SALEM, Ore. (NEWSnet/AP) — Oregon Supreme Court said Thursday that 10 Republican state senators who staged a walkout in 2023 cannot run for re-election.

The decision upholds the secretary of state’s decision to disqualify the senators, under a voter-approved measure aimed at stopping such boycotts. Measure 113, approved by voters in 2022, amended the state constitution to bar lawmakers from re-election if they have more than 10 unexcused absences.

Last year’s boycott lasted six weeks, the longest in state history, and paralyzed the legislative session, stalling hundreds of bills.

Five lawmakers filed a lawsuit against the secretary of state’s decision — Sens. Tim Knopp, Daniel Bonham, Suzanne Weber, Dennis Linthicum and Lynn Findley. They were among the 10 GOP senators who racked up more than 10 absences.

The senators opposed the ruling.

“We obviously disagree with the Supreme Court’s ruling. But more importantly, we are deeply disturbed by the chilling impact this decision will have to crush dissent,” said Knopp, the chamber’s Republican minority leader.

During oral arguments prior to the Oregon Supreme Court in December, attorneys for the senators and the state debated the grammar and syntax of language that was added to the state constitution after Measure 113 was approved.

The amendment says a lawmaker is not allowed to run “for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.” The senators claimed the amendment meant they could seek another term, since a senator’s term ends in January while elections are held the previous November. They argue the penalty doesn’t take effect immediately, but rather, after they hve served another term.

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