GOVERNOR OPPOSES ALL 6 MEASURES

SALEM - When it comes to the six initiative measures on Oregon's Nov. 2
ballot, Gov. Ted Kulongoski has some simple advice for voters: Just say no.

The measures, which range from a ban on gay marriage to an expansion of
Oregon's medical marijuana law, would represent a "major step backward" for
the state, Kulongoski said.

"They all are just the wrong public policy for Oregon."

Kulongoski opposes other initiatives to limit medical malpractice awards,
require compensation or a waiver of regulations if the rules reduce
property value, limit logging in the Tillamook State Forest and abolish
SAIF Corp.

It's the first time in recent memory that a governor has come out against
all of the initiatives on a single general election ballot.

Kulongoski's chief political foe, state Republican Chairman Kevin Mannix,
said three of the measures deserve a "yes" vote - the gay marriage ban, the
medical malpractice limit and the property compensation plan.

Mannix, who ran against Kulongoski in the 2002 governor's race, said he
thinks Kulongoski's opposition to the measures stems in part from
Democratic distrust of the initiative process.

"The Democratic Party has a great deal of intolerance for the people's
right to initiate measures," Mannix said.

Kulongoski, however, said he strongly supports the referendum process that
Oregonians embraced a century ago to adopt laws by a vote of the people.

The governor said he simply thinks all six initiatives represent poor
public policy.

His strongest objections are aimed at Measure 36, which would amend the
state constitution to define marriage as union between one man and one woman.

Kulongoski rejects the arguments of Mannix and other backers of Measure 36
who say the people - not the courts - should be the ones to define marriage
by way of a constitutional amendment.

"That one is very personal. I think it's the wrong direction for Oregon. I
think all of our citizens should be entitled to the same rights and
responsibilities," Kulongoski said.