Avakian: As one campaign ends, another begins

Recent updates made to Sen. Brad Avakian's campaign web site indicate that he is quickly transitioning from one campaign to another. 

 Only two months ago, Avakian trailed his opponents for Secretary of State in both campaign cash and name identification. Campaign Manager Michael Clarke came on board, quickly built the Avakian’s fundraising base, and generally fanned a burst of wind into the campaign’s sails. 

The Avakian campaign has now taken a different tact, as it transitions from the Secretary of State race to securing the seat of Labor Commissioner in November. Avakian’s web site has undergone renovation in the past 24 hours, and only the volunteer form and the contribution link remain the same. 

The site now highlights the Senator’s views on worker’s rights, noting that he initially entered the Secretary of State race “because [he] felt that Oregon needed an unyielding advocate for working families.” 

“As Labor Commissioner, I will be able to take the fight for working families to the next level by focusing on apprenticeship training and workforce development,” Avakian writes.

 It seems Avakian has found his calling. “The stuff he really does live and breathe is labor law, he is kind of a natural for Labor Commissioner.  I think he has enough stature to be seen as bringing people together,” according to longtime political consultant Len Bergstein. 

As for the remaining candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State, Avakian does not plan to make an endorsement in the race he was running all but 48 hours ago.