Oregon Public Broadcasting

One of Oregon’s most influential political figures threw his weight Monday into the upcoming U.S. Senate race.

Former Governor John Kitzhaber endorsed Portland lawyer Steve Novick to be the Democratic party’s nominee to challenge incumbent Republican Gordon Smith. Bilal Qureshi reports.

Steve Novick calls himself the ‘fighter with the hard left hook.’ He stood with Kitzhaber as he announced his endorsement.

The former governor says Novick is the right candidate to represent Oregonians in Washington.

John Kitzhaber: “Steve’s a guy whose chief weapon is the truth and if we want to continue to have a secure future, it’s going to require extraordinary straight talk between political leadership and the general public. I think that’s exactly what Steve brings to the table.”

And according to the former governor, that straight talk will have to include solutions for big issues like the economy, climate change and social security.

The race between Novick and Speaker of the House Jeff Merkley for the Democratic nomination has gotten more intense in recent weeks. 

Kitzhaber says despite his endorsement, he would support whichever candidate wins the nomination on May 20th.