In light of the shocking and sad news of State Treasurer Ben Westlund dying over the weekend, State Senator Rick Metsger (D-Welches) and State Senator Chris Telfer (R-Bend) have stepped up to file for the seat. Below is State Senator Chris Telfer's press release. Reporter Jeff Mapes hinted that Steve Novick and former Rep. Greg Macpherson are interested in the Governor's immediate appointment.

Telfer running for Treasurer
Will use CPA background, work for strong fiscal leadership

BEND – Chris Telfer, a CPA and State Senator from Bend announced today that she will run for State Treasurer. Telfer is a Republican and serves as a member of the Senate Revenue Committee where she has aggressively challenged Salem officials on fiscal management issues. Telfer says that if elected she will use the position to advocate for better fiscal management and financial oversight.

Taxpayer Association of Oregon,

The largest straw poll in Oregon was conducted by the Taxpayer Association of Oregon with over 830 people responding. The poll shows the voter opinion of what Oregon grassroots taxpayer activist think of the governor candidates. The results of this taxpayer poll show a massive amount of voters are still undecided which makes this one of the most open ended and competitive races in modern memory.

Entrepreneur and political veteran leaves a legacy of public service to Oregon families

SALEM -- In life, there are those who take the road less followed. Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund’s was miles past where the pavement ends. His path took him from Apple Valley, Calif; to the shores of Lake Oswego; to the painted hills of Eastern Oregon; to rural Deschutes County; and then to the statehouse, where he served as a legislator and as Treasurer. In Central Oregon and then the Capitol, where Westlund spent much of the past 13 years since being first elected in 1996, he was known for his easygoing wit and his signature sign off: “Down the trail.”

Westlund’s journey ended too soon. He died early Sunday in Bend, when he lost his battle to cancer. He was 60.
The son of Long Beach oilman Bernard "Bud", and Dorothy Reynolds Westlund, was born Sept. 3, 1949, Spent first 16 years in Apple Valley, California where his father had a successful real estate development. Then his family returned to the Northwest with his two brothers. He graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., where he earned a degree in education and history.

Since the beginning of the Dorchester Conference, delegates have had an opportunity to vote for their favorite candidate in a straw poll on the last day of the conference. The results have not always predicted the state primary election results, but encourages supporters to continue to work for their choice for governor. Will that tradition continue, or will this year break the pattern?

The debates are over, the votes are in and the winner of the 2010 Gubernatorial Straw Poll is:
Allen Alley with 225 votes.

Chris Dudley received 165 votes, and John Lim received 47 votes.

You know I’m not crazy about paying my taxes either, but if you’re working for the government you really ought to pay the IRS.

The story is kind of stunning. Hundreds and hundreds of people who work for the federal government simply haven’t paid their taxes. According to Politico, 447 House employees and 231 Senate workers didn’t pay their taxes in 2008.

At the CD-1 debate, Moderator Sen. Bruce Star's introductions were interrupted by someone calling for the inclusion of the candidate, Doug Keller, who was not invited to debate with John Kuzmanich and Rob Cornilles. He spent the time “tweeting” his own answers to the questions put to the candidates on the stage.
Both candidates seemed to agree philosophically. The only disagreements between candidates were on style. Cornilles focused on answering the issues while Kuzmanich split his time between discussing the issues and making personal attacks. Whether this approach will pay off is anybody’s guess.

The Dorchester Gubernatorial debate moderator U.S. Congressman Greg Walden introduced candidates, Allen Alley, Chris Dudley, and John Lim.

In their opening statements Sen. Lim declared he was within several points of his opponent. Mr. Dudley said now is the time to stay, fight, and move Oregon in a new direction. Mr. Alley called the Republican Party the party of “Know” (as in we know what to do).

Dudley veered toward something different when he began his opening statements by walking away from the poduim and strolling along the stage talking to the audience. Greg Walden, the moderator, reminded everyone that speakers must stay at the poduim and the brief momement of creativity was put to a halt.

When Lim was asked what is the difference between the candidates he said that Dudley was "taller" and Alley was "fatter" which brought outrageous laughter from the audience.

ORP CHAIRMAN TO REPS. SMITH AND JENSON: REJECT CAMPAIGN SUPPORT FROM UNIONS FOR VOTES IN SUPPORT OF TAX INCREASES
Representatives should reject support or consider withdrawing from Primary Election

Portland, Ore. – Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bob Tiernan has released the following statement concerning the Primary Elections in Oregon House Districts 57 and 58:

“The passage of the corporate and personal income tax increases during the 2009 legislative session was unfortunately made possible by the support of two Republican Representatives, Greg Smith and Bob Jenson. The devastating impacts of these tax increases on Oregon’s economy are just beginning to be realized. To make matters worse, it has recently come to light that the same public employee unions who bankrolled the misleading pro-tax campaign are planning to provide monetary, consulting and grassroots support to Representatives Smith and Jenson in recognition of their votes in favor of the tax increases,” said Chairman Tiernan.

The President announces his plan for improving public education. It’s very expensive. I’ll tell you my plan. It’s very cheap.

The President’s plan for improving public education is hundreds of millions of dollars. In other words, throw more money at it and maybe it will improve.

I’ve never seen a situation where a failing institution with more dollars tossed at it is going to improve. So, here’s my four part plan in a nutshell.

Please join us at
Executive Club Meeting
6:00 pm • Wed, March 3rd • Airport Shilo

"Why We're Stuck in Traffic ...
and what can be done about it ."


Randal O'Toole great friend of the Executive Club, who is well known for his expert and clear eyed views about the messes that government creates in the areas of urban growth, public lands, and transportation will be the featured speaker at the March meeting,. Fresh off his recent appearance on John Stossel's exciting new show on Fox News, Randal will be focusing on issues covered in his newest book, Gridlock, which addresses the mess in our ailing transportation systems which have been created by misguided government planners.

O'Toole will outline solutions for increasing highway capacities while making auto travel safer, faster and more energy efficient. He will reveal for us his three core principles which will improve and increase American mobility. Don't miss this Cato Institute Senior Fellow who brings his energetic and unconventional thinking to transportation strategies.

Jim Huffman Set to Announce U.S. Senate Campaign

On Thursday, March 4th, Jim Huffman will announce his entry into the United States Senate race for the seat occupied by Sen. Ron Wyden. The announcement will take place at the headquarters of The Halton Company at 4421 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland at 5:00 PM.
The Halton Company, which recently celebrated its 70th year in Oregon selling and servicing the CAT™ line of heavy equipment, has been hit hard by the recession. “It is entirely appropriate that I should announce my candidacy at the headquarters of this great Oregon company,” said Jim Huffman. “My campaign will be about jobs for Oregonians. Halton Company is a bellwether for the health of the Oregon economy.”
Huffman served as Dean of the Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law from 1994 through 2006, when he stepped down to continue teaching as the Erskine Wood Sr. Professor of Law. Prior to becoming Dean, Huffman taught law at Lewis & Clark since 1973.