end up looking blinded themselves. They appear to be in agreement. Or afraid. Or manipulative and dishonest.
They get the Trump scent all over themselves. A majority of people are sick and tired of Trump and his whining about the 2020 election.
I am old enough to remember the signs, after President Obama's election, that read: By Ballot or Bullet, Restoration Is Coming. Along, of course, with racist tropes.
If you google it, you have your choice of T-shirts, sweatshirts, signs and other swag. Today.
It is part of the Republican brand.
I got run off the road, twice, in the days immediately after President Obama's reelection.
Keep on them... this is why Republicans are in trouble, in my opinion.