Measure 92 Backers Concede Defeat in GMO-Labeling Fight

WWeek:

<img src="http://www.wweek.com/portland/imgs/media.images/19546/news2-scroller.t2.jpg"/>

The backers of Measure 92, a November ballot measure to label genetically engineered foods in Oregon, have conceded defeat—ending the most expensive ballot fight in state history after more than a month of recounts and legal battles.

Yes on 92 campaign directors Paige Richardson and Andy Darkins this morning sent a letter to supporters of Measure 92, saying that a judge's decision not to count about 4,600 ballots without matching signatures means their fight is over.

“Given the razor-thin margin in this race, and the failure to count every valid ballot, we believe that Oregonians will never know for sure the true outcome of this race," Richardson and Darkins write. "That said, we intend to abide by the judge’s decision and will not pursue any further legal action.”

Richardson tells WW she remains positive about the future of labeling genetically modified foods.

She says while the statewide recount continues, the result has been decided by a judge's ruling to not count ballots disqualified because signatures on the outside of ballots did not match the signatures within.

“We very strongly believe that if those ballots were counted we would win,” Richardson said. “This is just the beginning. This is the first time we’ve had the [GMO-labeling] discussion on this scale.”

The campaign was already the most expensive in Oregon history, with $9 million spent by supporters of the measure and $20 million spent by its opposition.

“The corporations that profit from genetically modified foods will do anything to protect their massive profits,” Richardson says.

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