Did you know that American billionaires and others in the top 1% purchase citizenship in other countries? But wait, there’s more!

Thanks to Citizens United, they can purchase politicians. Peter Thiel, Koch Industries, and the Mercer and Murdoch families are some of the ultra-wealthy people funding far-right and extremist causes and candidates. Here in Oregon, we have Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who’s donated millions to 2 very conservative – one is a MAGA type, the other is a chameleon – candidates for governor, trying to defeat the excellent Tina Kotek.

Along with a lot of people, I’m alarmed by Knight’s election purchases and hope you are, too.

We must keep Oregon politics grassroots. That means small donations from hundreds, if not thousands, of supporters. Tina Kotek is running a grassroots campaign, so she doesn’t owe anything to any single mega-donor.

My vote is my voice, and I’m thrilled Kotek will listen to me.

Your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day, Nov. 8, or delivered to the county election office or an official drop box by 8 p.m. on November 8. No postage stamp required.

I’m voting for Tina Kotek for governor and hope you will, too.

Laurie Caplan

Astoria