Brown, Pierce sit down with Portland Tribune

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The top candidates for governor of Oregon met with the Portland Tribune’s editorial board to make their pitch to lead the state.

Governor Kate Brown and challenger Bud Pierce sat down for interviews on Wednesday in the Tribune offices.

Members of the editorial board were joined by a panel of young voters from the University of Oregon’s Agora Journalism Center. The panel watched the interview with the candidates and talked to them afterward.The board asked the candidates questions about the important issues for Oregonians and will follow up the interviews with an endorsement of one candidate.

The 2 leading candidates in the Oregon gubernatorial race focused their attention on Measure 97, the corporate tax hike measure for education, health care and senior services.

Brown said it was a tough choice, but she supports Measure 97. Pierce is against it and is concerned businesses will find ways to make up the money — mainly from consumers.

Pierce’s comment at a debate earlier in October about how educated women don’t face domestic abuse was a topic of discussion. Pierce, a doctor, said he apologized and added he’s now learned a lot more about the issue.

A student later asked Brown why she wasn’t more transparent. Brown said she believes she is.

The Portland Tribune is a KOIN 6 media partner.