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New reporting from American Journal News highlights extreme Republican Monique DeSpain’s close-knit ties to Washington Republicans’ anti-freedom, anti-democracy, and anti-abortion agenda.
During a recent interview, DeSpain admitted that she “couldn’t say no” to being a “reinforcement” in support of Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump’s extreme MAGA agenda.
DeSpain is already falling in line with House Republicans’ extremism in Washington after “proud[ly]” accepting an endorsement from anti-abortion zealot Johnson “who co-sponsored a federal abortion ban.”
DCCC Spokesperson Justin Chermol:
“Handpicked extremist Monique DeSpain would be nothing more than a rubber-stamp for Trump’s dangerous and diabolical Project 2025 agenda – not a true representative for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District.”
American Journal News: Republican Monique DeSpain boasts about out-of-state support
Jesse Valentine | July 11, 2024
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Monique DeSpain, a Republican candidate for Congress in Oregon’s fourth district, has boasted about being handpicked by the Republican establishment to run for office. Her candor could be a liability for voters who are concerned about having their needs represented.
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DeSpain made these remarks during a May 9 radio interview with KQEN. The host asked how she decided to run for office and DeSpain said she was recruited by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).
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“I’m just going to be perfectly honest, I was picked,” DeSpain said. “If you had asked me one year ago if I was thinking about going to DC and representing my neighbors and people of the fourth district, I would have told you you were crazy … The NRCC and organizations in DC that support sitting Congresspeople, you know, they need reinforcements, and I couldn’t say no.”
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DeSpain gave a similar answer in a March 18 interview with KPNW radio.
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“I was invited to consider it by people who are always looking for good candidates and how they can be supported,” DeSpain said. “I took a trip to DC.”
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DeSpain is challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. Val Hoyle.
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In addition to these remarks, DeSpain has touted endorsements from Republican leaders outside of Oregon, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
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“I am proud and honored to announce that Speaker Johnson has officially endorsed our campaign!” DeSpain said in a fundraising email “His endorsement is a testament to the strength of our message and the momentum we are building together.”
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Abortion access is expected to be a key issue in DeSpain’s race. Earlier this month, she told KEZI news that she would not support a federal abortion ban. Her association with Johnson, who co-sponsored a proposed federal abortion ban, calls that commitment into question.
- DeSpain has also touted endorsements from Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Chair of the House Republican Conference Elise Stefanik, both of whom have supported federal abortion restrictions.
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