Mannix Campaign Calls Saxton Campaign/Grand Ronde Ad Misleading

The Mannix campaign is demanding the ads be immediately removed because of its inaccuracies.

Scene from one of Saxton's advertisements Photo: votesaxton.com

(SALEM) - In a television ad that started airing on Friday by the Saxton Campaign/Grand Ronde tribes, gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix's position on the Columbia River Gorge Casino is being distorted the Mannix Campaign said.

The ad states that Kevin Mannix will help expedite the casino. The quote in the ad is taken out of context. The actual quote states "I will help (the tribes) expedite siting in Cascade Locks"

"The issue there was possible siting of a casino at Cascade Locks as opposed to Hood River.

The Hood River site is on reservation land and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs would have a right to build there. The tribes preferred the off-reservation site. Hood River did not want the casino. Cascade Locks did want the Casino. Neither comment involved ultimate approval of a casino in the Gorge, just a respectful willingness to work with the Tribes to go through the process," stated Republican candidate for Governor Kevin Mannix.

In the 2002 primary race for governor, Kevin received the official endorsement from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde because in part to his opposition to the off reservation casino.

Kevin said he continues to oppose the casino being built but he believes Oregon must honor the promise made to Native Americans.

In that same 2002 primary, Ron Saxton was in favor of the Cascade Locks Casino.

This time around, Saxton has been endorsed by the Grand Ronde tribes for Governor and is receiving a campaign contribution from them.

According to Louie Pitt who is a spokesman for the Warm Springs Tribe, Ron Saxton has changed his position on the Cascade Locks Casino. "It is my understanding that Ron Saxton supported the Gorge Casino and that Kevin Mannix has never been an advocate for the casino but has been for honoring the compact between the state and the tribes."

The Mannix campaign is demanding the ads be immediately removed because of its inaccuracies.