Western States Center: Nearman Should Be Expelled from Office and Held Accountable for His Actions

Western States Center executive director Eric Ward issued the following statement:

"This week, it was reported that the Oregon State Police have completed their criminal investigation of the actions of State Representative Mike Nearman on December 21, 2020 and sent the results to the Marion County District Attorney. The results of the investigation have not been made public.

"Representative Nearman’s actions were dangerous, put people at risk, and constitute a profoundly disturbing attack on our democratic institutions. The Marion County District Attorney's office should fully exercise its prosecutorial power to hold Representative Nearman accountable.

"At the same time, state lawmakers should move as quickly as possible to remove Rep. Nearman from office. The constitutional standard for removal is clear: each legislative body has the ability to remove any lawmaker who engages in disruptive behavior. We’ve all seen the disturbing video of Rep. Nearman enabling violent extremists to evade law enforcement personnel and enter the state capitol, resulting in injuries and arrest. That clearly meets the constitutional threshold of disruptive behavior. Rep. Nearman’s continued presence in the legislature is an affront to our democracy and is unsafe. He must resign or be removed."

# # #

Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center works nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy through building movement, developing leaders, shifting culture, and defending democracy.