By: Pioneer Staff
Published: 9/8/2011 4:19:44 PM
Last Updated: 9/13/2011 4:11:16 PM
A release from Republicans on six Mid-Valley lawmakers filing for re-election on Thursday, the first day of the filing period for the May 15 primary. Note: Sen. Fred Girod of Lyons is seeking a second full four-year term to the seat he was appointed to in January 2008; Rep. Sherrie Sprenger of Scio was appointed to Girod’s former House seat and is seeking a thid full term.
Republicans hold 14 seats in the 30-member Senate; eight are up this cycle. They hold 30 seats in the 60-member House; all 60 seats are up this cycle.
(start of release; there are slight editing changes to conform with Statesman Journal mechanical style)
SALEM — Six Mid-Valley Republican legislators today filed paperwork with the secretary of state to run for re-election in 2012. As the state’s filing period begins, the Republicans say they’re prepared to campaign on improving Oregon’s economy and putting people back to work.
Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons, is seeking his second term representing Senate District 9.
“It is a privilege to serve as a voice for Oregon’s rural families and small businesses in the state Senate,” said Girod. “I will continue to champion the cause of Oregon’s entrepreneurs and those struggling to find a job to pay the bills. Oregon should be a place where families can thrive and succeed, and that means getting the economy back on track. I will continue to fight for these shared values as your state senator.”
Rep. Kevin Cameron, R-Salem, the House Republican leader, is seeking his fifth term representing House District 19.
“It’s an honor to represent the citizens of House District 19 in the Oregon House,” Rep. Cameron said. “I’m running for re-election because Oregonians continue to suffer from high unemployment and a lack of opportunities. As a small business owner and experienced lawmaker, I’ll continue to offer new solutions to help put people back to work.”
Rep. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, is seeking her fifth term representing House District 25. She currently serves as co-chair of the Joint Legislative Audits, Information Management and Technology Committee.
“Tens of thousands of Oregonians are still struggling to find a job and feed their families,” Rep. Thatcher said. “It’s vital that we provide leadership to encourage job growth in the private sector. I have been able to make positive changes while in the legislature but there is much yet to do and I will continue working hard to unchain Oregon’s economy.”
Rep. Vic Gilliam, R-Silverton, is seeking his fourth term representing House District 18. He is the co-chair of the House Energy, Environment and Water Committee and the co-chair of the House Human Services Committee.
“Finding ways to get Oregon and Oregonians back to work is my number one priority,” Rep. Gilliam said. “I’m running for re-election because the Legislature should support small and large businesses by encouraging growth, streamlining regulations and restrictions, lowering, not raising taxes and doing all we can to get out of the way of lasting job creation.”
Rep. Sherrie Sprenger, R-Scio, is seeking her fourth term representing House District 17. In addition to serving on a key natural resource committee, she is co-chair of the budget-writing Ways and Means education subcommittee.
“As state representative, I’ll continue to promote the responsible management of our natural resources as a way to provide family-wage jobs for our district and all of rural Oregon,” Rep. Sprenger said. “I will continue to roll up my sleeves and work with my constituents on realistic solutions for improving the economy in our rural communities.”
Rep. Jim Thompson, R-Dallas, is seeking his third term representing House District 23. He is co-chair of the House Health Care Committee.
“As our economy struggles, we need to remember that government does not create jobs,” Rep. Thompson said. “Government’s role is to support workers and employers by doing its part to keep them competitive in a changing world. As State Representative, I’ll continue efforts to reform and create a regulatory structure that rewards hard work and innovation.”
(end of release)
— Peter Wong
