Emails Show Threats Triggered Fear in Oregon Capitol

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon state senator’s threats against the Senate president and the Oregon State Police on the eve of a walkout by Senate Republicans in June sent a shock wave of fear through the Capitol.

Some who work in the domed building wept, expressing fear of returning to the job, emails obtained late Wednesday by The Associated Press show. Among protective measures that were considered: Escorting employees from their parking spaces to their desks, creating secured work areas and even having state police at the dais in the Senate chamber.

Republican Sen. Brian Boquist warned on June 19 if the state police were sent to force him to return during the walkout they should “send bachelors and come heavily armed.”

The GOP senators staged a walkout on June 20, preventing the majority Democrats from voting on the bill that would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions and charged companies that exceeded emissions limits.