Bensviewpoint

The I-5 Rose Quarter project was originally supposed to cost less than $600 million. Today? The price tag has exploded past $3.3 BILLION. And after spending all that money, ODOT still isn't adding a third through lane. Think about that. This is the only two-lane stretch of I-5 in a major urban area between Canada and Mexico. It's Oregon's worst traffic bottleneck, has the highest crash rate of any urban interstate segment in the state, and studies have shown significant benefits from adding a third through lane. Yet we're being asked to spend billions more without fixing the fundamental bottleneck. Oregonians deserve infrastructure that actually improves safety and mobility, and taxpayers deserve accountability for every dollar. Throwing more money at a $3.3 billion boondoggle isn't the answer.

The first deep drawdown of Detroit Lake is only about four months away. Yet the @USACEHQ still hasn't released a detailed implementation plan. Stayton and other small communities still lack a reliable backup water source. Risk management plans remain incomplete, even as cities work with the Oregon Health Authority to prepare for potentially serious drinking water impacts. This isn't responsible planning. It's putting the Santiam Canyon at unnecessary risk. We are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to postpone the drawdown, regroup, and resolve these critical issues before moving forward. Congress must modernize the Endangered Species Act. Decisions with far-reaching consequences for Oregon communities should be made by accountable policymakers, guided by sound science, not driven by litigation and court orders that fail to account for the real-world impacts on the families, businesses, and communities of the Santiam Canyon. We can protect fish while also protecting the people who call this canyon home.

Feeling the momentum at the Scio Car Show!

New poll reveals Oregon’s Republican gubernatorial primary tightening dramatically in the final days, as Ed Diehl campaign gains incredible momentum. We are calling on all Diehl supporters to get their ballots in! Call or text five friends and remind them to vote. Let’s take back our Oregon! Predict Oregon poll results can be found here: eddiehl.com/news-and-updates…

Governor Kotek’s $311 Million Tax Clawback Stops Here – Sign the No Tax Clawback Referendum Today. Go to NoTaxOR.com to learn more and find a signing location near you. Let’s show Salem who really runs this state.

ICYMI: Tony Aiello Jr. has endorsed Ed Diehl for Governor, citing Diehl’s strong commitment to the Second Amendment and his proven resolve as the fighter needed to lead. I want to thank @TonyAielloJr for his endorsement. Tony is the attorney leading the fight against Measure 114 to protect our Second Amendment rights, and I am honored to have his support. Thank you, Tony, for standing up for our constitutional freedoms. Together, we will take back our Oregon! Join the fight EdDiehl.com

Sleazy, anonymous texts are hitting Republican phones across Oregon. They don’t say who paid for it. They don’t say who authorized it. That's a violation of Oregon election law. The latest illegal text included more lies about Ed. To set the record straight: ✅ Ed Diehl wrote the petition that stopped Tina Kotek's $4.3 billion tax increase. ✅ Ed Diehl founded No Tax Oregon. ✅ Ed Diehl led more than 2,000 volunteers to gather 250,000 signatures in just 38 days. ✅ Ed Diehl stopped the largest tax hike in Oregon history. So why would somebody spend real money on a fake, anonymous, illegal attack eight days out from a primary? Because we are in the lead. And they know it. There is only one leading Republican in this race without a record of losing statewide elections. That candidate is Ed Diehl. The others have already run statewide. The others have already lost. Oregonians know how that movie ends in November. So does the establishment. So they're doing what the establishment always does when they're losing: clinging to power with the only tools they have left: Anonymous texts. Recycled smears. And the hope that you’re too dumb to notice. We have eight days. They have consultants and lawyers. We have you. Chip in $10, $20, or $50 right now. Every dollar goes straight to reaching more Republican voters with the truth: Ed Diehl is the principled, proven leader who actually beats Tina Kotek instead of losing to her. The establishment wants Oregon Republicans scared and quiet. Let's show them what we do when somebody breaks the law to silence a winning campaign. Our movement will NOT be stopped. Let's win Oregon, together. - Mark Campbell Campaign Manager Ed Diehl for Oregon P.S. We are reviewing every legal option on the illegal texts. Those who sent it should hire a good lawyer. In the meantime, the best response is an even louder Ed Diehl campaign. Chip in here: EdDiehl.com/donate