As a longtime resident of Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District, I was disappointed with Rep. Cliff Bentz’s votes supporting MAGA extremist Jim Jordan in his bid for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. It is hard to imagine a worse choice.

Bentz squandered a golden opportunity to distinguish himself from MAGA Republican extremists as a courageous and principled leader who we could count on to uphold his oath of office and protect our democracy from those who would take away our votes. Jordan dishonored himself by planning and supporting the attack on our nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He demonstrated his utter contempt for the Rule of Law by thumbing his nose at congressional subpoenas from the bipartisan committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Bentz appears to suffer from the cowardice that afflicts many MAGA Republicans. They are paralyzed out of their fear of disgraced ex-president Donald Trump.

The people of Eastern, Central and Southern Oregon are known for their courage, sense of fair play and fierce independence … traits Cliff Bentz does not seem to understand, let alone possess.

Rick Swart

Eagle Creek

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