Two More Elected Officials Withdraw Jefferson Smith Endorsements

Komp, McKeel say they can no longer support him

Jefferson Smith

 Two more political supporters withdrew their endorsements of Rep. Jefferson Smith (D-East Portland) this afternoon, saying they could no longer back his mayoral candidacy after learning of his 1993 misdemeanor assault charge for punching an 18-year-old female student.

The two elected officials follow Rep. Carolyn Tomei (D-Milwaukie) and the Portland police and fire unions, which dropped Smith on Thursday.

Four-term incumbent state Rep. Betty Komp (D-Woodburn), said today that she can no longer stand by Smith.

Earlier this month, Gov. John Kitzhaber named Komp, a retired school administrator, to the newly formed Oregon Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Task Force.

Komp told WW late this afternoon that although she's served alongside Smith for two terms in Salem, she can no longer support him.

"What I would say is that any of these issues are personal and difficult," Komp told WW.  "Knowing the new information that has come to light in the past three to five days, I will be withdrawing of my endorsement of Jefferson in the mayor's race."

Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel, the only Multnomah County elected official endorsing Smith, also withdrew her support this afternoon.

"Like most people, I try to make the best decision I can given the information I have at the time," McKeel told WW in a statement. "Today, it is with real sadness and regret that I can no longer support Jefferson Smith's candidacy for Mayor of Portland."

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