When it comes to the Apple vs. FBI debate, I do not believe the government has the winning argument. Stepehn Vladeck, a professor at American University's Washington College of Law, succinctly summed up the issue I believe is at the heart of this debate: "If a judge can order a third-party company to write code, to create a functionality that didn't exist before, what can't he do?" Said another way, as did U.S. District Judge James Orenstein in the New York case involving an i-phone, what is the limiting principle in terms of what the government can compell private citizens or enterprise to do? I don't doubt the FBI would like to have access to electronic equipment through a so-called "back door," but so would China and a whole host of unpleasant regimes around the world, and forcing Apple to do what is asked would set a dangerous precedent. Congress has thus far failed to enact legislation to make the technology Apple has built into its devices illegal, and I would not be in favor of changing that stance.

I encourage people to get out and meet the candidates for the U.S. Senate race at one of the upcoming candidate forum or debate events. In March, we will be in Sutherlin on Tues., 3/6; at George Fox University on 3/8; we'll be in Tigard 3/15, hosted by the Lake Oswego Republican Women; and we'll be in Salem on 3/17, hosted by the Capitol City Republican Women.

I will also be meeting voters in Corvallis on Thursday night, 3/17; I'll be at the Clackamas County Central Committee meeting in Beavercreek on the morning of 3/19; in Baker City for it's annual fundraising dinner on 3/19, and I'll be in Grants Pass on 3/26 for the Central Committee 'get together.' You can keep up with all the campaign activities at my events calendar.

With less than 60 days until ballots come out, there's only one candidate who is ready and capable of serving as Oregon's next United States Senator, and only one candidate who is prepared to take the fight to Ron Wyden like he's not seen it before. Come to one of the events and see for yourself why people are starting to believe this is the year we will re-claim our U.S. Senate seat and turn it over to someone who will represent all Oregonians' interests.

Finally, here is a link to the Iditarod Race poster for those who are interested in the great Alaskan race.

Please visit www.Laschober2016.com to learn more.