Oregonian endorses two more Dems for State House

The Oregonian endorsed Rep. Mary Nolan (D-Portland) and Rep. Tobias Read (D-Beaverton) in their re-election campaigns Thursday.

In the heavily Democratic HD-36, Nolan is running for her fourth term against Republican Steve Oppenheim. With the state facing an uncertain economic future, the paper’s editors wrote that Nolan had the wisdom and experience needed to serve Oregon in January.

“Nolan is smart and pragmatic,” the editorial board wrote. “She knows the Legislature is likely to be confronted by declining revenue, and she is preparing to defend the priorities she sees are among the state's highest -- education and infrastructure -- while acknowledging that it will be difficult to embark on any major new initiatives.”

In neighboring HD-27, the paper urged voters to send Read back for his second term in Salem. He is running against Michael DeVietro. While the paper complimented DeVietro for his enthusiasm, it ended up giving the nod to Read for his experience.

“He is a business-minded moderate who worked with colleagues to establish Oregon's new rainy day fund,” the editorial board wrote. “He's also been very visible in his district, hosting town halls and talking with constituents.”