The AP: Brown to step down as Ore. Senate Majority Leader

6/24/2007, 6:48 p.m. PDT
The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) ‹ Majority Leader Sen. Kate Brown told the Democratic caucus Sunday that she will step down at the end of this session after a new leader is elected.

"It has been an honor to lead this caucus for the last nine years, and I want to thank my caucus members for their support," she said. "We have done remarkable work together, and we have delivered on our commitment to bring real progress for all Oregonians."

She gave no reason but has been mentioned as a possible candidate for state offices coming open in 2008.

Democratic membership in the Oregon Senate has grown from 10 to 18 since Brown, of Portland, assumed the post. "Its been an amazing run, and whatever the future holds, I am committed to continuing the fight to strengthen our great state," she said.

She will preside over a caucus meeting in the coming weeks to work toward an election of a replacement.

I was particularly honored to lead our caucus during this amazing last session, and the time is right for me to turn over the reins to the next leader of this strong and unified team," she said."