December 4, 2010
Contact Geoff Sugerman – 503-510-3704
Michael Cox – 503-929-6404
House Democrats Unify Behind Arnie Roblan
as Speaker or Co-Speaker Nominee
Oregon House Democrats today unanimously selected State Rep. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) to be their Speaker or Co-Speaker-nominee for the Oregon House at a caucus meeting Saturday. State Rep. Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas County) will remain as the House Democratic Leader.
House Democrats also reaffirmed their commitment to a true shared governance model with the House split evenly at 30-30.
“I am extremely honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to be the Speaker or Co-Speaker nominee. We are fully prepared to continue discussions with our Republican counterparts as we work to find a fair and equitable governance model,” said Rep. Roblan. “Our core governance values rest with the majority of House members. We support a model that ensures the majority of House members will be able to bring a bill to the floor and that majority rules will also govern House committees. We are fully prepared to continue negotiations, and our caucus has united behind a governance plan that honors the will of the majority of all House members.”
The House Democrats' leadership team is now as follows:
Speaker or Co-Speaker Nominee: State Rep. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay)
Democratic Leader: State Rep. Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas County)
Democratic Whip: State Rep. Tina Kotek (D-N/NE Portland)
Deputy Democratic Whip: State Rep. Tobias Read (D-Beaverton)
Assistant Democratic Leaders: State Rep. Jules Bailey (D- SE Portland), State Rep. Phil Barnhart (D-Central Lane & Linn Counties); State Rep. Val Hoyle (W. Eugene and Junction City); State Rep. Jefferson Smith (D-E. Portland).
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