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HOW MUCH?
$250,000
WHO GOT IT?
Bring Balance to Salem, a political action committee formed in November to elect Republicans to the Oregon Legislature.
WHO GAVE IT?
Murphy Company, a Eugene-based wood products manufacturer.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The quarter-million-dollar donation from the company (as well as two more contributions of the same size from other donors) raises the newly formed PAC’s war chest to more than a million dollars. That’s a sizable chunk of change in legislative races, especially this early in the election cycle. The donors so far represent the fiscal-conservative end of the Republican Party, seeking to influence state government in a year when Democrats may struggle. Former U.S. Congressman Greg Walden’s sister-in-law Marta Simmons is one of two people identified as working with the PAC. Walden’s connection could mean it will become a fundraising powerhouse.
Notably, the PAC has reported no expenditures at this point.
WHAT DOES MURPHY SAY?
A company representative did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
