PORTLAND — A debate between Portland mayoral candidates Jules Bailey and Ted Wheeler has been canceled because of threatened disruptions.
The Oregonian newspaper, which organized the debate, said it canceled Monday night’s event out of concern for the security of the venue and the safety of those who were to attend.
A Facebook group “Tell The Oregonian to stop choosing our mayoral candidate for us” was formed by those unhappy with the decision to invite only two of the 12 registered candidates. Supporters of the group planned civil disobedience to stop the debate from happening.
The Oregonian has said its goal was to make the best use of one hour, and that meant focusing on the two candidates who have held elective office and “clearly stand out from the crowd.”
