SD-6: Lee Beyer to mount a comeback
Kari Chisholm
Today, Lee Beyer announced that he's running for State Senate district 6, in the Eugene area. He previously represented that area for ten years in the Legislature, before being appointed in 2001 to the Public Utility Commission by Governor John Kitzhaber.
His spouse, Rep. Terry Beyer, serves in the House. If they both win their races, the Beyers would be yet another husband/wife team in the Lege. Most recently, Karen and John Minnis (R) served together (and much earlier, Ron and Jane Cease - and Stephen and Gretchen Kafoury.)
At the O, Jeff Mapes notes that it's a probable win:
Beyer is seeking the seat being vacated by Sen. Bill Morrissette, D-Springfield. It's been solidly Democratic for years, so Beyer seems well-positioned to regain the seat. It's worth noting that the press release announcing Beyer's candidacy includes a favorable quote from Gov. Ted Kulongoski calling him the "next State Senator serving District 6."
A tipster sent along an email that Beyer sent to PUC staff on Tuesday - subject line "Clearing up the Rumors":
I know that there have been lots of rumors flying around about my future plans. So let me clear things up. I have met with the Governor and told him I plan to retire in early Spring next year. I haven t decided on an exact date but wanted to give the Governor time to seek a replacement.Secondly, I do plan on seeking election to my old Senate position currently held by Senator Bill Morrisette. Bill has informed me that he is not seeking re-election.
This decision was a hard one for me. I really have enjoyed working at the Commission, mostly because of the great group of fellow workers I get to share the day with and your commitment to resolving complicated issues for the benefit of ratepayers. But one has to grab opportunities when they become available, not necessarily when you would like them to occur. As most of you have observed, I enjoy the give and take of the legislative process. I think I might enjoy it even more in retirement without the press of working another job.
Incidentally, Senator Morrisette is seeking the Lane County Commission seat currently held by Bill Dwyer - as reported by Dave Steves at the Register-Guard back in September. At the time, Steves speculated that Beyer might jump into the Senate seat.
Update: With a hat tip to Jack Roberts in the comments, it turns out that Senator Morrisette announced yesterday that he is NOT running for the Lane County Commission, citing health issues.
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3:10 p.m.
Nov 12, '09
Apparently Morrisette has dropped out of the commissioner race due to health issues
3:14 p.m.
Nov 12, '09
We will miss Bill Morrisette in the Legislature very much, but I will be glad to welcome as my "new" Senator a very experienced, knowledgeable and capable former Senator, Lee Beyer. I look forward to working with Lee on the important issues of 2011. He will keep the seat in strong hands and help maintain the progressive Democratic majority in the Oregon Senate.
Nov 12, '09
How long will we wait to hear that Rick Metsger is the new PUC chair?
Nov 12, '09
progressive Democratic majority in the Oregon Senate. Help I need a job!!
Nov 12, '09
Beyer's record is less than stellar when it comes to being progressive - he wasn't liked by labor nor conservationists when he was previously in the legislature. It'll be interesting to see whether he can turn that around. There's nothing more telling than Courtney's "he understands business" comment... huh.
Nov 12, '09
Cafe Today: Metsger at PUC? It ain't gonna happen.
Nov 13, '09
I think Rick Metzger or Vickie Walker would be appropriate choices for PUC chair. They led the effort to protect consumers from utility company tax abuse.
8:40 p.m.
Nov 13, '09
Sen. Morrisette has done an outstanding job representing SD 6 and I wish him and his family all the best. It is a true testimony to his character that he is putting the well being and health of his family before his personal political aspirations.
I think that Lee Beyer will do an excellent job representing SD 6 and will be an excellent addition to the Senate Democratic caucus, he will easily have the support of the majority of the district voters.
Nov 13, '09
I don't know what Rick Metsger's plans are, and I know the comment entered above about naming Metsger as Chair of the PUC was probably meant as a joke, but I would gladly welcome Metsger's appointment to be the PUC Chair if that happened. Metsger has a very good grasp of issues that would need to be handled at the PUC.
Nov 13, '09
"Wasn't liked by labor or conservationists" sounds to me like "thought for himself and refused to be bullied by lobbyists".
There have been times when labor lobbyists and OLCV types adopted an "agree with us or else" tone, just like other lobbyists.
Sometimes it is good for legislators to stand up to such bullying and take their chances with voters. It is better than deciding things behind the scenes.
Nov 14, '09
"Wasn't liked by labor or conservationists" sounds to me like "thought for himself and refused to be bullied by lobbyists".
That, or it means "was well-liked by the business lobby."
Nov 17, '09
Most people would would be watching out for this. Thanks for sharing!
Nov 25, '09
You people from out of state or born after Reagan are so amusing:
How soon you forget Legislative couples:
Ed & Nancie Fadeley (from Beyer's own Springfield District).
And of course the original pair to draw to:
Dick & Maurine Neuberger who both later served in the US Senate.
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