Sizemore PAC Lawsuit Dismissed

After the 2008 election, Oregonians for Honest Elections, a Sizemore political action committee, filed suit against OEA, SEIU, AFT and several other union-affiliated organizations. OHE claimed that OEA et al violated the Oregon Corrupt Practices Act by publishing documents that stated Sizemore was a convicted racketeer. OHE argued that the statement was false and caused Measure 64 to be defeated at the ballot. BHMK attorneys Greg Hartman, Mike Morris, and Christine Moore represent the majority of defendants. Defendants filed a motion pursuant to ORS 31.150 to strike the claims against them, arguing that it was a meritless case aimed at chilling free speech. After extensive briefing, multiple court hearings, and two proceedings before the Oregon Supreme Court, on March 18, 2011, the trial court granted the motion and struck all claims against defendants.