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SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE
Kate Brown, Majority Leader
State Capitol
Salem, OR |
News Release
December 12, 2006
CONTACT: Rem Nivens 503-986-1074
Senate Democratic Caucus Welcomes Ben Westlund
Senator will add valuable perspective from Central Oregon to the caucus
SALEM – The Senate Democratic Caucus today welcomed Senator Ben Westlund
(D-Bend) as its newest member. The welcome came after Westlund announced that he
is changing his registration from Independent to Democrat.
“We are very happy to have Senator Westlund join our caucus and the Democratic
Party,” said Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland). “Senator Westlund
will bring a wealth of experience and a valuable Central Oregon perspective to
our discussions on critical issues like health care, education and renewable
energy.”
In announcing his decision to join the Democratic Party, Westlund said:
“The people have sent the message that they are ready for a new direction and
the Democrats have been given an opportunity to make progress on the big issues
that will move our state forward. . . . I have been inspired by the message sent
by the people and I think Democrats value the help of Independents to get us
back on track.“I have said that being an Independent doesn’t mean standing alone, it means
choosing who you stand with. This past month, I have found myself rooting for
the Democrats’ success on healthcare, on education funding, on expanding
renewable energy. And I think it’s time to get off the sidelines and stand with
them.”
In welcoming Westlund, who will become the 18th member of the Senate Democratic
Caucus, Brown noted that “Senator Westlund has always been willing to work
across party lines. Everyone in the caucus is looking forward to working with
him as we move ahead on the issues that matter to all Oregonians.”
