Peter Courtney

Senate Democrats drew a great sigh of relief last March when the filing deadline for legislative candidates came and went and no opposition appeared for any of their vulnerable candidates, particularly Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson of Gresham.  However, that sigh may have been somewhat premature when Republican Dave Kim won a GOP write-in nomination in May.

The legislative Emergency Board approved of $119,000 to fight a grasshopper infestation in eastern Oregon Friday, according to a release from Senate Minority leader Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day).

Speculation is rising that current Senate President Peter Courtney is going to make a run for governor in 2010.  However, it would be a tough choice for the senate leader, as he would have to give up his seat to make the run.

The Oregon Senate Republicans may have little hope of regaining a majority this election cycle, but they decided to put up a fight in the 25th district.  GOP nominee Dave Kim just received $15,000 from the Leadership Fund led by Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli in the race against incumbent Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson.

Senate President Peter Courtney is seeking to strengthen the 19-11 Democratic majority in the State Senate this year, and he’ll be helped by a fundraising event earlier this month that brought in more than $50,000.  Courtney now has over $215,000 in his warchest. 

Despite some highly contentious Oregon races in the 2008 election, speculation on who will run for Governor in 2010 is mounting regularly.

In the race to replace retiring Rep. Darlene Hooley, the following are a few key endorsements to watch for in the Democratic primary as the candidates line up their support. The top GOP endorsements are to follow.

Shot:

Marion County Judge Paul Lipscomb ruled today that it is unconstitutional for the Oregon to hold an emergency special session for the purpose of testing annual sessions, giving Senator Larry George bragging rights in a press release.

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