Westlund releases first campaign ad

State Treasurer candidate Ben Westlund (D-Tumalo) released the first television ad in this statewide race Friday.

The ad introduces Westlund to voters by touting his record in the state legislature, and by laying out his agenda for the state treasurer’s office. If elected, Westlund says in the ad, he will work to develop new energy sources, specifically wind, wave and solar energy.

“I believe innovation is one of the keys to getting Oregon’s economy back on track,” Westlund says in the ad.

Eric Wareham, campaign manager for opponent Allen Alley (R-Lake Oswego), was quick to point out that the ad seemed to be Westlund acting as a politician, instead of someone who was ready to take on the financial intricacies of the Beaver State.

“It’s Ben Westlund running on a legislative platform when we really need someone who has business experience and understands what’s going on with the economy,” Wareham said.

But Westlund’s campaign manager Stacey Dycus said that the Tumalo state senator already had experience backing renewable energy, and would be well prepared to focus Oregon’s investment dollars in this growing sector.

"Ben has been an effective champion in expanding Oregon's renewable energy use and production and it will be his priority as state treasurer to continue investing in renewable energy sources to help lower energy costs, reduce our dependency on foreign oil and create jobs," Dycus said.