Senator Ginny Burdick chosen as designee for Senate President Pro Tempore

GLENEDEN BEACH – At the biennial Senate Democratic Caucus retreat this afternoon, State Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland/Tigard) was selected by her colleagues as their nominee for President Pro Tempore of the Oregon Senate.

Official duties of the Senate President Pro Tempore include presiding over the Senate whenever the President is absent. Additionally, the President Pro Tempore serves as a member of the Senate Democratic Leadership team.

“I’m grateful that my colleagues would choose me for this honor,” said Burdick. “I look forward to working closely with President Peter Courtney and all of my Senate colleagues to address the issues that matter most to the people of Oregon.”

Under Senate Rules, Senator Burdick must receive a majority of votes from the full Senate to be elected President Pro Tempore. Democrats will hold 16 seats in the 2011 Senate, which will convene January 10 for an organizing session to elect leaders, adopt rules, and appoint committees. The regular legislative session begins February 1, 2010.

Burdick was first elected to the Oregon Senate in 1996, and was re-elected in 2000, 2004, and 2008. She currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue, an appointment she received in 2008.

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