Oregon voters elect more than three-quarters of SEIU-endorsed candidates
SEIU volunteers, members and staff did an amazing job of reaching out to fellow members and the general voting public during this election season, helping lead to the victory of 78% of our union-endorsed candidates!
Starting at the top with President Barack Obama’s reelection, Oregon voters make sure State Treasurer Ted Wheeler, Secretary of State Kate Brown, Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and incoming Supreme Court Justice Richard Baldwin all won their seats.
The 2013 Oregon House of Representatives will see a 34-26 Democratic/Republican split (instead of the current 30-30), and the 2013 State Senate will now be 16-14 in favor of the Democrats. Our SEIU-endorsed candidates who will take seats in the Oregon House include Peter Buckley, Paul Holvey, Caddy McKeown, David Gomberg, Phil Barnhart, John Lively, Nancy Nathanson, Val Hoyle, Sarah Gelser, Brian Clem, Betty Komp, Tobias Read, Jeff Barker, Ben Unger, Joe Gallegos, Brad Witt, Deborah Boone, Mitch Greenlick, Chris Harker, Margaret Doherty, Jennifer Williamson, Chris Garrett, Brent Barton, Carolyn Tomei, Jules Kopel Bailey, Lew Frederick, Tina Kotek, Michael Dembrow, Jessica Vega Pederson, Jeff Reardon, Chris Gorsek, Greg Matthews, Shemia Fagan, Greg Smith and Bob Jenson. Unsuccessful SEIU-endorsed House candidates were Ross Swartzendruber, Kathy Campbell, Paul Holman, Claudia Kyle, Wynne Wakkila, Carl Hosticka and Nathan Hovekamp.
Elected (or reelected) to the Oregon State Senate were these SEIU-endorsed candidates: Arnie Roblan, Mark Haas, Laurie Monnes-Anderson, Elizabeth Steiner-Hayward, Ginny Burdick, Diane Rosenbaum, Chip Shields and Jackie Dingfelder. The only SEIU-endorsed Senate candidates who lost their races were Jim Diefenderfer and Steve Frank.
In the City of Portland, SEIU-endorsed Charlie Hales won the mayor’s race, but Mary Nolan was unsuccessful in her attempt to replace City Commissioner Amanda Fritz. Denise Bacon, whom SEIU endorsed, will join the Yamhill County Commission, but Charlotte Lehan and Jamie Damon will be leaving the Clackamas County Commission at the end of the year, and Jeff Scroggin will not be joining the Jackson County Commission. A lot of money and time was spent on these races all across the state, and every endorsed candidate, whether successful in being elected this go-round or not, deserves thanks for their efforts.
Through Monday, Nov. 5, union volunteers, members and staff had knocked on more than 52,000 doors and made more than 170,000 phone calls. Candidates and others recognized the huge and tangible difference our union help made in these races. Congratulations to all!
Charlie Hales Walks A Day In Janitor’s Shoes
MAYORAL CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS
Our Members Asked The Tough Questions That Matter To Working Families
On June 30, mayoral candidates Charlie Hales and Jefferson visited our Union Hall, looking for the endorsement of our members. Our members put the candidates to the test – asking them the tough questions that matter to working families. Though official endorsement from our union has yet to be made, its clear that our members voices were heard and that we will continue to be an important factor in this Mayor’s race.
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Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Healthcare Act!
The health care law will continue its phased in approach.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
1. Children can stay on their parents plan up to the age of 262. No Co-pays or deductibles for primary or preventative care
3. No denial for pre-existing conditions
4. Better deals on prescription drugs for seniors
5. Expanded coverage for people who currently do not have coverage and affordable options for people who may not be able to afford health care, reducing the amount of uncompensated care that hospitals will have in the future
6. Small business tax incentives to provide their workers with health care
Click Here For More Information
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1. JOIN our member Political Justice Committee —
- Get insider information on candidates, campaigns & the legislative sessions
- Help plan and implement political events
- Join us on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the Local 49 office at 3536 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202 –
See the calendar for details or location updates or email Felisa Hagins felisah@seiu49.org
2. Contribute to our Political Action Fund —
It’s the easiest way to make a difference – Combine your money with 2.1 million other members to really make an impact! – Download the form here
3. Volunteer —
on a campaign or come to an event at the capitol. There are lots of ways to get involved – Check the calendar for opportunities and action updates
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News from NATIONAL, OREGON and WASHINGTON
Contact Felisa Hagins, Political Director, SEIU Local 49
Phone: 503-236-4949 x215
Email: felisah@seiu49.org