Oregon League of Conservation Voters Announces Multnomah County 2008 Primary Endorsements

Immediate Release:
March 17, 2008

Contact: 
Meredith Shield, Field Organizer, cell: 971-221-3201                   

OLCV Endorsements could make the difference in Multnomah County

Portland, OR:  The Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) announced their endorsements for the May 2008 primary races for City Council, County Commission and Metro in Multnomah County as well as the State Legislature.

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters is the independent political voice for Oregon’s environment and their seal of approval provides voters with critical information as they decide who will represent them locally and who they will send to Salem.

In Portland City races, OLCV has endorsed:

·         Sam Adams for Mayor

·         Jim Middaugh for Position 2 (the seat vacated by Erik Sten)

·         Jeff Bissonnette for Position 1 (the seat vacated by Sam Adams)

·         Randy Leonard for reelection

OLCV endorsed Sam Adams in the crowded race for Portland’s next Mayor. As City Commissioner, Adams demonstrated a strong commitment to improve Portland’s quality of life and fight global warming: promoting smart transportation choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods and green building initiatives.

Jim Middaugh earned OLCV’s sole endorsement based on his long record of environmental advocacy, going back to his days working for Congressman Peter DeFazio, for the Oregon Natural Resources Council to protect old growth forests, and his work promoting energy conservation and salmon recovery with the Northwest Power Planning Council.  He also earned stellar marks for his work as Erik Sten’s chief of staff.

OLCV endorsed Jeff Bissonette for Position 1, Sam Adams’ vacated seat. Bissonette has extensive experience in energy policy and currently works as a lobbyist for the Citizens Utility Board, where he has championed efforts to combat global warming. OLCV also endorsed Randy Leonard in his bid for reelection.

“With so many great candidates, there were some very difficult decisions for us.  But it’s important for voters to know who will fight for responsible actions to combat global warming and defend what we love about Portland. We believe the candidates who have earned OLCV’s endorsement will work the hardest to keep our air and water clean and healthy for our families,” said Meredith Shield field organizer for the Multnomah County Chapter of OCV.

In legislative endorsements, OLCV has endorsed in several contested primaries.  These include:

·         Jackie Dingfelder for Senate District 23

·         Jules-Kopel Bailey for House District 42

·         Michael Dembrow for House District 45

With Representative Jackie Dingfelder leaving the House to run for the Senate, OLCV was particularly looking for House leaders who will make Oregon’s environmental legacy a priority.

“Jules Kopel-Bailey in southeast Portland particularly impressed us with the depth of his knowledge and commitment to combating global warming and defending Oregon’s environmental legacy for future generations,” said Shield.

The complete list of OLCV endorsed candidates in Multnomah County are:

Multnomah County Commission

Multnomah County Commission District 1 – Deborah Kafoury

Multnomah County Commission District 4 – Carla Piluso

Portland Mayor

Portland Mayor – Sam Adams

Portland City Commission

Portland City Commission Position 1 - Jeff Bissonnette

Portland City Commission Position 2 – Jim Middaugh

Portland City Commission Position 4 – Randy Leonard

Metro Council

Metro District 5 – Rex Burkholder

Metro District 6 – Robert Liberty
 
Oregon Senate

Ginny Burdick - SD 18

Diane Rosenbaum - SD 21

Jackie Dingfelder - SD 23

Laurie Monnes Anderson  - SD 25

Oregon House of Representatives

Jules Kopel-Bailey – HD 42

Chip Shields – HD 43

Tina Kotek – HD 44

Michael Dembrow – HD 45

Ben Cannon - HD 46

Jefferson Smith – HD 47

Nick Kahl - HD 49

The complete list of OLCV endorsed candidates is available at www.olcv.org/elections.

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters is the independent political voice for Oregon’s environment; a non-partisan organization made up of thousands of Oregonians who care about protecting Oregon’s water, air, farms and forests.  For over 35 years, OLCV has been educating citizens on how their elected officials vote on environmental issues and helping elect pro-environment candidates.

For a complete list of OLCV’s endorsements, scorecard ratings, and more information call 503-224-4011 or visit www.olcv.org.

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