Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregonians are remembering the life and career of Treasurer Ben Westlund.

The former state senator from Bend died of cancer Sunday.  He was 60.

On OPB’s Think Out Loud this morning, Senate Majority Whip Alan Bates of Ashland spoke fondly of Westlund.  Bates called him a friend and mentor.

Alan Bates: "He was just one of those bigger than life kind of people.  When you were around him,  you just loved being with him.  He was a fun guy to be with and smart. He did some great work for the state of Oregon.  We just lost one of the giants of the state of Oregon. I'm truly going to miss him."

Secretary of State Kate Brown also appeared on OPB.   She says the deadline for Democrats and Republicans to file to run for state treasurer is Tuesday and cannot be changed.