Dem candidates have just until 5 PM tomorrow to register to replace Oregon State Treasurer...

[cascadiance]

... who just passed away on Sunday.

State Senator Rick Metsger of Welches is the first to announce for this as of today. We need to make sure we have a good Democratic candidate for this one so that the Rethugs don't outflank us and steal this one away from us.

http://www.blueoregon.com/2010/03/the-task-of-finding-oregon-a-new-state-treasurer.html?cid=6a00d8341c2c3f53ef01310f7dd40e970c

The task of finding Oregon a new State Treasurer
Carla Axtman

Those of us who closely follow Oregon politics and policy are deeply saddened by the death of Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund. He was a kind, giving man whose independent spirit and dedication to our state will be greatly missed.

Unfortunately, the difficult task of finding someone to fill the office can't wait very long.

As Kari mentioned, there's a very quick turnaround time in terms of the deadline for major party candidates filing for the position.

The Governor will be appointing someone to fill the seat and that person must be a Democrat. According to ORS 236.100:

Political affiliation of person appointed to fill vacancy in partisan elective office. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, whenever a vacancy occurs in any partisan elective office in this state and is to be filled by appointment, no person shall be eligible for such appointment unless the person is affiliated, as determined by the appropriate entry on the person’s official election registration card with the same political party:

...

One just announced a short while ago...

http://www.democratherald.com/news/state-and-regional/article_05e54da3-ea20-5f69-b446-681e806b405b.html

Ore. state senator running for treasurer's office

Posted: Monday, March 8, 2010 5:51 pm | No Comments Posted

Democrat Rick Metsger of Welches is the first to announce for the office of Oregon state treasurer, vacant because of the death of Ben Westlund.

Westlund died Sunday of lung cancer.

Metsger is leaving the state Senate and told the Oregonian on Monday that he's running for treasurer.

Republican state Sen. Chris Telfer of Bend says she is considering the race. Former Democratic state Rep. Greg Macpherson said Monday he hasn't taken his name out of consideration.

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