Haroldson says U.S. Attorney opportunity would ‘merit serious consideration’

Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson told PolitickerOR.com on Thursday that he enjoyed his current position, but would seriously consider an opportunity to be Oregon’s next U.S. Attorney.

“It would certainly be an opportunity to merit serious consideration,” Haroldson said.

Haroldson is one of several names that have popped up in Democratic circles as a potential candidate to fill Oregon’s U.S. Attorney position when President–elect Barack Obama takes office in December.

“It is such a great honor to be included on a list of such accomplished lawyers,” he said.

Haroldson, who is the state’s first Latino D.A., was first appointed to the Benton D.A. position in 2007 by Gov. Ted Kulongoski. He ran unopposed for reelection this year. Haroldson stressed that he was happy in his current position, but that he was also dedicated to fulfilling a role where he could best serve Oregon.

“I have dedicated myself toward achieving quality justice. In order to have quality justice, you have to have equal protection under the laws of the state,” Haroldson said. “I continue to be dedicated to those values. Whether that can best be done at the state or national level remains to be seen.”