State parties react to Biden announcement

The Oregon Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Oregon had different reactions to Saturday’s announcement that U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) will be Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) running mate.

 “Joe Biden is uniquely suited to serve as Barack Obama’s partner for the change America needs,” said Marc Siegel, spokesman for the DPO.

Siegel also spoke enthusiastically of Biden’s experience in the Senate, the work he did on behalf of middle class Americans, and how his breadth of knowledge in foreign policy will strengthen Obama’s ticket as he pursues the presidency.

Oregon Republicans were quick to point out that even Biden had said that he did not believe Obama was experienced enough to be the commander in chief.

“Barack Obama has chosen a running mate who, above all, doesn’t believe Barack Obama is ready to be president – and I couldn’t agree more,” ORGOP chair Vance Day said. “Joe Biden said ‘he would be honored to run with or against John McCain (R-Ariz.)’ because the ‘country would be better off.’”

Obama had a 10-point lead in the latest Rasmussen poll conducted in Oregon, before the announcement that Biden would join the ticket, but Day seemed confident that even with the Senator from Delaware added to the Democratic ticket, Oregonians would still cast their votes for McCain come Election Day.

“On November 4th, Oregonians and the American people will stand with experience and leadership of John McCain,” Day said.