Rick Metsger

The field of candidates looking to secure the Democratic nomination for secretary of state has narrowed to two frontrunners, according to a poll commissioned by the Portland Tribune and FOX News 12.

Secretary of State candidate Kate Brown recently received large amounts of campaign cash from two prominent liberal organizations. EMILY's List, a national fundraising powerhouse who endorsed Brown over the other pro-choice Democratic candidate Vicki Walker, donated $10,000 last week.

State Senator Rick Metsger’s new television ad was perfectly timed with the Bend Bulletin’s endorsement of his candidacy for Secretary of State today.  read more »

State Senator Rick Metsger released the first of his television ads in anticipation of the May 20 primary, which highlights the Senator’s vote on H.B. 2614 back in 2005.

The ad, entitled “every vote counts” features a line-up of voters talking about how “Rick Metsger stood up for [their] voices.”

Even though salmon season is cancelled in Oregon this year, the NW Steelheaders are keeping busy. 

The group named state Senator and Secretary of State candidate Rick Metsger to their Hall of Fame, where he joined Tom McCall, Bill Bradbury and John Kitzhaber.   read more »

State Senator Rick Metsger, candidate for Secretary of State, was among those honored with the ‘Legislator of the Year’ award from the Oregon Nurses Association at the annual conference in Bend.

“His legislative record of improving patient care and protecting nurses is second to none,” said Chris O’neill, Chair of the Oregon Nurse PAC.

Metsger, who has served in the Senate since 1998, has supported bills which have protected homecare nurses from workplace violence and helped increased nurse staffing levels in order to insure that patients have continual monitoring.

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.

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 »

UPDATE:  The Willamette Week and Oregonian are reporting a replacement will be chosen this Thursday and the most likely appointment will go to Secretary of State candidate Senator Brad Avakian.  This will dramatically change the dynamic of the SOS primary between Senators Kate Brown, Rick Metsger and Vicki Walker.

The Oregon Senate today passed a bill that reflects the national debate on immigration so prevalent this primary season, a bill which would require more stringent identification in order to obtain a driver’s license.  read more »