Kate in the News
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
