Marks ammases core campaign team

In the short time since he’s announced his candidacy, Steve Marks has been assembling an impressive campaign team to take on Sen. Kurt Schrader for the Democratic nomination in the 5th Congressional District.

Long time Democratic consultant Joe Trippi, of Howard Dean fame, signed on as a consultant. Trippi is no stranger to Oregon politics, having worked with both John Kitzhaber and in 1996, for Darlene Hooley.

Peter Clerkin, a veteran of New Jersey politics, has just signed on as campaign manager, and will be arriving tomorrow in Salem, where Marks is setting up shop.

“After talking to Steve, I really think that’s he’s the best Democrat to take on what will most likely be Kevin Mannix; he can really differentiate himself from Mannix and the failed Bush strategies. He was against the Bush tax cuts, he is pro labor,” Clerkin said, mentioning that he had been in Oregon meeting with Marks last week.

Michael Clarke, Sen. Brad Avakian’s campaign manager in his aborted quest for Secretary of State and now in his bid for Labor Commissioner in the general election, has also been moonlighting for Marks.

Clarke has been providing the candidate with fundraising advice on the heels of a strong fundraising showing on Avakian’s campaign.

The primary is quickly approaching, but Clerkin seems to be anticipating the challenge.

“We’re going to get in there, get Steve to continue raising money, and get his message out to the core Democratic constituency as quickly as possible,” he said.