Jackson County Commissioner Doug Breidenthal chose not to attend the commissioners meeting the morning after finishing last in his reelection bid.
“Today my family needs me more,” said Breidenthal.
Unofficial numbers have Breidenthal finishing 3rd behind both Bob Strosser and Gordon Challstrom in the Republican primary.
Breidenthal said, “It was a little surprising to come in dead last as an incumbent and with all the great work that I have done the last several years.” Work Breidenthal says has been questioned over the last few months. He’s currently at the center of investigations from both the Oregon Department of Justice and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, having been accused of misusing public funds, conflict of public interest and fraud. He maintains county officials were out to prevent his re-election.
“I think the best way to say it is that there were some individuals at the county that took advantage of a situation and took it to some extremes,” says Breidenthal. “This process has basically damaged my reputation, the vote turn out made that very clear to me.”
What’s not clear is if he intends to sue.
Breidenthal previously told NBC5 News in an exclusive long-form interview that he would consider filing a lawsuit against Jackson County should he lose the election.
“Right now I am going to leave all of my options on the table,” said Breidenthal.
With work on hold for the moment, Breidenthal’s focus is on his family and clearing his reputation. He said, “At what point in time do I get my name back? But at that point in time, it will be too late.”
This summer Breidenthal will assume the presidency of the Western Interstate Region, a group dedicated to the promotion of western interests, but it’s a position he can only hold as an elected official, so he’ll be forced to step down at the end of the year.
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