Miller may run for State Treasurer

In the ongoing quest to determine who the Oregon Republican Party will run in state-wide races, a new tidbit of information has surfaced regarding the Treasurer’s race.

Rumors have been bouncing around Republican circles that Rick Miller, CEO of Wilsonville-based Avamere Health Services, is strongly considering a run to challenge Democrat Ben Westlund.

Miller did not return calls by Thursday afternoon, but conservative blogger Rob Kremer, a friend of Miller’s who is familiar with the decision-making process, said in a phone call that he doesn’t believe Miller has arrived at a final decision yet.

“He’s considering it, but he’s a way off from making a decision at this point I think,” Kremer said.

Brianne Hyder, a spokesperson for the Oregon GOP, refused to neither confirm nor deny Miller’s potential entry into the race, explaining that discussions are constantly being held with potential candidates, often several cycles out, and the party prefers to let candidates announce their intentions on their own terms.

Sources familiar with the state Republicans have suggested that the Treasurer’s race is a top priority for them.

If Miller indeed enters the race, it’s a safe assumption his connection to Avamere will be explored, and that it could potentially create some discomfort for his campaign.

Avamere has gotten some terrible press describing instances of neglect and mistreatment in their nursing homes, and last year, a man died of dehydration at one facility, sparking outrage.