Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who won Oregon's presidential primary in May, has weighed back into state politics by endorsing Measure 97, the corporate tax measure that would raise $3 billion a year.
Sanders, sounding themes that became hallmarks of his insurgent campaign, said passage of the measure would help ensure that large corporations "start paying their fair share of taxes" to support needed governmental services.
"At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, it is time for large profitable corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes," Sanders said in a statement released during a rally at the headquarters of the Yes on 97 campaign.
The statement added, "I think quality education, improved health care and the ability to retire in dignity are worth asking the biggest corporations and Wall Street to pay a little more. Please vote yes on Measure 97."
With the Nov. 8 election only weeks away, the measure is locked in a virtual tie, according to a poll commissioned by The Oregonian/OregonLive and KGW-TV.
The poll, conducted by Riley Research Associates, shows 47 percent of respondents opposing the measure, which would impose a gross receipts tax on corporations whose annual sales in Oregon exceed $25 million. Support stands at 46 percent, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.97 percentage points.
-- Dana Tims
503-294-7647; @DanaTims