Oregon GOP Gov Campaign in Free Fall

Oregon GOP Gov Campaign in Free Fall

Pierce campaign in turmoil after comments on domestic violence

Pierce: well-off, educated women are ‘not susceptible to this kind of abuse by men’

A picture is worth 1,000 words – and this one sums up Oregon GOP gubernatorial candidate Bud Pierce’s week. 

Over the last week, the GOP gubernatorial candidate has been ripped by national media, has been lambasted by women’s advocacy groups, and has had a top campaign aide quit over his comments on domestic violence.

During a debate last Friday, when asked about domestic violence, Pierce suggested that educated women are “not susceptible to this kind of abuse by men.” 

Pierce’s Todd Akin-esque moment started with immediate boos from the crowd, but quickly developed into a wave of national outrage. 

Read below to see how it’s playing for Bud Pierce in Oregon:

Oregonian: Bud Pierce’s domestic violence comments hit with new criticism

“In remarks that drew boos from the crowd — before becoming a national political story — Pierce followed Brown’s disclosure by saying, ‘A woman that has great education, great training, a great job, is not susceptible to this kind of abuse by men, women or anyone.’”

KGW (Portland): Bud Pierce faces more criticism for domestic violence comments

“’A person who says a better education or a better job can cure these systematic problems has no business leading our state,’ said State Rep. Carla Piluso. ‘Oregon women deserve leaders who recognize the ongoing domestic violence in our state.’

… She and others spoke Monday at a Portland news conference held by Oregon End Violence Against Women, a political action committee.” 

“Oregon House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson said the apology did not go far enough. ‘He clearly does not understand that this is a public health epidemic,’ Williamson said.” 

Register Guard: EMILY’s List criticizes Oregon gubernatorial candidate Bud Pierce’s comment on sexual violence as ‘out-of-touch, offensive’

“’Bud Pierce’s out-of-touch, offensive comments are unacceptable and offer further proof of why he is completely unqualified to serve as Oregon’s governor,’ EMILY’s List Vice President of Communications Marcy Stech said.”

Associated Press: Bud Pierce’s spokeswoman quits over remarks 

“Stacey Kafka said she quit as communications director for Pierce’s campaign on Friday, a couple of hours after Pierce had said that successful women aren’t as susceptible to domestic abuse and sexual violence as those on lower economic rungs.”

“’I fundamentally didn’t agree with what was said about domestic violence. It’s not political, it’s a moral issue,’ Kafka said.”

Oregonian: Pierce campaign says domestic violence comments ‘don’t accurately reflect’ his thinking

“Kafka said she has heard since from campaign staff members, who told her Pierce would be willing to talk with her, as well. Even if such a conversation occurs, she added, it won’t change her mind.

‘It’s a final decision,’ she said, ‘and one I feel good about.’”

Eugene Register Guard: Candidates for Oregon governor face off in Eugene debate

“He also noted the incident had ‘helped my name recognition’ with voters.”

Huffington Post: This Oregon Politician Should Probably Just Not Weigh In On Domestic Violence

“Bud Pierce, the Republican trying to unseat Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D), may have torpedoed his campaign last week by claiming, in the middle of a live-streamed debate, that women with a “great education and training and a great job” aren’t susceptible to domestic violence.”

“Pierce also proved that he stands by women by releasing a three-minute video of himself literally standing with women.”  

Washington Post’s The Fix: The fallout continues for GOP Oregon gubernatorial candidate who said educated women aren’t susceptible to sexual abuse

“It’s a comment that has given his campaign bad headlines for days.” 

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