Brad Avakian

Last week Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian picked up $65,000 at a Mother's Bistro fundraiser for his fall campaign against the relatively unknown and unseasoned Pavel Goberman.

After gaining all of 2% of the Democratic primary vote in the race for US Senate, Pavel Goberman has now set his sights on Labor Commissoner by running a write-in campaign against newly appointed Commissioner Brad Avakian.

Freshman State Rep. Suzanne Bonamici is the newest member of the Oregon State Senate. She was appointed today to replace Brad Avakian, who resigned to become the state Labor and Industries Commissioner. Bonamici was picked by Washington and Multnomah Commissioners over two other candidates, Paul Terdal and Julie Young. Bonamici will now run for Senate in the November election in District 17.

When Brad Avakian decided to replace Labor Commissioner Dan Garner, it was already past the filing deadline. The Democrats therefore have to choose a slate of three to five nominees to replace the state senator and send it on to the county commissioners in the affected district.

Learning he needs to watch what he says even if its in jest over drinks with lobbyists, Rep. Mike Schaufler was rumored briefly to be a potential rival candidate for incoming Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian in the fall non-partisan election. Schaufler quickly put the rumor to rest and declared he would not be a candidate. 

Now, we're just curious if those drinks were paid with his campaign cash?

Giving their powerful endorsement to State Senator Kate Brown in the race for Secretary of State, EMILY's List, a liberal national organization that supports pro-choice women, gave a clear snub to the other woman vying for the SoS seat, State Senator Vicki Walker. The DC fundraising powerhouse just donated $5000 to the Brown campaign and will likely connect her campaign to many national wealthy donors.

Recent updates made to Sen. Brad Avakian's campaign web site indicate that he is quickly transitioning from one campaign to another.   read more »

Brad Avakian's immediate departure to replace Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner now triggers some potential concerns for the House Democrats who desperately need to hold onto their 31-29 majority.  read more »

With a source close to Sen. Brad Avakian confirming the Senator’s succession of Dan Gardner as Labor Commissioner, the question that begs asking is what effect his withdrawal will have on the dynamic in the race for Secretary of State.  read more »