Dirk VanderHart
@dirquez.bsky.social
Artist, dog-lover and avid reader.
More GOP Oregon state representatives have reported accepting campaign donations during this year's session -- breaking a chamber rule that legislative attys say is likely unconstitutional.
E. Werner Reschke accepted $500 on 2/2. Alek Skarlatos accepted $250 on 2/5. #orleg
E. Werner Reschke accepted $500 on 2/2. Alek Skarlatos accepted $250 on 2/5. #orleg
February 10, 2026 at 7:37 PM
More GOP Oregon state representatives have reported accepting campaign donations during this year's session -- breaking a chamber rule that legislative attys say is likely unconstitutional.
E. Werner Reschke accepted $500 on 2/2. Alek Skarlatos accepted $250 on 2/5. #orleg
E. Werner Reschke accepted $500 on 2/2. Alek Skarlatos accepted $250 on 2/5. #orleg
ICYMI last week: The Oregon House has a rule that members can't raise campaign funds during session.
At least one Republican is putting it to the test, after legislative attorneys said it is likely unconstitutional. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
At least one Republican is putting it to the test, after legislative attorneys said it is likely unconstitutional. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Oregon House Republicans test rule barring political donations during session
A recent opinion by legislative attorneys suggested the longstanding rule is unconstitutional.
www.opb.org
February 9, 2026 at 6:08 PM
ICYMI last week: The Oregon House has a rule that members can't raise campaign funds during session.
At least one Republican is putting it to the test, after legislative attorneys said it is likely unconstitutional. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
At least one Republican is putting it to the test, after legislative attorneys said it is likely unconstitutional. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Oregon lawmakers got a slightly brighter budget picture this morning. They'd been planning for a $750 million budget hole. Now it's closer to $650 million. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
As cuts loom, Oregon’s budget picture improves
A new revenue forecast suggests lawmakers have about $100 million more than they’d been planning for.
www.opb.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Oregon lawmakers got a slightly brighter budget picture this morning. They'd been planning for a $750 million budget hole. Now it's closer to $650 million. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Oregon Democrats today unveiled their plan for reclaiming state money that is due to be lost to the Trump tax cuts.
This figures to be one of the more heated debates of the new legislative session. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2026...
This figures to be one of the more heated debates of the new legislative session. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Oregon Democrats float plan to reclaim state money lost to Trump tax cut bill
The proposal to disconnect from some pieces of H.R 1 is likely to generate friction in the brand-new session.
www.opb.org
February 2, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Oregon Democrats today unveiled their plan for reclaiming state money that is due to be lost to the Trump tax cuts.
This figures to be one of the more heated debates of the new legislative session. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2026...
This figures to be one of the more heated debates of the new legislative session. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Oregon's (blessedly only) five-week legislative session begins today. It'll feature budget cut questions, attempts to push back on ICE, and a road-funding time loop. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Oregon’s 2026 legislative session: What you need to know
Budget challenges, ICE activity and roads will compete for attention in the five-week session convening Monday.
www.opb.org
February 2, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Oregon's (blessedly only) five-week legislative session begins today. It'll feature budget cut questions, attempts to push back on ICE, and a road-funding time loop. #orpol #orleg
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Reposted by Dirk VanderHart
One of those magical stories which sparks outrage from... everyone!
Portland councilors mull citywide foie gras ban
Portland city councilors will discuss a citywide ban on the sale of foie gras on Tuesday morning.
www.opb.org
January 27, 2026 at 4:28 PM
One of those magical stories which sparks outrage from... everyone!
Something you don't see every day: Oregon labor unions are targeting moderate Democratic lawmakers with unflattering ads.
The aim: Forcing Democrats to reject tax changes in President Trump's H.R. 1 -- and therefore (functionally) raising taxes. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
The aim: Forcing Democrats to reject tax changes in President Trump's H.R. 1 -- and therefore (functionally) raising taxes. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Pressure campaign by Oregon unions targets Democratic lawmakers
Labor groups say the politicians need to take a vote that would help the state budget – but functionally raise taxes.
www.opb.org
January 23, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Something you don't see every day: Oregon labor unions are targeting moderate Democratic lawmakers with unflattering ads.
The aim: Forcing Democrats to reject tax changes in President Trump's H.R. 1 -- and therefore (functionally) raising taxes. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
The aim: Forcing Democrats to reject tax changes in President Trump's H.R. 1 -- and therefore (functionally) raising taxes. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
To all the chaos that has surrounded Oregon’s quest for transportation funding in the last year, add this: Absolutely no one knows what happens next. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
With Oregon gas tax hike headed to voters, legal confusion reigns
Can Democrats repeal the tax before a vote? What happens then? No one knows for sure.
www.opb.org
January 16, 2026 at 9:43 PM
To all the chaos that has surrounded Oregon’s quest for transportation funding in the last year, add this: Absolutely no one knows what happens next. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Not something anyone I've talked to was expecting. Former state Sen. Tim Knopp, who led the longest legislative walkout in Oregon history, now works for Gov. Tina Kotek. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek taps Republican rival to boost business relations
Tim Knopp, a former state senator from Bend, will join Kotek’s administration.
www.opb.org
January 14, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Not something anyone I've talked to was expecting. Former state Sen. Tim Knopp, who led the longest legislative walkout in Oregon history, now works for Gov. Tina Kotek. #orleg #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Gov. Tina Kotek now says lawmakers should scrap the transportation funding bill she muscled through the Capitol last summer. Kotek wants to cut her losses and start afresh, after Republicans forced a vote on tax increases in the bill. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Gov. Tina Kotek now wants to scrap her newly passed transportation bill
The development comes after a Republican-led campaign delayed key tax increases in the bill.
www.opb.org
January 7, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Gov. Tina Kotek now says lawmakers should scrap the transportation funding bill she muscled through the Capitol last summer. Kotek wants to cut her losses and start afresh, after Republicans forced a vote on tax increases in the bill. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2026...
www.opb.org/article/2026...
The Oregon DOJ is asking a judge to block the construction of an ICE detention facility in Newport -- a facility no one is sure is actually coming.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Oregon asks judge to block potential ICE detention center in Newport
The state Department of Justice says the Trump administration hasn’t met key requirements.
www.opb.org
December 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
The Oregon DOJ is asking a judge to block the construction of an ICE detention facility in Newport -- a facility no one is sure is actually coming.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
The US Coast Guard told Oregon's US Senators that it will return a rescue helicopter to Newport permanently. A lawsuit over the helicopter's sudden removal in Oct is ongoing.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
US Coast Guard returns rescue helicopter to Newport
The U.S. Coast Guard has permanently returned its rescue helicopter to Newport, after removing the aircraft without explanation in October. That’s according to Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, who sh...
www.opb.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:45 PM
The US Coast Guard told Oregon's US Senators that it will return a rescue helicopter to Newport permanently. A lawsuit over the helicopter's sudden removal in Oct is ongoing.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
With Gov. Tina Kotek's (long-expected) announcement that she's running for reelection this morning, it's the perfect time to revisit our comprehensive look at how her first term has gone. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek says she’s made progress on major issues. Even some fans are skeptical
As the governor prepares to launch a reelection bid many believe will succeed, she may need to address the sense that she has underwhelmed.
www.opb.org
December 4, 2025 at 7:50 PM
With Gov. Tina Kotek's (long-expected) announcement that she's running for reelection this morning, it's the perfect time to revisit our comprehensive look at how her first term has gone. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
The campaign hoping to refer Oregon's newly passed gas tax increase to next year's ballot now says it has more than 150,000 signatures -- roughly double of what it needs. #orpol
November 25, 2025 at 11:37 PM
The campaign hoping to refer Oregon's newly passed gas tax increase to next year's ballot now says it has more than 150,000 signatures -- roughly double of what it needs. #orpol
There are new signs of life for a rumored immigrant detention center in Newport. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal defense contractor seeks hundreds of coastal Oregon hotel rooms, city of Newport says
It’s just one recent sign that interest over an immigrant detention facility on the coast hasn’t faded.
www.opb.org
November 25, 2025 at 11:30 PM
There are new signs of life for a rumored immigrant detention center in Newport. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Reposted by Dirk VanderHart
Four of Oregon’s top lawyers are “highly concerned” about immigration officers stopping a group of teenagers at gunpoint in October and, last week, arresting a high school student on his lunch break.
Oregon attorney general, county prosecutors warn federal officers that excessive force will be investigated
Elected prosecutors from Oregon’s three largest counties along with Oregon’s attorney general say they’ll investigate federal law enforcement officers when their actions appear criminal.
www.opb.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Four of Oregon’s top lawyers are “highly concerned” about immigration officers stopping a group of teenagers at gunpoint in October and, last week, arresting a high school student on his lunch break.
That was quick.
A federal judge has ordered the Coast Guard to immediately return a rescue helicopter it quietly moved away from Newport last month.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal judge has ordered the Coast Guard to immediately return a rescue helicopter it quietly moved away from Newport last month.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
U.S. Coast Guard must return rescue helicopter to Newport, judge rules
The temporary order comes just three days after a lawsuit challenging the removal
www.opb.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:54 AM
That was quick.
A federal judge has ordered the Coast Guard to immediately return a rescue helicopter it quietly moved away from Newport last month.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal judge has ordered the Coast Guard to immediately return a rescue helicopter it quietly moved away from Newport last month.
www.opb.org/article/2025...
There is growing evidence ICE is planning a new detention center on the Oregon coast. The latest: an ICE contractor is hiring "detention officers" in Newport. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
A federal contractor is looking to hire ICE detention officers in Newport
It’s the latest sign U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcment is planning a major new facility on the Oregon Coast.
www.opb.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:05 PM
There is growing evidence ICE is planning a new detention center on the Oregon coast. The latest: an ICE contractor is hiring "detention officers" in Newport. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
New: Speculation that ICE might be planning a new facility on the Oregon coast kicked off last week, when a federal contractor told Newport officials it would assist in a federal mission at the city's airport scheduled Dec 1. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Inquiry from defense contractor spurred concern about ICE facility on Oregon Coast
A letter to the City of Newport last week suggested that unspecified federal operations are planned for December.
www.opb.org
November 11, 2025 at 10:24 PM
New: Speculation that ICE might be planning a new facility on the Oregon coast kicked off last week, when a federal contractor told Newport officials it would assist in a federal mission at the city's airport scheduled Dec 1. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
I've been hearing all day about rumors that ICE wants to set up a new outpost on the Oregon coast. Newport officials say their airport is in the agency's sites. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Newport officials raise alarm about possible new ICE facility
Rumors have spread since last week that the Trump administration is planning an outpost on Oregon's central coast.
www.opb.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:40 AM
I've been hearing all day about rumors that ICE wants to set up a new outpost on the Oregon coast. Newport officials say their airport is in the agency's sites. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a ruling that President Trump lawfully called the National Guard into Portland.
The court will hear the matter "en banc" after its judges voted to take up the case.
The court will hear the matter "en banc" after its judges voted to take up the case.
October 29, 2025 at 12:07 AM
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a ruling that President Trump lawfully called the National Guard into Portland.
The court will hear the matter "en banc" after its judges voted to take up the case.
The court will hear the matter "en banc" after its judges voted to take up the case.
Gov. Tina Kotek has not announced her reelection bid yet. But her campaign is tweeting this out on the morning Christine Drazan will announce her own gubernatorial run.
Betsy Johnson ran against both women in 2022. And her tune on Kotek was very different then. #orpol
Betsy Johnson ran against both women in 2022. And her tune on Kotek was very different then. #orpol
October 27, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Gov. Tina Kotek has not announced her reelection bid yet. But her campaign is tweeting this out on the morning Christine Drazan will announce her own gubernatorial run.
Betsy Johnson ran against both women in 2022. And her tune on Kotek was very different then. #orpol
Betsy Johnson ran against both women in 2022. And her tune on Kotek was very different then. #orpol