Remarks by Representative Les AuCoin at the Human Rights Campaign Fund Annual Dinner, held on September 17th, 1988. In the speech, AuCoin discusses his support of gay rights and advocates for greater legal protections. AuCoin frequently spoke at fundraisers for the Human Rights Fund, a major organization for the promotion of LGBT rights. In 1992, AuCoin was honored for his contributions to the fund. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Representative Les AuCoin and Pat McCormick, AuCoin's legislative aide in Oregon, at the 1980 National Democratic Convention. At the time, AuCoin was the chair of the Oregon delegation. The convention was held in New York City from August 11th to the 14th, and it formally nominated President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale for reelection. This photo is undated, but was likely taken in the 2000s This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Representative Les AuCoin poses with Reyn Leo and Kathryn Harrison, both former chairs of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Council. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde includes over 30 tribes and bands from Oregon, California, and Washington. In the early 1850s, the United States forced these tribes off their lands, eventually establishing the Grand Ronde Reservation in Oregon in 1857. In 1954, Congress passed the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act, which ended federal recognition of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Beginning in the 1970s, tribal leaders began working to restore the tribe's federal status, lobbying Congress to first pass the Grand Ronde Restoration Act in 1983, which restored federal recognition, then the Grand Ronde Reservation Act in 1988, which reestablished a small reservation. Representative AuCoin worked with the tribe on both bills. This photo was taken in 2018, at a celebration of the 35th anniversary of the tribe's restoration. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Representative Les AuCoin poses with his wife Sue AuCoin at the Great Wall of China. In the 1970s, Representative AuCoin was a leader in the effort to normalize trade relations between the US and the People’s Republic of China. When the two countries normalized relations in January 1979, AuCoin led the first trade delegation to China just one month later, traveling with a group of Oregon business leaders. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Representative Les AuCoin meets the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in Beijing. In typed notes about the image, AuCoin writes: "One month after the U.S. and P.R.C. established diplomatic relations, I was the first congressman to lead a trade delegation to China. Four Oregon businessmen, their spouses, and Sue and I arrived in February 1979. Here I'm conferring with a vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in Beijing. In 1978, I had brought to the floor of the U.S. House the first bill to propose normal relations between the two countries." This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Group portrait of Les AuCoin's 1979 Oregon trade delegation to the People's Republic of China. The photograph is signed at the bottom by members of the delegation. In typed notes about the image, AuCoin writes: "One month after the U.S. and P.R.C. established diplomatic relations, I was the first congressman to lead a trade delegation to China. Four Oregon businessmen, their spouses, and Sue and I arrived in February 1979.... In 1978, I had brought to the floor of the U.S. House the first bill to propose normal relations between the two countries." In the photo, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress stands in the middle, flanked by Representative AuCoin on the left and his wife Sue AuCoin on the right. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. The original photo remains with the AuCoin family.
Article originally published in the New York Times Magazine on August 31st, 1975. The article, written by James Naughton, discusses the batch of new representatives elected to the House in 1974, focusing on Representative Les AuCoin in particular. For the article, Representative AuCoin kept a journal for his first 8 months in office, reflecting on his experiences in and perspective on Congress. AuCoin was reelected another 8 times, serving in the House for 18 years. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Letter from Malcolm Wilkey, Special Counsel to the Attorney General, clearing Representative Les AuCoin of any criminal violations regarding the House Bank. In 1991 a government audit of the bank, where House members could deposit paychecks, showed hundreds of members with overdrafts on their accounts. Further investigation eventually revealed that, while a few members intentionally abused the bank, many of these overdrafts were caused by the bank’s delay in processing deposits. In this letter from September 18th, 1992, the US Department of Justice cleared AuCoin of any wrongdoing with the bank. The House Bank was a major issue in the 1992 election, and AuCoin's involvement was frequently attacked by political opponents.This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_137 for a statement by AuCoin addressing the House Bank audit.
Statement by Representative Les AuCoin about his House Bank account. In particular, he outlines the results of a recent audit of his account, done at his request. In 1991 a government audit of the bank, where House members could deposit paychecks, showed hundreds of members with overdrafts on their accounts. Further investigation eventually revealed that, while a few members intentionally abused the bank, many of these overdrafts were caused by the bank’s delay in processing deposits. In September 1992, the US Department of Justice cleared AuCoin of any wrongdoing with the bank. The House Bank was a major issue in the 1992 election, and AuCoin's involvement was frequently attacked by political opponents. This statement, given on March 17th, 1992, was a response to the criticism. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_138 for the letter clearing AuCoin of any criminal violations.
Copy of the Joint Resolution preventing funding for tests of the anti-satellite weapons in space until the Soviet Union performs a similar test in space. The resolution is signed by President Ronald Reagan and approved on December 19th, 1985. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Certificate of Nomination declaring "Les AuCoin has been nominated as Democratic candidate for United States Senator at the Primary Election held May 19, 1992". Signed by Secretary of State Phil Keisling on June 18th, 1992. In the Democratic primary, AuCoin’s biggest opponent was Harry Lonsdale, a multi millionaire businessman who ran as an outsider to Washington politics. The primary results were close enough to trigger an automatic recount, and AuCoin was eventually certified as the winner by 330 votes. AuCoin went on to face Senator Bob Packwood in the general election, and Packwood was ultimately elected to the Senate. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Letter from Lee AuCoin to his brother, Representative Les AuCoin, discussing the outcome of the 1995 Senate Ethics Committee vote on Senator Bob Packwood. Three years earlier, shortly after the 1992 election in which Packwood defeated AuCoin for a Senate seat, the Washington Post published a year-long investigation about sexual assault allegations against Packwood. Further investigation revealed that the allegations were true, and in on September 7th, 1995, the Senate Ethics Committee recommended that the Senate expel Packwood. The next day, Packwood resigned. In this letter, which was written on September 9th, 1995, Lee AuCoin discusses the outcome of the investigation and Packwood's subsequent resignation from the Senate. This document is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Letter from Mark Mercier, Tribal Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, regarding the results of the 1992 election. In the letter, Mercier expresses his disappointment that AuCoin was not elected to the Senate and thanks him for his support of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. In particular, Mercier thanks AuCoin for his political support of the Grand Ronde reservation, which returned about 9,800 acres of land to the tribe in 1988. This document is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_73 through PUA_MS147_84 and PUA_MS147_128 through PUA_MS147_129 for further information about the Grand Ronde bills.
Letter from then-Senator Joe Biden to Representative Les AuCoin, thanking AuCoin for his support of a arms control statement. In the letter, Biden also thanks AuCoin's aide Bob Sherman for his help in drafting the statement.This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Letter from Representative Morris Udall of Arizona to Representative Les AuCoin celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on December 2nd, 1980. The act, which AuCoin supported and helped draft, provided environmental protection for over 157 million acres of land. The act was introduced by Representative Udall and signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on December 2nd, 1980. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Letter from Oregon Governor Tom McCall to Representative Les AuCoin regarding McCall switching political parties. In 1973, AuCoin helped pass Governor McCall's measure to reform the funding of public schools. When the bill failed to become law in the face of considerable opposition by the Republican party, there were rumors that McCall might switch parties and run as a Democratic candidate for the Senate. AuCoin wrote to McCall offering his support. In this response, written on June 16th, 1973, McCall thanks AuCoin for his support, but ultimately decides to remain with the Republican party. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Testimony of Peter Murphy, President and Chief Executive of the Murphy Lumber Company, in support of reestablishing a reservation for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde includes over 30 tribes from Oregon, California, and Washington. In the early 1850s, the United States forced these tribes off their lands, eventually establishing the Grand Ronde Reservation in Oregon in 1857. In 1954, Congress passed the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act, which ended federal recognition of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Beginning in the 1970s, tribal leaders began working to restore the tribe's federal status, lobbying Congress to first pass the Grand Ronde Restoration Act in 1983, which restored federal recognition, then the Grand Ronde Reservation Act in 1988, which restored a small part of the reservation. On August 10th, 1987, Representative Les AuCoin scheduled a local hearing to discuss the plan to reestablish a reservation. The hearing included a pro-reservation panel of tribal leaders and an anti-reservation panel of local lumber mills. Representative AuCoin also invited members of several federal agencies, including the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to answer legal questions about the process. Peter Murphy is significant as the only member of the timber industry to testify in support of the reservation. This document is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. Digital objects PUA_MS147_73 through PUA_MS147_77 and PUA_MS147_128 through PUA_MS147_129 represent a selection of opinions offered at the August 10th hearing.
Testimony of Mark Mercier, Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, in support of reestablishing a reservation for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde includes over 30 tribes from Oregon, California, and Washington. In the early 1850s, the United States forced these tribes off their lands, eventually establishing the Grand Ronde Reservation in Oregon in 1857. In 1954, Congress passed the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act, which ended federal recognition of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Beginning in the 1970s, tribal leaders began working to restore the tribe's federal status, lobbying Congress to first pass the Grand Ronde Restoration Act in 1983, which restored federal recognition, then the Grand Ronde Reservation Act in 1988, which restored a small part of the reservation. On August 10th, 1987, Representative Les AuCoin scheduled a local hearing to discuss the plan to reestablish a reservation. The hearing included a pro-reservation panel of tribal leaders and an anti-reservation panel of local lumber mills. Representative AuCoin also invited members of several federal agencies, including the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to answer legal questions about the process. Mark Merceir's testimony focuses on the results of a socio-economic survey of the tribal population. This document is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. Digital objects PUA_MS147_73 through PUA_MS147_77 and PUA_MS147_128 through PUA_MS147_129 represent a selection of opinions offered at the August 10th hearing.
Article written by Representative Les AuCoin discussing his changing perspective on the National Rifle Association and his support for the Brady Bill. The Brady Bill, a short name for the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, mandated background checks and a waiting period for firearm purchases. Representative AuCoin had previously argued against gun control, but this 1991 article in the Washington Post marked a significant change in his position. This document is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives.
Representative Les AuCoin's opening and closing statements at the Democratic Primary Debate for the 1992 Senate race in Oregon. Representative AuCoin ran against Harry Lonsdale in the Democratic primary and won the nomination. He went on to run against and lose to Republican Bob Packwood in the general election. This document is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archive and can be found in Box 30, Folder 2.
Two form letters addressing the case of Naum Chernobelsky. The first letter is a "dear colleague" letter from November 1987, requesting that members of congress sign the second letter, which asks Mikhail Gorbachev, General Secretary of the Soviet Union, to begin the emigration process for Naum Chernobelsky. The Chernobelskys were a Ukrainian Jewish family of "refuseniks," an unofficial term for individuals, most commonly Soviet Jews, whose requests to emigrate from the Soviet Union were denied by officials. In the case of the Chernobelsky family, Naum's parents and sister were able to emigrate to Portland, Oregon in 1979, but he, his wife, and his children were not permitted to leave the Soviet Union. In February 1986, Naum's sister Raisa requested help from Representative AuCoin, who spent the next 2 years lobbying the Soviet Union for Naum Chernobelsky's release. Naum and his family were eventually allowed to emigrate from the Soviet Union to the United States in late 1988. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_111 through PUA_MS147_113 for other materials related to the Chernobelsky family.
Memorandum on December 9th, 1987 to Representative Les AuCoin concerning an upcoming press conference on about Naum Chernobelsky. The Chernobelskys were a Ukrainian Jewish family of "refuseniks," an unofficial term for individuals, most commonly Soviet Jews, whose requests to emigrate from the Soviet Union were denied by officials. In the case of the Chernobelsky family, Naum's parents and sister were able to emigrate to Portland, Oregon in 1979, but he, his wife, and his children were not permitted to leave the Soviet Union. In February 1986, Naum's sister Raisa requested help from Representative AuCoin, who spent the next 2 years lobbying the Soviet Union for Naum Chernobelsky's release. Naum and his family were eventually allowed to emigrate from the Soviet Union to the United States in late 1988. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_111 through PUA_MS147_113 for other materials related to the Chernobelsky family.
Personal journal of Representative Les AuCoin detailing his work on the Chernobelsky case. The Chernobelskys were a Ukrainian Jewish family of "refuseniks," an unofficial term for individuals, most commonly Soviet Jews, whose requests to emigrate from the Soviet Union were denied by officials. In the case of the Chernobelsky family, Naum's parents and sister were able to emigrate to Portland, Oregon in 1979, but he, his wife, and his children were not permitted to leave the Soviet Union. In February 1986, Naum's sister Raisa requested help from Representative AuCoin, who spent the next 2 years lobbying the Soviet Union for Naum Chernobelsky's release. Naum and his family were eventually allowed to emigrate from the Soviet Union to the United States in late 1988. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_111 through PUA_MS147_113 for other materials related to the Chernobelsky family.
Document titled "STARTing Dangerous New Soviet Weapons" prepared by Representative Les AuCoin. The document includes an explanation of START, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union, and charts outlining the impacts of the treaty. Chart one compares the advertised and actual impact on counterforce capability. Chart two compares the impact of nuclear freeze and nuclear build-down on Soviet weapons. Chart three illustrates the effect of Soviet first strike capability on U.S. ICBM warheads. Using these charts, Representative AuCoin argues that START's Build-Down schedule would not sufficiently reduced the threat of nuclear war. Based on the charts, this document was prepared in 1983, shortly after START negotiations with the Soviet Union began. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. See also PUA_MS147_93 through PUA_MS147_110 for other materials related to nuclear arms control.
