Residents in eastern Oregon are calling an effort to secede from the state a “win-win.”
Local leaders told Fox News that the urban-rural divide has left them with no other choice as businesses and residents continue to be driven out of the state toward Republican-led Idaho.
“People in eastern Oregon have felt like their state-level governance has not heard them, has not paid attention to our concerns, and has not been working for eastern Oregon,” Greater Idaho Movement spokesperson Matt McCaw said on “Fox & Friends First” Monday.
The Greater Idaho Movement supports the idea of having select counties elect to move their state borderlines so state-level governance would come from Idaho.
“The west side of Oregon is very populated, very urban, and very left-leaning, whereas the east side of the state is very rural, very conservative, and it's much more economically, culturally, politically similar to Idaho,” McCaw explained.
The decision to secede from the state, McCaw argued, would be a “win-win” for all involved parties.
“What we're trying to do is we're trying to match people up with a government that they actually want and that matches their values,” the spokesperson said. “They want a conservative government. They should get the government they want.”
“It would help lower gridlock, lower political tension, and it would give both sides of [Oregon] the government that they actually want.”
The formal state bill, called the Greater Idaho Bill, was introduced to the Oregon legislature last month.
Idaho state leaders reportedly motioned for formal discussions about the proposal last week, noting the purpose is to “begin official discussions on whether it is feasible to move the Idaho border into eastern Oregon.”
However, if Idaho and Oregon were to negotiate a border adjustment, U.S. Congress would have to approve it, as well as both Oregon and Idaho legislatures.
Last year, Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) signaled an interest in the proposed border change.
“They're looking at Idaho fondly because of our strong economy, regulatory atmosphere and our values,” Gov. Little said according to The Seattle Times. “There's a lot that needs to happen before moving the border is within the realm of possibility.”
In recent years, Oregon's more urban areas-especially Portland has seen a distinct rise in rampant crime, homelessness, and drug trafficking.
According to recent FBI data, the increase in violent crime in Portland, Oregon between 2020 and 2021 outpaced the rest of the United States.
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It should’ve happened a long time ago.
Send all the god worshiping demonrats that want socialism and liberalism and communism to one of the countries that god worshiping globalists already created globalist .
Truly sad the Socialist, Leftist can take over a state, but they will be responsible for the demise. Let those that wish to join others with the same values join them – I don’t know why Congress needs to do much if the two states agree to this change. Praying for justice to be reached soon before another election.