One of the most pernicious bills introduced at the present session of the Legislature is the one that would make unlawful the taking of certain pledges by a candidate seeking election to an office. The bill is aimed directly at Statement No. 1 and if it should become a law, the result would be that it would thereafter be unlawful for any candidate to subscribe to the Statement. The bill is the child of the discredited, disgruntled machine politicians of Oregon and should be killed instanter.

If these same corrupt political tricksters can succeed in getting the bill adopted no candidate could come before the people with a pledge to vote for the popular choice for United States senator. Hence, the bill would aid the political trickster and corrupt politician — the tool of the interests — to an election, inasmuch as no candidate would be pledged and it would be much more difficult for the electorate to know the machine candidate from the one who would observe the people’s commands. The bill’s entire purpose is in the interest of corrupt politics.

Why shouldn’t a candidate pledge himself to the people to work and vote for certain desired measures? Can anyone advance a rational reason why he should not? A legislator, senator, or any officer is supposed to work in behalf of the people. He is their accredited representative — to do so as they wish and to procure the enactment of those measures that they desire. He is their paid servant. If a candidate aspires to election, what is more reasonable or just than that he should pledge himself to work in behalf of their interests? Such is entirely in line with clean politics and good and just government. …