Hi James,

Jamie McLeod-Skinner supports extending protections for rape victims. Jamie’s Democratic primary opponent for Oregon’s 5th District does not.

Some people prefer to stay out of primaries. But there’s a very important reason not to in this race: Jamie’s primary challenger has a long-standing pattern of standing in the way of justice for those who have experienced sexual violence, including children. What’s worse? Jamie’s primary challenger still stands by those positions.

That’s right: Janelle Bynum voted against a bill that would have extended the statute of limitations for rape victims to seven years, then gave a speech defending her stance. She was the only Legislator, Democrat or Republican, to vote against the bill.

As a state legislative committee chair, Bynum refused to hold a hearing on a bill that would strengthen penalties for teachers convicted of sexually abusing their students. Her colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, unanimously used a rare House rule that required her to hold the public hearing so the bill wouldn’t die in committee. The East Oregonian editorial staff chided Bynum on using the bill as political pawn given that it addressed student safety and was written specifically to address the abuse suffered by a local student.

Bynum used her influence to reduce extending the civil statute of limitations – the time allowed for a rape victim to hold their attacker accountable – from seven years to only five years. That means that, in Oregon, the statute of limitations for someone trespassing on your property is longer than if someone trespasses on your body. At the public hearing, trauma therapists and mental health professionals testified that those who experience sexual assault need the additional time to prepare to face the person who violated them in Court. Bynum did not attend the public hearing.

Talking about sexual assault is awful AND voters need to know a candidate’s voting record. With Trump on the ballot, ensuring protections for victims and survivors of sexual assault must be an unquestioned commitment by Democrats. Otherwise, Democrats won’t be trusted to lead. Even if every Democrat is convinced to overlook Bynum’s voting record, only a third of the voters in the district are registered Democrats.

If Bynum is the Democratic nominee, Democrats lose in November, on this issue alone. Lori Chavez-DeRemer will line up every state House Republican who voted “yes” on extending the statute of limitations for rape victims to seven years — every one of them did — and ask voters who they trust.

Jamie strongly supports extending the statute of limitations for rape victims. As a former Education Service District Board Member, she has a track record of protecting students.

Jamie has broken down barriers for Democrats throughout rural Oregon, which is key to winning Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, given that most voters live outside the Portland Metro area. She has developed a political infrastructure by showing up, listening, and connecting with voters across the urban-rural divide. That’s why Jamie had one of the closest races in the country in 2022, and is well-positioned to defeat Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer in November.

First, Jamie has a primary to win. Can you help Jamie win?

There are lots of reasons to vote for Jamie and notable differences in the primary (see more in this comparison between Democratic candidates). For Democrats to win this seat and flip the House, we need to have a nominee who knows the district, knows the issues, and has the trust of voters.

As an engineer, attorney, and small business owner living in rural Oregon — and as someone who has seen the impacts of sexual violence on people’s lives — Jamie knows, truly, what’s at stake in this election and how to bring people together to solve problems. That’s why we support her.

Together, with hope & perseverance,

Kelie McWilliams
Campaign Manager & Sexual Assault Survivor