News Release

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

Portland, OR --- A new online campaign (www.3peasinapod.org) sweeping the state, highlights Senator Gordon Smith and gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix and their duplicity regarding the Oregon Death with Dignity law.  In quotes to the Associated Press, the candidates demonstrate that they are trying to have it both ways.

“Senator Smith said he is an independent voice for Oregon.  That’s malarkey.  On the death with dignity issue, Senator Smith has been a lap dog for John Ashcroft and the far right - that is hardly independence - by anyone’s measure,” said Scott Swenson, Oregon Death with Dignity Executive Director.  ODWD launched www.3peasinapod.org this week.  The web page uses incisive political humor to make a serious political point.

“Kevin Mannix keeps saying he will uphold the Oregon Death with Dignity law.  But why didn’t he say that in the primary for governor? Why didn’t he say that in his race for Attorney General two years ago? Why did he vote to put the issue back on the ballot for repeal in 1997? If he’s changed his mind we welcome his support, but the voters need to know which Kevin Mannix they are voting for,” Swenson added.

Www.3peasinapod.org features John Ashcroft, Gordon Smith and Kevin Mannix performing the rap song “If Oregon’s Angry, Who Really Cares?” live from the Your Vote Doesn’t Count Theater. 

Early numbers suggest thousands of Oregonians are visiting the site, watching the three peas and then taking action by sending letters in support of Oregon’s Death with Dignity law to Ashcroft, Smith and Mannix.

The campaign features a direct mail effort that will reach more than 200,000 Oregonians this weekend as ballots are distributed.

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