For Immediate Release

Contact: Greg Eddleston – geddleston@dwd.org / (503) 228.6079

·          Oregon Death with Dignity asks Smith & Mannix to Stop Deceiving Oregonians

·          Issue Advocacy Campaign launched by Oregon Death with Dignity

·          Education campaign features aggressive online action, web page & direct mail

Portland, OR – This morning, the Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund launched an issue advocacy campaign designed to raise voter awareness of Death with Dignity and the positions of candidates running for local and national office.  The campaign, targets specifically, U.S. Senate candidate Gordon Smith, gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix and their allegiance to the agenda of Attorney General John Ashcroft.

“Oregon voters have been betrayed by Gordon Smith time and again on this issue – most recently when he threw his unconditional support behind Ashcroft’s efforts to nullify our law.  Now Kevin Mannix, who led efforts to repeal the law when he was a legislator, is telling voters he’ll protect the law if elected Governor.  Smith lied and Kevin Mannix is taking a page right out of his playbook,” said Scott Blaine Swenson, Executive Director of Oregon Death with Dignity.

The issue advocacy campaign exploits new media techniques in an effort to reach voters.   It is comprised of direct mail and online components.  The centerpiece of the campaign is an animated web page featuring the candidates and a catchy rap jingle.

“The Death with Dignity law is working as a catalyst to genuine healthcare reform.  More than ever before, physicians are talking to their patients about end-of-life care, pain management and advance directives.  The law drives this dialogue and provides great comfort for Oregonians – regardless of whether or not they choose to avail themselves of the option.  This month marks the 5^th anniversary of the Death with Dignity law.  We’re just trying to make the voters aware of the threats to the strides that have been made,” said Swenson.

Visit www.3peasinapod.org to learn about the campaign. 

For the latest information on the Oregon law and the activities of Oregon Death with Dignity: www.dwd.org.  

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