September 4th 2007, Portland Willamette Week

Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign has announced its Oregon steering committee. She’s snagged a number of local notables, including Sen. Ron Wyden’s chief of staff, Josh Kardon, who’ll serve as chairman; Portland Commissioner Erik Sten; and former state Democratic Party chair Paddy McGuire. That said, some of Oregon’s heavy hitters—Kitzhaber, are you out there?—have yet to pick sides.

At last count, John Edwards was leading the state, at least in terms of fundraising. (Check out The New York Times’ neato map.) Edwards has so far out-raised Clinton in Oregon by roughly $81,000. But it’s still very, very early in the race, and Clinton’s organization could catch up quickly.

From the Clinton campaign’s release:

"I believe Hillary Clinton has what it takes to get us out of Iraq and back on track in tackling our real priorities," said Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten. "Our families need healthcare, early education and jobs that make a living wage. By investing in American ingenuity to stop global warming, we can build an economy and place in the world that is sustainable. Hillary will do the hard work in Washington that we need to be successful in Oregon."

"Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver the change we need, and is far and away the best-qualified person running for President," said Josh Kardon, Chair of the Oregon Steering Committee. "That's a big reason she was able to attract so many talented Oregonians from across the state to lead her Oregon campaign. From Umatilla County to Clackamas, from Jackson County to Douglas, from Lane County to Multnomah, Hillary's Oregon steering committee is unrivaled in representing the true diversity of our state."

"I'm honored to have the support of this distinguished group of leaders from across Oregon," Clinton said. "With their help, we can bring our message of change throughout Oregon and the nation."


HILLARY'S OREGON STEERING COMMITTEE INCLUDES:

• Erik Sten, Portland City Commissioner

• Andy Kerr, Environmental Activist and Writer, Ashland

• Bob Williams, Co-founder and Co-Chair of the Black Caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon and retired labor leader, Clackamas County

• John Russell, Businessman, Former Chair, Portland Development Commission and the Mayor's Business Roundtable, Portland

• Sue Shaffer, Chairwoman, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Canyonville

• Susan Soonkeum Cox, Former Member, White House Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Eugene

• Paddy McGuire, Former Executive Director, Democratic Party of Oregon

• Sue Castner, Political Activist, Portland

• Jane Hill, Former Executive Director, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, Pendelton

• Carol Butler, Activist, Portland

• Elisa Dozono, Attorney, Miller Nash, and Board Member, Japan America Society of Oregon, Portland (Counsel)

• Josh Kardon, Chief of Staff, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Portland (Chair)

Edwards’ state leadership team is here.