Republican lawmakers have voted with majority Democrats in the Oregon House of Representatives to take the historic step of expelling a Republican member who had let violent, far-right protesters into the state Capitol on Dec. 21.
Oregon lawmakers held the nearly-unanimous vote to expel Rep Mike Nearman, a Republican, over his role in the December 21 storming of the state Capitol on Thursday night.
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KLCC s Angela Kellner spoke with KLCC s Chris Lehman Tuesday afternoon about what the legislature has accomplished so far this session, what still needs to get done and the latest on Rep. Mike Nearman. The Polk County republican faces possible expulsion for allowing far-right protesters into the state capitol building last December.
Follow Chris Lehman on Twitter @CapitolCurrents.
Copyright KLCC 2021.
Rep. Nearman Charged
April 30, 2021
State Rep Mike Nearman, the Republican, who opened the door to the Capitol in December for protesters, is facing criminal charges of first-degree official misconduct and second degree criminal trespass. These charges follow a months-long investigation by Oregon State Police.
After Nearman opened the door to the protesters in December 21, those who entered proceeded to damage property and break COVID safety precautions. The Speaker of the House, Tina Kotek afterwards removed Nearman from any committees and fined him for damages. Additionally, Democratic lawmakers filed formal complaints against him for putting lawmakers, staff members and law enforcement officers in danger with his actions.