September 27, 2022 3:50 a.m.

Past Oregon Republican Party Chairman and former Oregon State Senate Republican Leader, Herman Baertschiger Jr, endorsed independent candidate for Governor, Betsy Johnson, at a campaign stop in Brownsville Sunday night.

Baertschiger, who is now a Josephine County Commissioner said, “I know all three of the candidates for Governor and Betsy’s the only one with the guts to stand her ground against the radical left”. Baertschiger said, “To change the direction in Oregon is going to take someone who can work with both parties. I know Betsy can accomplish the task”.

A release from Bridget Barton, Statewide Chair of Republicans for Betsy, said Baertschiger is the latest of a string of high-profile Republicans to buck their party nominee, Christine Drazan, and throw their support behind Johnson. Along with former GOP candidate for Governor Barton, the list includes former U.S. Senator Gordon Smith, former Secretary of State Bev Clarno, former State Labor Commissioner Jack Roberts and former House Speaker Larry Campbell.