New leadership at the DPO

Kari Chisholm

The Democratic Party of Oregon has a new chair. This weekend, in an election entirely of devoid of drama (unlike the Republicans), the DPO elected Frank Dixon as the new chair of the party. The vote was uncontested (unlike six years ago, when there was a robust campaign for the job.)

Frank's been the first vice-chair of the party for six years and founded the party's GLBT caucus. He's also been the board chair of Basic Rights Oregon - and, as a US Army veteran, founded Veterans for Human Rights. From his statement:

"We're not going to rest until Senator Jeff Merkley, the Governor, our Democratic congressional delegation, and majorities in the State House and Senate are reelected on November 4th, 2014. I'm counting on our campaign teams and activists from all thirty-six counties to share the Democratic story--our accomplishments and vision to continue to build a better Oregon. We won't rest because standing at our borders are the likes of Karl Rove and the Koch Brothers, ready to spend whatever it takes to win for the GOP."

In addition, Brad Martin came on board last month as the new executive director at the DPO. He previously served in the same post at the Montana state party, and then joined Howard Dean in DC as part of his leadership team at the DNC. From his statement:

"Oregon has a strong reputation for combining grassroots activism and highly professional campaigns at the county and state level. I'm excited to join Oregon's Democratic team as we look forward to 2014. Together, we'll hold the seats of Senator Jeff Merkley, Governor John Kitzhaber, and our Democratic Congressional delegation, keep our majorities in the Oregon State House and Senate, and elect great Democrats at all levels across the state."

In addition to Frank's election, the DPO also shuffled a few other board spots. Washington County's Karen Packer moves up to first vice-chair from the second slot. And Deschutes County's Wayne Kinney slides into the second vice-chair spot after several years as the DNC Committeman. Tanya Shively remains DPO secretary and Douglas County's Lorna Hayden is the new state party treasurer.

By Kari Chisholm March 11, 2013