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» May 2, 2008 - Front Page News, Video

Medford Mail Tribune Endorses Kate Brown

Secretary of state: Kate Brown
Metsger has an unfocused approach; Walker's crusades have alienated many
May 01, 2008 6:00 AM

Oregon's Democrats will have their hands full making decisions on a number of very competitive statewide primary elections. The secretary of state's race is no different, as three experienced legislators compete for the nomination.

Our choice is Kate Brown, a Portland state senator who has been in the Legislature since 1991 and the Senate majority leader since 2004. She brings a resume packed with experience and a reputation for dealing fairly with both sides of the aisle.

Brown faces two other Democratic candidates with considerable experience: Rick Metsger and Vicki Walker, both of whom began their legislative careers in 1999. On the Republican side, Rick Dancer, a Eugene TV journalist, is running unopposed.

Metsger says he sees the secretary of state taking a greater role in everything from transportation to education. It seems to us an unfocused approach to a job that requires very concentrated attention on elections, state lands, audits of state agencies and, potentially, redistricting.

Walker has earned a reputation for taking on sacred cows in state government. She challenged the SAIF workers' compensation insurance agency for its use of high profile lobbyists— including former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt — and its overly cozy connections with various legislators. She sponsored legislation that ended "golden parachute" severance packages for school administrators and helped push through a bill that ensured that taxes collected by private utilities were actually paid out as taxes.

That kind of dogged determination and willingness to buck the power structure — even her own party's power structure — makes her an appealing candidate. But along the way she has managed to alienate people throughout government, the good and the bad alike. She is widely considered a loose cannon whose focus on her crusades prevents her from effectively dealing with other issues. The secretary of state, who is first in line to succeed the governor in case of death or an early departure, must be a multi-tasker who can work well with all kinds of people on all kinds of tasks, often almost simultaneously.

Brown has proven she has that ability. She was a leader in shoring up safeguards for the state's initiative system after a variety of abuses were uncovered. She pushed through a law creating an online public system that details political campaign financing. She says a priority for her would be to focus more effort on performance audits of state agencies, to ensure that programs are administered properly and services delivered efficiently.

She was a chief architect of the current congressional districting plan for Oregon, which she points out created a safe Democratic seat in the U.S. House, a safe Republican seat and three seats that are currently up for grabs. She says if the task falls to her in 2010, she would create a bipartisan citizens panel to give her a recommendation.

The question mark hovering over Brown is her role as a leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus and the concern that the complaints of partisanship raised against current Secretary of State Bill Bradbury would continue under her watch. But Republicans who have worked with her describe her as fair and say they feel she made an honest effort to include them in the process when they were in the minority.

Brown has proven her leadership capabilities and we're convinced that she will put the best interests of the state ahead of any partisan interests. We encourage Democratic voters to send her on to the November general election.

» May 1, 2008 - Kate in the News

Portland Mercury Endorses Kate Brown

The Portland Mercury
April 30, 2008

While the rest of our major race endorsements follow a theme of "change, change, change" (the Kool-Aid was delicious, thanks for asking), we're favoring a more establishment candidate in the race for secretary of state.

Three state senators are vying for the seat: Kate Brown, Vicki Walker, and Rick Metsger. (A fourth candidate, Paul Wells, is running on the solo issue of making the seat nonpartisan.) All three are capable, respected political leaders, but our vote goes to Brown.

Metsger doesn't have the energy of his two colleagues, and fell flat in our endorsement interview—the issues he's most effective on, like transportation, don't seem like a good fit for this office. Walker, on the other hand, is a fighter, and we love her for that (she's also put out an impressive booklet outlining her stance on the issues). But in a position like secretary of state, we'd rather have levelheaded Brown at the helm, overseeing elections and audits.

Brown spent nearly a decade as senate majority leader, and has chaired the Senate Rules and Elections Committee—two positions that have honed her leadership skills, and have prepared her well to lead the state in the important areas of elections and audits. Brown plans to watchdog the basics—keeping an eye out for initiative fraud—while also looking ahead by making it easier for people to register to vote and sign petitions, perhaps by making both possible online. We're confident that she'll uphold the high standards set by this office, and that she'll innovate where needed. Vote for Brown.

» April 30, 2008 - Kate in the News

Local Washington County Officials support Kate Brown for Secretary of State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2008

Local Washington County Officials and Activists Gather to
Support Kate Brown for Secretary of State

Beaverton, OR- On Sunday, a group of activists and local Washington County officials gathered to support Kate Brown in her run for Secretary of State. Desari Strader, Washington County Commissioner; Representative Mitch Greenlick and Kathryn Harrington, Metro Councilor spoke to the volunteers before they hit the doors talking to voters for Secretary of State candidate, Kate Brown.

Representative Mitch Greenlick welcomed the group to his district with these words about Senator Kate Brown. "I have worked with Senator Kate Brown in the legislature for many years. I have seen her leadership, her ability to build consensus and collaborate with her colleagues. Whether it was holding her own team together or working across the aisle, Kate Brown demonstrated the skill and leadership that we need in a Secretary of State."

Kathryn Harrington, Metro Councilor spoke about the important role that the Secretary of State will play in protecting and preserving Oregon for future generations. "As an advocate for sound land use planning, the role that the Secretary of State fills on the State Land Board is of particular interest to me. Oregon's next Secretary of State will have to walk the tightrope of providing for Oregon's schools while protecting our natural environment. This can be a tough job- and left to the wrong person it could have devastating impacts on our environment for generations to come. I trust Kate Brown, she has the skill and wisdom to protect our state lands and provide for our schools."

Finally, Desari Strader, longtime resident and Washington County Commissioner stated, "In the race for Secretary of State, there is one clear leader who truly understands the unique needs of Washington County and that is Kate Brown."

Kate Brown's campaign for Secretary of State is incorporating a solid grassroots component with volunteers knocking on doors and talking to voters all across the state.

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» April 27, 2008 - Kate in the News

Kate Brown is Building Support Across Oregon

The Oregonian , threw their support behind Kate Brown because Kate has the ".....experience and character to be an effective statewide official." Read The Oregonian's endorsement.

The Statesman Journal , endorsed Kate Brown stating, "Brown stands out in crowded Secretary of State race. She is able to compromise and get results." Read to read the full Statesman-Journal endorsement.

The East Oregonian wrote in the fall "What's not to like about Kate Brown?" This week, they selected Kate Brown as the choice for Secretary of State. Read The East Oregonian's endorsement of Kate!

The Medford Mail Tribune backs Kate Brown because "Brown has proven her leadership capabilities and we're convinced that she will put the best interests of the state ahead of any partisan interests."

Read the Mail Tribune's endorsement of Kate Brown!

» April 27, 2008 - Front Page News

East Oregonian Endorses Kate Brown

Endorsement: Kate Brown emerges as our choice for secretary of state

When voters start wading through the possible candidates for secretary of state, they should be grateful so many highly-qualified individuals have demonstrated a willingness to serve in Oregon's number two leadership position.

The ballot looks like a "Who's Who" list from the last session of the Oregon Legislature.

As the East Oregonian has gone about the process of studying the candidates for all offices and determining who is worthy of an endorsement, some of the races have been almost "no brainers."

Not so this race. And we would want to make it perfectly clear that while we are obligated to choose a single candidate, this is a field rich with talent.

We have been particularly impressed with Rick Metsger and Kate Brown, both of whom have spent time visiting our area and focusing on the issues that resonate among our voters. In the end, it was a difficult choice between the two.

Early on we were impressed with Kate Brown and her sincere interest in issues that cover all of Oregon. Although she is characterized as a liberal from the heart of Portland, a description that would ordinarily send us fleeing to another camp, upon further inspection we don't think this is a very apt or realistic description. Certainly she represents her Portland constituency as one would expect, but she also has a grasp of issues that affect Eastern Oregon.

Following her visit to Pendleton last fall, we mused aloud, "What's not to like about Kate Brown?"

Her husband spent almost 10 years working for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Enterprise and also did a stint in John Day.

This is by no means our first encounter with Brown or any of her opponents for that matter. Since Oregon doesn't have a lieutenant governor, the secretary of state is the second ranking constitutional officer. It's clear Brown has a keen understanding of the role of that office and an interest in running that is specific to the duties.

Brown, who has served for 16 years in the legislature, won her first election by just seven votes, so she has a unique understanding of how much every vote counts. Election law and procedures are one of the major focuses of the office.

As the ranking Democratic leader in the senate, Brown developed a reputation for working effectively with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and demonstrated quality leadership based more on the needs of Oregon and less on partisanship.

Her time in the legislature also left her with an understanding of the state's economic ups and downs and the need for efficiency. The secretary of state also has major responsibilities for conducting audits and promoting savings and economy.

Perhaps whast's most interesting about Brown is her take on the difference between representative government and direct democracy. While she sees a need to reform the initiative system, she views it as a prelude to making government more relevant for succeeding generations.

While we support her candidacy, we can't overlook mentioning her participation in the passage of the expanded ethics rules that are wreaking havoc among volunteer officials in rural communities. From the Senate side, she was a supporter of House Speaker Merkley's efforts to help create this debacle. As secretary of state, we would hope that she would help bring Oregon back to reality on this count.

Brown also has said there is no question young people are feeling less connected with the governmental process and are less inclined to vote, but in some respects she sees this as a reflection of the difference between generations.

A strong proponent of civic engagement, she advocates for ways to reach out to a generation that lives online, is connected instantly by text messaging and is involved and engaged in its own way.

Brown said it won't be long before almost every citizen in Oregon will be able to weigh in on an issue almost instantly.

"Rather than criticizing young people for not being interested," she said, "we need to make sure we have a system that involves, rather than discourages, the new generations."

As part of that understanding, Brown knows there is a declining interest in strict party lines and a greater interest in being able to focus on candidates rather than on which party they represent.

As we noted earlier, there are lots of good choices in this race, but our money is on Kate Brown.

» April 25, 2008 - Kate in the News

Kate Brown Receives Oregonian Endorsement

The Portland Democrat has the experience and character to be an effective statewide official

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Republicans occupied the secretary of state's office in Oregon for more than a century. From 1878 to 1984, they didn't budge.

Now Democrats are trying to make up for lost time.

This spring, four Democrats seek the party's nomination for this influential statewide seat that is next in line to the governor. State Sen. Kate Brown of Portland, former Senate majority leader, is a strong candidate for the job and the party's best chance at retaining power.

The secretary of state oversees elections, audits state government and serves on the state land board with the governor and treasurer. It's the kind of job that stays out of the headlines unless there's a crisis -- for example, an election goes awry or taxpayer money gets misspent.

This is why a secretary of state must be trustworthy above all. Whatever the party affiliation, the secretary must be able to bolster voter confidence by solving problems impartially and working behind the scenes to prevent them in the first place.

Brown has the potential to be an excellent secretary of state. During 16 years in the Legislature, including nearly a decade as a party leader, she has earned respect across party lines. She is well-acquainted with election law, after chairing the Senate elections committee and improving campaign disclosure laws. She's also experienced with budgets and state agencies, which should help in her efforts to make audits more targeted and useful.

Rick Dancer, a former Eugene anchorman, is running unopposed in the Republican primary. Brown's opponents in the Democratic primary are state Sen. Rick Metsger of Welches, state Sen. Vicki Walker of Eugene and Newberg design engineer Paul Damian Wells. Wells does not appear to be running a serious campaign.

Walker is a fearless legislator, and she has exercised her powers as education committee chairwoman with some skill. There's no question she'd root out problems and demand accountability, which is appealing. However, her combative streak would limit her effectiveness in this statewide office.

Metsger, a former television anchorman, is a leader on transportation and consumer protection. His accessible style would make him a good spokesman, and he has bucked his party when necessary to protect voters and taxpayers.

Brown, however, has the overall edge, in no small part because of her success as one of the Oregon Legislature's preeminent forces for ethics reform -- not just in the landmark 2007 session but going clear back into legislatures of the 1990s. That's an especially attractive credential for a secretary of state.

We disagree with Brown on a number of policy issues related to this office. For example, we strongly disagree with the law she supported that bars people who voted in primary elections from signing a nominating petition for an independent candidate for the same office. This law freezes out independent candidates and protects the major parties' lock on power.

Brown will need to take extra precautions to avoid the appearance of partisanship after so many years as a party activist. She already has pledged not to be involved in Oregon political campaigns, a difficult but smart move for her.

As secretary of state, her political future would depend almost entirely on her ability to set aside party and work for every voter, every taxpayer, every time.

» April 23, 2008 - Kate in the News

Statesman Journal Endorses Kate Brown

Brown stands out in crowded secretary race
She is able to negotiate compromises and get results

April 20, 2008

Democrats have three excellent candidates for secretary of state in the May 20 primary. All are state senators. All have good ideas. All would be capable secretaries of state.

Topping the list is Sen. Kate Brown of Portland.

Her nine years as Senate majority leader gave her experience in working with colleagues, other elected officials and everyday Oregonians. She demonstrated a keen understanding of state issues and the pragmatic ability to negotiate compromises.

Most of all, she proved she could get results. She played a key role in passing major pieces of legislation. She would apply the same intelligence and skill to the job she seeks.

The secretary of state's most visible duty is overseeing elections. But this person also oversees public audits, maintains public records and sits on the State Land Board.

The secretary of state also likely will have a critical role in redrawing legislative boundaries after the 2010 census.

As secretary of state, Brown says, her priorities would be to crack down on fraud and abuse in the initiative system and to get kids excited about voting before they're of age to do so. She'd work to expand the scope of audits — scrutinizing not just how money is spent, but whether state agencies are meeting their goals.

Brown would be a diligent, conscientious representative of the public's trust.

State Sen. Vicki Walker of Eugene might be more visible than Brown or the incumbent secretary of state, Democrat Bill Bradbury. As a legislator, Walker has been a tenacious watchdog on the public's behalf. She's not afraid to take on those in power, whether school administrators or SAIF Corp.

Walker's direct style shows in a 16-page booklet that outlines her plans as secretary of state. She says she wants voters to know more about her than sound bites and to hold her accountable for keeping her promises.

The third major candidate in this crowded field is Sen. Rick Metsger of Welches. He emphasizes his interest in sustainable development. That's appropriate because one of the secretary of state's jobs is heading the Oregon Sustainability Board. He pledges to fight for ballot-measure integrity, as well.

Metsger advocates making secretary of state a nonpartisan office. That's a long shot, but it would give more credibility to the person who oversees elections.

Also on the Democratic ballot is perennial candidate Paul Damian Wells, who did not return a Statesman Journal questionnaire.

Whoever wins the Democratic primary will face Republican Rick Dancer in the general election.

The Statesman Journal Editorial Board recommends Kate Brown as the strongest candidate among Democrats.

» April 22, 2008 - Kate in the News

SEIU Stands Behind Kate Brown for Secretary of State

Oregon's Service Employees International Union Locals 503 and 49, which represents more than 50,000 workers, have endorsed Senator Kate Brown for Secretary of State based on recommendation from their membership.

"Kate Brown has the background and capabilities to build on the good work of Bill Bradbury as Secretary of State and further invigorate the office," said Barbara Casey, statewide chair of CAPE, SEIU's political arm in Oregon. "We are especially impressed with her vision of the Secretary of State's role in auditing the performance of state agencies to ensure they are working as well as they should for all of us. Kate's activist, progressive and effective record in public life makes her the ideal candidate to realize this ambitious vision."

"Throughout my career I have stood with union members in the legislature and on the picket lines, together we have fought for living wage jobs and expanded bargaining rights. I am honored to have the support of SEIU members in my run for Secretary of State," states Senator Brown.

SEIU joins the Oregon Education Association, Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council, Working Families Party, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Basic Rights Oregon, EMILY's List, NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, Victory Fund, Twenty-First Century Democrats and hundreds of Oregonians from all across the state in supporting Kate Brown for Secretary of State.

» April 3, 2008 - Front Page News

What can Brown do for you?

Kate Brown receives the endorsement of Basic Rights Oregon PAC for her leadership in procuring civil rights for all Oregon families!

» March 17, 2008 - Front Page News, News, Video

Kate Brown Receives Support from EMILY's List, Oregon Educators and NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon

Just this morning, Senator Kate Brown received the support of EMILY's List, the nation’s largest political action committee and financial resource for women running for elective office.

This news comes on the heels of Senator Kate Brown receiving the support of Oregon educators at last weekends Oregon Education Association, People for the Improvement of Education conference in Salem. Early this week, Senator Brown also received the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon PAC, one of Oregon's leading reproductive rights organizations.

Click Here to read the press release!
and
Click Here for a complete list of Endorsements!

» March 12, 2008 - Front Page News

Kate Brown Secures Support from Two Prominent Organizations

OR-Senator Kate Brown received the support of Oregon educators this weekend at the Oregon Education Association- People for the Improvement of Education (OEA-PIE) conference. At the conference, Senator Kate Brown spoke of the importance of listening to educators and those on the front lines in creating education policy and standards for Oregon schools, to her commitment to continue to lead the charge in building integrity back into Oregon's initiative system and to making sure that every vote is counted and every voice heard.

"Senator Kate Brown has been a longstanding champion for public education. Over the years, she has met with education professionals from across the state to listen to their concerns and deliver for Oregon. OEA-PIE is pleased to recommend Senator Kate Brown for Oregon's Secretary of State," states Rebecca Levison, OEA-PIE Board Vice Chair and member of the Portland Association of Teachers.

OEA represents 48,000 members across the state including; K-12 teachers, education support professionals and community college faculty.

In addition to receiving the support of Oregon educators, Senator Kate Brown received the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon PAC, one of Oregon's leading reproductive rights organizations.

NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon Executive Director, Michele Stranger Hunter cites Brown's long history of leadership on the issue. "Senator Brown has been involved in the choice movement for two decades. Her hard work on this issue dates back to her experiences in law school as an escort at the Portland Feminist Health Center. Since then she has continued to be a champion for reproductive rights as a advocate and a legislator, even volunteering her legal services to fight Ballot Measures 8 and 10 in the court system. We look forward to working with Kate as the next Secretary of State for Oregon."

» March 10, 2008 - Front Page News

What can Brown do for you?

Governor Barbara Roberts, a former Secretary of State, tells us why she thinks Kate Brown is the right choice for Oregon.

Join Governor Roberts and support Kate Brown for Secretary of State!

» March 3, 2008 - Kate in the News, Sidebar Alerts, Video

Twenty-First Century Democrats Endorse Kate Brown

OR- In one of the most contested Democratic primaries in Oregon, Senator Kate Brown has secured the endorsement of the Twenty-First Century Democrats, a national organization that works to elect progressive populist Democrats who will stand up for America's working families, in the tradition of great leaders like Paul Wellstone.

"Kate Brown is the type of candidate we dream about at Twenty-First Century Democrats. She is a strong progressive leader who has championed equality and fairness in our government and consistently produced the kind of positive change that our nation desperately needs," remarks Dan Lucas, National Political Director for Twenty-First Century Democrats.

"I am honored to have received the support of Twenty-First Century Democrats. When I made the decision to roll up my sleeves and do the work to move Democrats to the majority, I worked with Twenty-First Century Democrats to put together a strong grassroots campaign to secure key Senate seats. I am excited to be working with them again and am pleased to have their support in my campaign for Secretary of State," states Senator Kate Brown.

Twenty-First Century Democrats joins the Victory Fund in endorsing Senator Kate Brown for Secretary of State. For a full and complete list of endorsements click here.

» January 15, 2008 - Front Page News

Kate Brown honored by Oregon State Bar

The Oregonian

December 5, 2007

Kate Brown honored by Oregon State Bar

Kate Brown, one of four Democrats running for secretary of state, has been selected for a prestigious lawyer award.

The Oregon State Bar has selected Brown, a Portland senator, to receive the President's Award of Merit, which is similar to a lifetime achievement award.

Read more: Kate Brown honored by Oregon State Bar

» December 6, 2007 - News

Statesman Journal: Kate Brown Speaks to Friendly Crowd at DemoForum

Statesman Journal
October 18, 2007
Steve Law

Candidate seeks to improve government efficiency
Kate Brown speaks to friendly crowd at DemoForum

Secretary of State candidate Kate Brown charmed local Democrats Wednesday in a campaign swing through Salem at Marion County Democrats' DemoForum.

The Portland state senator, who helped Democrats win majority control of that chamber, boasted of her legislative work promoting initiative reform, electronic reporting of campaign finances and redistricting.
"I'm delighted to be back in Salem, my home away from home," she told a crowd of several dozen activists.

Read more: Statesman Journal: Kate Brown Speaks to Friendly Crowd at DemoForum

» October 18, 2007 - Kate in the News

Senator Kate Brown's Campaign Finance Disclosure Law Brings Oregon to Top Three in the Country

The non-profit watchdog group Democracy Reform Oregon announced today that Oregon has moved to number three in the nation in campaign finance reporting, with the implementation of ORESTAR.

In 2005, then Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown sponsored and championed HB 3458 which required all contributions and expenditures to be reported to the Secretary of State's office within a rolling 30 day time period and created the ORESTAR system. Democracy for Oregon explains in today's press release: "The study highlights ORESTAR's continuous reporting feature, unique in the country, that requires disclosure of any transaction seven days rather than waiting for a reporting deadline. Oregonians recently saw the value of continuous reporting when fundraising by measure 50 opponents set a new record for contributions to a ballot measure." (Big Tobacco Contributions Smash State Ballot Measure Fundraising Records [pdf])

"I believe that every citizen should be able to see the money in politics. Now, whether you are in Pendleton, Portland or Seaside, you can simply go online and see how campaign contributions are being raised and spent. I'm proud of moving Oregon forward in transparent campaign finance reporting, and I look forward to continuing to improve this system as Oregon's next Secretary of State," states Senator Kate Brown.

Serving as chair of the Senate Elections and Rules committee for the last two sessions, Senator Brown has worked to preserve the integrity of our elections system. In 2007, Senator Brown led the charge in the Senate on Oregon's new Initiative Reform and Modernization Act, cracking down on fraud and abuse.

» October 17, 2007 - News

The Bulletin: Politically, region is turning into a must-visit

‘Democrats are becoming more competitive’ in Deschutes County

By James Sinks

SALEM — Two decades ago, then-Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Goldschmidt famously rejected an invitation to do a debate in Bend, calling Central Oregon the “middle of nowhere.”

How times have changed.

This month, Bend has played host to a parade of hopefuls for statewide political office, including both of the high-profile Democrats who hope to challenge U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., in 2008.

State Sen. Kate Brown, D-Portland, included Central Oregon on Thursday on her statewide announcement tour — holding a press conference at the Bend Public Library to confirm that she is running for secretary of state.

Read more: The Bulletin: Politically, region is turning into a must-visit

» September 28, 2007 - Kate in the News

The Register-Guard: Brown leads in secretary of state money race

By David Steves

Secretary of state candidate Kate Brown labeled her four-city tour of the state Thursday as her campaign's "kickoff."

But it may be a little late in the game for that sports analogy.

Not only did the Portland lawmaker announce her candidacy in early July, but she has used the nearly three months since then to build a formidable fundraising and organization-building lead over her two Democratic primary opponents.

She's sitting on a $119,175 balance, thanks to both the campaign fund she began with and the $84,460 raised this year. Her closest rival, Eugene lawmaker Vicki Walker, isn't close. Walker entered the year with about $12,000. She has spent about that sum and has raised just $8,183.

Read more: The Register-Guard: Brown leads in secretary of state money race

» September 28, 2007 - Kate in the News

Ashland Daily Tidings: Jackson County up for grabs

By Chris Rizo
Ashland Daily Tidings

Jackson County, once seen as a conservative bastion that was often sidestepped by Democrats seeking statewide office, has emerged this election cycle as a regular stop on the campaign trail.

Three candidates vying for the chance to unseat Republican Sen. Gordon Smith have made swings through the Rogue Valley, and Democrats running for Oregon secretary of state and attorney general have made campaign announcements in Medford recently.

State Sen. Kate Brown, the Portland Democrat running for Oregon secretary of state, will be in Medford today as part of her five-city kick-off tour.

Read more: Ashland Daily Tidings: Jackson County up for grabs

» September 28, 2007 - Kate in the News

OPB: Kate Brown Launches Campaign For Sec. Of State Office

By Colin Fogarty (OPB)

September is turning out to be the month for campaign kick offs for next year’s election.

Thursday, state Senator Kate Brown toured the state, launching her bid for her party’s nomination for Secretary of State.

The Portland Democrat kicked off her campaign in Eugene, the home town of her Democratic rival, fellow state Senator Vicki Walker. Brown told her audience that she’s running for Secretary of State in part because 15 years ago she won her first political race by just seven votes.

Kate Brown: "And I still have voters come up to me and say Senator Brown, Senator Brown, I was your seventh vote. And they truly were. So I know first hand that every vote matters and that every vote must be counted."

Brown’s tour included stops in Bend, Medford, and Portland. Earlier this month, several other candidates for attorney general and the U.S. Senate conducted similar campaign kick off tours.

» September 27, 2007 - Kate in the News

Senator Kate Brown Kicks Off Campaign for Secretary of State with Strong Support Across Oregon!

OR- Senator Kate Brown is a proven leader for all of Oregon. Serving as the Democratic Leader and then Majority Leader for the last nine years, Senator Kate Brown has delivered real results for Oregonians. Kate stewarded the Oregon Senate to a Democratic Majority, where under her leadership more money was delivered to Oregon classrooms, the bottle bill was expanded for the first time in 30 years and real protections were delivered for working families.

Senator Kate Brown officially kicked off her campaign today to become Oregon’s next Secretary of State by traveling across the state, from Eugene to Bend to Medford and then to Portland for an evening event.

Read more: Senator Kate Brown Kicks Off Campaign for Secretary of State with Strong Support Across Oregon!

» September 27, 2007 - News

The Oregonian: Brown kicks off SOS bid

Oregon Sen. Kate Brown will launch her campaign for secretary of state on Thursday with stops in Eugene, Bend, Medford and Portland.

The Portland Democrat faces fellow Sens. Vicki Walker of Eugene and Brad Avakian of Bethany in the May primary. No Republicans have announced for the job although last we heard, Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Hillsboro, was considering it.

If money is any indicator this early on, then Brown is the clear front runner. She's raised $85,000 this year, and spent $62,000. Big-time contributors are faithful party donor and publisher Win McCormack and winery owner Eric Lemelson.

Read more: The Oregonian: Brown kicks off SOS bid

» September 26, 2007 - Kate in the News

Eastern Oregonian: What's Not To Like About Kate Brown?

Editorial: Secretary of state race gets crowded
Secretary of State Bill Bradbury will be term-limited out of office next year and even though the election is still many months away, the field of candidates lined up to replace him is getting pretty crowded.

Three Democrats and one Republican have already thrown their hats into the ring, with varying degrees of formality.

The three Democrats are Sen. Brad Avakian, who represents a corner of Washington and Multnomah counties; Sen. Kate Brown of Portland; and Sen. Vicki Walker of Eugene. The lone Republican in the race appears to be Sen. Bruce Starr who also hails from Washington County.

And while the endorsement season is a long way off, right now we would be inclined to say, "What's not to like about Kate Brown?" The former senate majority leader made the rounds in Pendleton last week and left a generally favorable impression.

Read more: Eastern Oregonian: What's Not To Like About Kate Brown?

» September 20, 2007 - Kate in the News, News

My fellow Oregonians -

Today, I am launching a campaign to serve you as Oregon's next Secretary of State. After serving sixteen years in the Oregon Legislature, the last nine as Democratic and Majority Leader, I have decided to take my proven leadership skills to statewide office. I'm thrilled for this new opportunity to serve and hope you'll agree that in this role, I can work with you and many others in accomplishing even more for all of Oregon.

My legislative career has been extremely satisfying. Over the years we have accomplished much to make Oregon a better state. I thank my colleagues for their support, and I would like to thank the thousands of Oregonians who participated in the legislative process as our partners in improving our great state. Now I want to be Oregon's next Secretary of State. If elected, I will bring the same dedication and hard work ethic I demonstrated in the legislature to the job. I will serve my full term and will fulfill my duties with integrity, fairness and common sense.

• Among the many important parts of this job, the Secretary of State is the keeper of Oregon's democracy. After years of chairing the Senate Rules and Elections Committee, which dealt with most aspects of election law and campaign finance measures, I am uniquely qualified to preserve the integrity of our elections.




• State government can work better. The Secretary of State manages auditing of government, and in leading that effort, I know we will find even more efficiencies and savings for taxpayers. It means real dollars to Oregonians - and that matters to me.
• I want to represent all Oregonians. Oregon's limited number of statewide elected officials means each plays a key role in representing all citizens and setting policies and agendas affecting the way we live now and will live tomorrow. As a statewide elected official, I would continue to fight for improving education, stewarding our environment and seeking creative solutions to growing our economy, in both our rural and our urban communities.

Bookmark this site and come back in the weeks ahead. I'll be expanding this website with more information about me, my campaign and the job of Secretary of State. You can also sign up to receive email newsletters from the campaign.

This will be a tough campaign, but I am prepared to run a strong, professional and winning race. I look forward to earning your support to be Oregon's next Secretary of State.

Sincerely,

» September 14, 2007 - Front Page News

The Oregonian: The Legislature loses its verve

Senate Democratic leader Kate Brown is stepping down; Salem will miss her wit, enthusiasm and leadership

The Oregonian, Tuesday, June 26, 2007

It is hard to remember the last time a high-ranking Oregon politician left office with a smile on her face.

Yet there goes Kate Brown, the Senate Democratic leader and the most influential woman in state politics, closing out the last days of the 2007 session after announcing Sunday that she's resigning her leadership post now and will not seek re-election to the Senate next year.

Leave it to Brown, who always brought a refreshing sense of humor to the Legislature, to leave Salem in a funny way. She's at the top of her game: Democrats this session have pushed through nearly every one of Brown's priorities: civil rights legislation for gays and lesbians, stronger ethics laws, solid budgets for schools and universities, and health care reform, including insurance coverage for contraceptives.

Maybe it really is as simple as an elected official finished with all that she wanted to accomplish in the Legislature. Maybe it is, as Brown said Sunday, "time to move on." But most politicians would be sorely tempted to hang onto the power that Brown wielded this session, when Democrats dominated the Senate, held a majority in the House and had Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski down the hall of the Capitol eager to sign their work into law.

Yet Brown never was like most legislators in Salem. With a ready laugh and a disarming style, Brown made serving in the Legislature look almost enjoyable. She was plenty tough and partisan, but the Portland liberal did business, and did it with a smile, with rural conservatives such as Sen. Ted Ferrioli, the Republican leader from John Day.

It's not clear what Brown is going to do now. In her announcement, the Portland lawyer spoke only of leaving the Legislature. She didn't say where she was going or whether that would involve a race for higher office. Brown has said she's not interested in running for the U.S. Senate or a House seat, but there's speculation that she might run for secretary of state next year or governor in 2010.

The conventional wisdom is that Brown would have trouble venturing outside her liberal Portland base and winning a statewide election. But no one should underestimate the woman who took a Senate Democratic caucus with only 10 members and less than nine years later turned it into a powerful working majority in Salem.

We hope that she eventually returns to public life in Oregon. Wherever she goes, Kate Brown will make it a better, brighter and more compassionate place.

» June 26, 2007 - Kate in the News

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."

» June 24, 2007 - Kate in the News