Former State Rep. Brian Clem Loans $500,000 to New Political Motion Committee

Former State Rep. Brian Clem (D-Salem) as we speak loaned a brand new political motion committee referred to as Oregonians Are Prepared $500,000.

Clem, who stepped down final yr after his eighth session within the Capitol, was a part of a gaggle of reasonable Democrats more and more at odds with the dominant left wing of the Home Democratic caucus. Becoming a member of him as founding members of the brand new group are 5 different former longtime Democratic lawmakers: former State Sen. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) and former state Reps. Jeff Barker (D-Aloha); Debbie Boone (D-Cannon Seashore); Betty Komp (D-Woodburn); and, Caddie McKeown (D-Coos Bay).

Clem says the PAC is a part of an initiative referred to as Renewing the Oregon Approach, a nod to a time when Democrats and Republicans labored collectively way more usually than they do as we speak. The group expects to boost extra cash and use it to help candidates. Two that Clem mentions are State Reps. Ken Helm (D-Beaverton) and Brad Witt (D-Clatskanie) who’s shifting to Salem and operating for an open seat there. The group may even help new candidates in Portland-area races.

“The purpose is to supply assist for people who suppose compromise just isn’t a grimy phrase and need win-win insurance policies for Oregon,” Clem says.

That is the second time Clem has introduced large cash to a dialog. In 2009, his mother-in-law loaned Clem’s marketing campaign fund $500,000 as he contemplated a run for governor. He stepped apart, nonetheless, when former Gov. John Kitzhaber determined to return to politics after an eight-year absence and efficiently search a 3rd time period.