Press release from Oregon Republican Party 7-31-07:
Atkinson urges Starr to run for Secretary of State
Offers to co-chair exploratory committee
Salem (OR) – Senator Jason Atkinson, a former candidate for Governor, announced today that he will not be a candidate for Secretary of State. “While I appreciate all those who have encouraged me to run for Secretary of State, there will be other campaigns and other opportunities for me,” Atkinson stated today.
Atkinson said that he has contacted Senator Bruce Starr of Hillsboro, and urged him to run for Secretary of State. “I think Bruce Starr is the best man for this job.” Atkinson said. “He has my trust, my backing, and I will work hard for his victory as a Co-Chair of his campaign.”
Oregon’s next Secretary of State will have to focus on protecting the integrity of the ballot box, verifying citizenship of new Oregon voters, serving as a watchdog for wasteful spending, and reducing costly red tape in the Secretary of State’s Corporate Division. Pointing to Starr’s leadership on issues like ensuring the independence of Oregon’s ethic’s commission, Atkinson said “I hope Bruce will seriously consider running for Secretary of State, because Oregon needs a leader like Bruce Starr.”
Starr and Atkinson have forged more than a political alliance; they have created what is rare in Oregon politics, a loyal friendship. Both Starr and Atkinson were elected to the House of Representatives in 1998 and now both serve in the Oregon Senate.
# # #