Think Out Loud

Since a 2008 law change, class action law firms from around the country have poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into Oregon politics. Some of those same firms wind up winning the rights to represent the state in large lawsuits. Recipients of the money — largely Oregon treasurers and attorneys general — say donations haven’t influenced the state’s choices, but evidence suggests the law firms’ generosity has its perks. OPB political reporter Dirk VanderHart joins us to talk about his reporting.