OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Nick Smith
July 18, 2012	503-986-1351

HOUSE REPUBLICANS ELECT NEW CAUCUS LEADERSHIP

SALEM— House Republicans today announced that Rep. Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) has stepped down as caucus leader due to personal reasons, and Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany) has been elected the new House Republican Leader.  Rep. Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) was also elected as Deputy Republican Leader.

Rep. Cameron had the following to say regarding his decision:

“Effective today, I’m stepping down as House Republican Leader for personal reasons relating to my family and small business. I look forward to working with the new leader, and I’ll continue to do whatever I can to help our caucus succeed in 2012 and beyond.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues for giving me the opportunity to serve as their caucus leader. I’m proud of our caucus’ accomplishments over the past 19 months, a productive period when we promoted private sector job creation and made state spending more sustainable. I strongly believe Oregon is in a much better place since we restored balance to Oregon state government and the House of Representatives.

“It’s my honor and privilege to serve as State Representative for House District 19, and I will continue to seek a fifth term. I will maintain my office’s strong emphasis on constituent service, and I will continue to work on policies that benefit all Oregonians.”

Rep. Olson said he looks forward to leading the caucus as it prepares for the upcoming elections and 2013 legislative session:

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as House Republican Leader during this important year,” said Rep. Olson, a retired member of the Oregon State Police.  “The caucus is hard at work developing an agenda that will help put Oregonians back to work and make our state government more efficient and accountable. I’m proud to lead a team that’s capable of spreading our pro-jobs, pro-growth message to all corners of our state.”

Rep. McLane said the caucus’ new leadership will ensure House Republicans remain committed to fixing Oregon’s economy, improving public education and developing a state budget that taxpayers can afford.

“The state isn’t doing enough to create an environment where our small businesses can be successful and hire more workers,” said Rep. McLane, an attorney.  “As a result, the state isn’t generating enough revenue to sustain essential services. We will continue to offer solutions to grow jobs in Oregon.”

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