Westlund jumps into state treasurer race

Posted by The Oregonian October 03, 2007 16:46PM

Sen. Ben Westlund became the first candidate for Oregon State Treasurer, saying this afternoon that he hopes to succeed Randall Edwards in the post.

Westlund, a Bend Democrat, said he would bring 20 years of business experience and 10 years of legislative experience to the position if selected by voters in the November 2008 election. He said he views the treasurer's office as one that can impact public policy in Oregon, and he would use the post to champion issues such as lowering health care costs, protecting state investments and encouraging kids to be more financially literate.

Westlund, 58, has served in the Legislature since 1997 and ran independently for governor last year. He has been chairman of several legislative committees, including serving as co-chairman of the Joint Ways & Means Committee, which writes the state budget, during the 2001 Legislature.

"As a former co-chair of Ways And Means and someone who has spent my entire legislative career in the Ways and Means process, I understand that every line item in that budget affects Oregon families and Oregon communities," he said.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski appeared at Westlund's Capitol announcement to endorse him, saying he had "balanced fiscal accountability with social responsibility" as a legislator.

Edwards has been treasurer since 2001, and he cannot run for a third four-year term because of term limits. No one else has announced his or her intention to run for the post. The treasurer serves as the state's chief financial officer and chief investment officer.

- Dave Hogan