Listening. Learning. Leading.

Friends,

Over the past few months, from Pendleton to Portland, from Medford to Bend and far beyond, I visited many dozen communities across our state and met with everyday Oregonians and experts in many fields, hearing how they feel we can best move our state forward.

I've listened and I've learned. I decided not to run for Governor this year and help lead my friend John Kitzhaber's campaign instead in 2010. Now, I'm going to keep doing my part to build a better future for Oregon.

After touring Oregon, it's clear that our state needs bold, progressive leadership to solve our most difficult challenges.

I've determined that the best place for me to address these challenges right now is to stay in the State House, serving the people of Salem, and chairing the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Communities committee.

I'm running for re-election because I believe I can continue to make a real difference as citizen legislator fighting for the thousands of dedicated public employees who live in my district and standing up to the lobbyists and special interests. And, as Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, I will tirelessly work to bridge the urban and rural divide, fight for Oregon's farmers, and protect our state's natural wonders while sustainably harvesting our abundant natural resources.

If these priorities sound right to you, then I need to ask you once again for your help.

Please help me get my re-election campaign off to a strong start - make a donation right now.

My listening tour started with a simple concept: the best ideas, from bold new visions to specific policies, come from everyday Oregonians. To succeed, our citizens need committed public servants who will listen and then boldly lead on these ideas.

Now that my tour has concluded with a trip to Eastern Oregon for the Pendleton Round-Up, I am ready to get back to Salem and start planning for the upcoming legislative sessions. I'm mapping out how we're going to build a better future. I'll be taking what I learned listening to Oregon and putting it into action in our state government.

My job is to be your voice and I hope you'll keep telling me what's on your mind: if you have an idea to move our state forward, I want to hear it. Please e-mail our campaign and let us know your thoughts on how we can jumpstart Oregon's future.

It is truly an honor to serve the people of House District 21. I look forward to working with you over the coming months as we take our state in bold new directions and build a better, more progressive Oregon for all of us.

For Oregon,