Eric Wareheim

Shortly after the May 20 primary, Oregon state Treasurer candidates Allen Alley (R-Lake Oswego) and state Sen. Ben Westlund (D-Tumalo) talked of their hopes to schedule debates around the Beaver State. First there were five debates. Then the dream grew to 10 debates. Westlund thought it would be great fun to travel to the debates together in the same car. He even invited Bob Eckstrom, the Constitution Party’s state Treasurer nominee, to come along before he dropped out of the race. Both candidates believed that through joint appearances, Oregonians would come and learn the finer nuances of the state Treasurer’s office, they would cast their vote, and the best man would win.