Atkinson, Starr to Pressure Special Session on Jessica's Law

Atkinson and Starr served as Co-sponsors of a 2005 Senate Bill seeking enactment of Jessica's Law in Oregon.

Opponents say the new law could overburden a prison system that already lacks funds to even treat sex offenders Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Oregon State Senator and candidate for Governor Jason Atkinson will team up with Senator Bruce Starr during this week's special session to solve a problem ignored by Senate leaders last session.

Not willing to trust that leadership will follow through on recent promises to bring up Jessica's Law during the Special Session, Atkinson's gubernatorial campaign recently mailed petitions to 64,000 households across the state. In his race for Governor, Senator Atkinson has spoken passionately about the importance of protecting and preserving the Oregon family.

Jessica's Law, which has already been approved in 48 other states, would set lengthy, mandatory minimum sentences for child sex abusers as well as provide for better tracking of these predators. His letter in the mailing addressed what he has already done in these areas and what he will do as Governor.

The mailing goes one step further, asking recipients to join Atkinson now in collecting signatures to make Jessica's Law a reality.

Senator Starr, one of the chief petitioners on the Jessica's Law ballot initiative, was excited by the opportunity to have a petition go to 64,000 households, "Jason's commitment to Jessica's Law is very clear. He came to me and asked if he could help.

Using his scarce campaign funds to help get out this important message and the petitions was generous and honorable," said Senator Starr.

Even though the petitions are arriving in mailboxes this week, it could be that the special session will deem them unnecessary now that Democratic leaders in the Senate say they will pass Jessica's Law this week.

"The fact that this law may be enacted this week, does not undercut the importance of the mailing my campaign sent out. I showed my commitment to the issue and to the protection of children.

I asked the citizens of this state to work together towards a common goal. I gave evidence of my pledge to give Oregonians back their government, and raise awareness of this important issue" stated Senator Atkinson.

Atkinson added, "Senator Starr and I have gone outside the barriers at the legislature to solve this problem when there was no other choice.

If the Democrats come back in and enact the necessary legislation, I think it is great.

But remember, Republicans talking about this issue on the campaign trail, education done by the Jessica's Law campaign, and mobilization by petition drives like the one my campaign did is what pushed legislative leadership to do the right thing."