OR-5: Morse endorses Schrader

SALEM -- State Sen. Frank Morse (R-Albany) crossed party lines and endorsed state Sen. Kurt Schrader (D-Canby) in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat Thursday.

Morse cited his history of having a positive working relationship with Schrader in the Oregon Senate, as well as a sense of trust he has for the Canby lawmaker as his reasons for crossing party lines.

“It’s a pretty easy call for me as a Republican to endorse Kurt Schrader,” Morse said at a press conference in the Oregon State Capitol. “I always like straight shooters, and that’s what I’ve found with Sen. Schrader. I don’t always agree with him, but I do trust him.”

Former Rep. Lane Shetterly (R-Dallas) was also on hand to support Schrader. Shetterly had already endorsed the Canby veterinarian in July.

“As a life-long resident of the 5th district, I think Kurt Schrader fits this district to a T,” Shetterly said, citing Schrader’s work as the co-chair of the Ways and Means Committee as important experience that would be needed in Washington, D.C. as the country faces a financial crisis. “At the federal level we are coming into a time when we need clear-eyed thinkers; especially on fiscal policy. And Kurt Schrader is head and shoulders above most candidates nationwide.”

As for Republican candidate Mike Erickson (R-Lake Oswego), both Morse and Shetterly were quick to say that their endorsement was not a vote against the Lake Oswego businessman, but simply a show of support for Schrader.

“It’s very tough for a member of another party to endorse a different candidate,” Schrader said. “But I really appreciate the confidence these members have in me.”