Oregon Public Broadcasting

Tuesday will be the first full day on the job for Oregon’s three new statewide officeholders.  The three Democrats took the oath of office Monday.  Salem correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

First up was John Kroger, who was sworn in as Attorney General at the Oregon Supreme Court.

John Kroger:  “I, John R. Kroger, do solemnly swear....”

Then, in the Oregon Senate chambers, two former State Senators started their new statewide positions.

Kate Brown became Secretary of State and Ben Westlund became Treasurer.  Westlund vowed to shepherd the state through the current financial downturn.

As chief elections officer, Brown promised to keep up voter interest following a strong turnout at the polls in November.

Kate Brown:  “Young people registered in huge numbers this year, and we need to harness that energy and keep them engaged in public policy-making.”

All three of the new office holders replace people who stepped down, either due to term limits or because of retirement.

More than a dozen new lawmakers will take the oath of office when the Oregon Legislature convenes next Monday.