Smith meets the judge

By on Thursday, February 16th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

SALEM – Harney County Judge Robert Raschio came to visit Oregon Rep. Greg Smith
(R-Heppner) in Salem Thursday. Smith said the two discussed Raschio’s controversial
restraining order preventing the state’s new gun control measure from going into effect.
There is a federal suit questioning whether Measure 114 violates the Second
Amendment, but that’s not at the root of Raschio’s restraining order.

“He has a firm conviction in Oregon’s Constitution,” Smith said. “He sat down, he
thoroughly read Ballot Measure 114, and using his judiciary discretion, issued the stay
order.”

Raschio told Smith he is waiting for direction from the Oregon Supreme Court on how
they would like to proceed.

“He will then review their decision and will then determine whether it is in line or is not in
line with Oregon’s Constitution,” Smith said. “If it is not in line, he has the ability to place
another stay order.”

Smith said he asked the judge if all the heat from his ruling has been difficult.

“I was proud of Judge Raschio,” he said. “He just kind of leaned back in his chair, he put
his shoulders back, and he said doing the right thing is why he’s there.”

Smith expressed support for Raschio’s decision.

Photo from L to R: Harney County Judge Robert Raschio and Oregon Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner)