X-Message-Number: 8819
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 1997 19:40:43 -0700
From: David Brandt-Erichsen <>
Subject: Oregon update

Senator Wyden optimistic Oregon will prevail in assisted-suicide case 

By SCOTT SONNER 
The Associated Press
11/20/97 5:47 PM Eastern

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Oregon's legal team scored some constitutional points
with Justice Department lawyers Thursday, increasing the chances the state
will be allowed to implement its assisted suicide law unimpeded by federal
threats, Sen. Ron Wyden said. 

"I think we're going to win at this point," Wyden told reporters after the
meeting in his office. "My judgment that our case is strong was
strengthened today." 

Oregon's Democratic senator and representatives of Oregon Gov. John
Kitzhaber's office met with Justice Department lawyers to try to end the
dispute over whether the federal government will allow Oregon doctors to
help patients commit suicide. 
                
Wyden's chief of staff, Josh Kardon, and other members of the Oregon team
received additional encouraging signals during a meeting at the White House
later Thursday with Clinton's domestic policy advisers.

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