PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Independent Party of Oregon, the state’s third-largest party, has pledged to take legislators to court if they approve a bill that would strip the party of its name.
The Independent Party has been controversial since its inception in 2006. Before a rules change, the phrase “independent” used to refer to a candidate without a party.
The Independent Party has seen sustained growth, including about 12,000 new members since Election Day. Its leaders say a bill that would force the party to change its name is an attempt to kill the party.
A state House of Representatives’ committee will give the measure a public hearing on Wednesday.
A similar bill has been introduced in the Oregon Senate.
