Senator Atkinson's Final Floor Speech

Capitol Currents:

Now that it appears that Republican Senator Jason Atkinson won't be returning to the capitol next year, it seems fitting to take a listen to what could very well have been his final floor speech as an Oregon lawmaker. Atkinson is known around the capitol for his knowledge and appreciation of Oregon political history. As the Senate concluded its business last evening, Atkinson treated his fellow lawmakers to a brief reading out of the record of Senate proceedings from March 13, 1939.As you will hear, it turned out to be quite the day:   Atkinson sine die speech by Chris Lehman Indeed, Atkinson's tale is reflected in the Oregon State Archives, which notes that Senator George T. Eayrs "collapsed and died" during the afternoon session of March 13, 1939. You have to think, however, that if the same thing happened these days, the chamber would break for more than 15 minutes!

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