Kulongoski, Roberts to Co-Chair Merkley for Senate Campaign

PORTLAND--Governor Ted Kulongoski and former Governor Barbara Roberts will act as co-chairs of the Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate campaign, the campaign announced Monday.

Kulongoski, a former state legislator, insurance commissioner, and state Supreme Court justice, is in his second term as governor. He won a hard-fought but decisive re-election victory in 2006. Kulongoski's tenure has been marked by significant advances for Oregon on environmental issues, health care, and education.

"Jeff's leadership is just what we need in the U.S. Senate," said Kulongoski. "He's tenacious, he's principled. He really grasps the problems facing our state and our nation and will do the hard work to help put America back on track."

Roberts served as Governor of Oregon from 1991 to 1995. Following stints as a state legislator and Secretary of State, Governor Roberts made economic and social justice hallmarks of her administration. Under her leadership, the Head Start program was opened up to more Oregon children, affordable housing was expanded, and more women and minorities than ever before were appointed to positions in state government.

"Jeff has dedicated his life to standing up for Oregon families," Roberts said. "He takes on their struggles and makes them his own, whether it's affordable housing, economic fairness or environmental justice. He has always put people before politics, and I know he'll continue to do the same as Oregon's United States Senator."

"Our government's number one priority should be to promote opportunity for every Oregonian. That's a principle that Governors Kulongoski and Roberts really understand," Merkley said. "I'm thrilled to have their enthusiastic support."

Jeff Merkley is a five-term member of the Oregon House of Representatives. He was elected Speaker of the House in January after Democrats reclaimed control of the Legislature in the 2006 elections. Observers across the political spectrum have called Oregon's recent legislative session the most productive in over 30 years.

As Speaker, Merkley pushed through a plan that protects Oregon families against predatory payday lenders, shepherded through landmark ethics reform, made major reinvestments in education, and established a long-sought rainy-day fund to protect public education and critical state services during downturns in the economy.

Merkley plans to officially announce his candidacy during a statewide tour in the next few weeks.

Paid for by Jeff Merkley for Oregon