Author

Dirk VanderHart, OPB

Dirk VanderHart, OPB

Dirk VanderHart covers Oregon politics and government for OPB. Before barging onto the radio in 2018, he spent more than a decade as a newspaper reporter -- much of that time reporting on city government for the Portland Mercury. He’s also had stints covering chicanery in Southwest Missouri, the wilds of Ohio in Ohio, and all things Texas on Capitol Hill.

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Republican senators sue Oregon secretary of state over reelection bids
By: - August 25, 2023

Republican state senators who walked away from this year’s Oregon legislative session to block votes on abortion rights and gun safety say they should be allowed to run for reelection next year, regardless of a voter-approved law aimed at ending their legislative careers. Now they’re suing for that right. In a case with weighty implications […]

Oregon Legislature Capitol building under construction

Oregon Capitol construction almost $100 million over budget. No one told the public
By: - August 8, 2023

Oregon lawmakers quietly OK’d a $90 million cost overrun for a massive Capitol renovation project this year, ratcheting up spending by nearly 25% without so much as hinting they planned to do so. The new expenses, tucked away in budget bills passed late in the legislative session, were not mentioned in committee hearings or outlined […]

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A recall election looks likely for one of Oregon’s top House Democrats
By: - July 10, 2023

One of Oregon’s largest labor unions is on the verge of forcing a recall election on one of the state’s most labor-friendly lawmakers, and Lane County voters should prepare for political fireworks. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 has submitted petitions containing more than 6,600 signatures in favor of recalling state Rep. Paul Holvey, […]

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