Office of the Senate President   900 Court St., N.E., Room S-201 Salem OR  97301 www.leg.state.or.us/senate/senpres

News Release

Contact:    Robin Maxey                                                                  September 30, 2009

                   (503) 986-1605   

                   robin.maxey@state.or.us                                                             

Shields Takes Oath as Newest Senator

(SALEM) State Representative Chip Shields was sworn into office as the newest member of the Oregon Senate Wednesday in a ceremony in the Senate Chamber.

Shields, D-Portland, was appointed September 24 by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners to fill the Senate District 22 seat vacated in August by longtime Senator Margaret Carter. The oath of office was administered by Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul J. De Muniz.

“In the House, Chip Shields has been a relentless advocate for working families and the underserved. He has the determination of a bulldog and a big heart for those who struggle in their everyday lives. He has a bright future in the Senate,” Senate President Peter Courtney said.

Shields, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2004, was in his third term representing District 43 in the Oregon House of Representatives.

As the newest member of the Senate, Shields will participate in Thursday’s scheduled Senate session on executive nominations. Courtney has appointed Shields to the Legislative Emergency Board, which will also meet Thursday.