Westlund wins Republican endorsements for treasurer

Posted by The Oregonian March 03, 2008 11:39AM

With no Republicans joining him in the state treasurer's race so far, Sen. Ben Westlund instead has Republicans endorsing his campaign.

The Bend Democrat's campaign says his endorsements from the other side of the aisle include former Secretary of State Norma Paulus, former House Speakers Lynn Lundquist and Mark Simmons, and former House and Senate members Alan Brown, Lenn Hannon, Rob Patridge, and Lane Shetterly.

Those are in addition to endorsements from some current Republican legislators: Sen. Gary George of Newberg, Rep. Patti Smith of Corbett, Rep. Bill Garrard of Klamath Falls and Rep. Bob Jenson of Pendleton.

Westlund began serving as a Republican legislator in 1997, then ran as an independent candidate for governor in 2006 before becoming a Democrat later that year.

Westlund's campaign announced Monday that he also has been endorsed by the current State Treasurer, fellow Democrat Randall Edwards, as well as Service Employees International Union Local 503. SEIU represents 50,000 workers in Oregon, including public employees, home care and child care providers, janitors, hospital employees, and other health care workers.

- Dave Hogan