Portland, Ore. (July 25, 2008) - Oregon Senator and Democratic nominee for State Treasurer Ben Westlund (D-Bend) has received the endorsement of Basic Rights Oregon PAC. The endorsement is the latest in a long list of organizations lining up behind Westlund.
"Senator Westlund has been a strong and effective champion for equal rights and human dignity for all Oregonians," said Jeana Frazzini, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. "Oregonians can put their trust in Ben. He has the courage to stand up and do the right thing."
Westlund, who, in 2005, as a Republican, was a chief sponsor of Senate Bill 1000 to prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and to create civil unions, has cited the issue as one of the deciding factors to change parties.
"I grew increasingly tired of the Republican leadership's intolerance to the rights of our fellow Oregonians," said Westlund. "During my battle with cancer, it became clear to me that all families should be able to care for their loved ones in times of need. Not allowing them to do so denies their humanity."
Now a strong Democrat, Westlund has continued to support equal rights for GLBT Oregonians including his 2007 votes for SB2, preventing discrimination, and for HB2007, allowing domestic partnerships.
Basic Rights Oregon is a nonpartisan, statewide advocacy organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Oregon.
Professionally, Ben works with Northwest Professional Management to develop effective, affordable health care delivery systems. He and his wife Libby, who serves on the Mount Bachelor National Ski Patrol, have two children: a son B.J. (20) and a daughter Taylor (15). They live in Tumalo, just outside Bend.
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