The right-wing is targeting Oregon in the upcoming May special elections and in November. As you recall, Oregon was one of the few locations to withstand the tea party tsunami in 2010. They haven't forgotten and they are determined to take our state.
One of the key races the Koch Brothers want is Labor Commissioner. They are running one of the extremist right-wing tea partiers, who hates unions - for the head of the agency designed to protect union workers.
PLEASE HELP US PROTECT THIS KEY POSITION. More below.
Labor Commissioner is a non-partisan position. However, that doesn't mean the right wing doesn't want to take it over and pervert it for their own regressive, dangerous, 1% purposes.
This is the candidate who needs your support: Brad Avakian.
PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WHAT YOU CAN AT HIS WEBSITE - EVEN IF IT IS ONLY $10.
His opponent is getting huge donations from big corporations:
State Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) reported checks last Friday from a couple of bold-faced names in his effort to unseat incumbent Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian.
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In recent days, Stimson Lumber wrote Starr a $25,000 check and Portland property magnate Melvin "Pete" Mark gave him $1,000. Starr now has $43,000 on hand.
Brad is a great guy who really gets it, and he really needs your support:
As an Eagle Scout, Brad Avakian learned early in life that hard work and commitment could create positive changes in peoples’ lives. These principles have guided Brad throughout his life, and have led him to stand up for workers’ rights as a civil rights attorney and to fight for our children and our environment as a state legislator.
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For the next fifteen years, Brad dedicated his life to representing middle class families. As a civil rights attorney, Brad fought for fair wages, good working conditions and the right to organize and bargain. He also co-founded the Oregon League of Conservation Voters’ Washington County Chapter and was appointed by Governor Barbara Roberts to lead the State Board of Psychologist Examiners. Dedicated to a diverse work force, Brad served as Honorary Chair of the Oregon Business Leadership Network.
During his time in the Oregon Legislature, Brad continued making middle class families his top priority. The Oregon AFL-CIO named him a "Working Families Champion" and gave him a Gold Medal for Leadership. SEIU Local 503 honored Brad for his work to ensure families have access to quality health care.
We only have 6 weeks. This is a critical race. Thank you for your support!