Marks to seek Democratic nomination in CD5

The open race for the Fifth Congressional District got more interesting today when Steve Marks announced he will be seeking the Democratic nomination against Sen. Kurt Schrader.

Marks is the former chief policy advisor and Chief of Staff to Governor John Kitzhaber, and also worked with the former Gov. when in the Senate President’s Office.

"I know this district, its people and their concerns, from the coast to the Santiam canyon. And I know what every citizen, regardless of party, in this district knows -- Washington is broken -- we need change that makes Washington work for us," Marks said.

Marks has recruited longtime Democratic campaign worker and consultant Joe Trippi, who worked previously with Congresswoman Darlene Hooley, to his campaign. Trippi’s past candidates have included John Edwards and Howard Dean.

"Steve Marks, in a short time, has built an impressive grassroots team that will give him the opportunity to compete and compete strongly.  People know we need change in Washington and they are already volunteering and making pledges of campaign contributions at levels that tell me Steve Marks will have the organization and resources to make his case for real change to the people of the 5th district." Trippi said in a statement.