Westlund looks forward to Biden’s help downticket

DENVER — State Sen. Ben Westlund (D-Tumalo) spoke optimistically of Obama’s vice presidential choice, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), saying he believed the choice of Biden would help to draw out more voters that would also vote for a Democratic treasurer, he said Monday.

“Joe Biden is a strong leader on national defense, and he understands the challenges of today’s working families,” the State Treasurer nominee said at the Hyatt Tech Center where the Oregon delegation to the Democratic National Convention was having breakfast. “He broadens the interest, and he adds some appeal for other voters.”

Westlund was taking a few days away from the campaign trail to participate in the convention as a member of the Rules Committee, which is responsible for setting the rules and standards for the convention.

Westlund joined the committee at the personal request of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama (D-Ill.).