Barton will seek Senate seat in 2010

By Matthew Graham

The Clackamas Review, Sep 29, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Rep. Brent Barton (D-Clackamas) announced on Monday, Sept. 28, that he will run for the State Senate District 26, which current Sen. Rick Metsger said he will give up at the end of this term. Barton currently represents half of Metsger’s district.

Barton praised Metsger’s decade of service, saying,“Senator Metsger’s leadership will be missed. He forged bi-partisan consensus on many bills, from transportation to education. His discipline with tax-payer money and willingness to look beyond party labels made him a great senator for this diverse district,” Barton said. “During my time in the Legislature, Sen. Metsger was a friend and mentor. He helped me better represent both my district and all of Oregon,” Barton added.

Metsger, who has served in the Senate for 11 years, will vacate the seat when his term ends next year. He is currently President Pro Tempore of the Oregon Senate.

Though a freshman in the 2009 session, Barton helped pass legislation that aimed at stopping metal theft and preventing prescription drug waste. Barton partnered with Metsger to improve access to government jobs for disabled combat veterans. Again working with Metsger, Barton delivered critical transportation funding that will create jobs in the community.

“Rep. Barton will make a great senator for our district," said Rep. Suzanne VanOrman. "I look forward to working with him and meeting the needs of our district and our state. I support his campaign to serve as our senator.”

Barton knocked on more than 11,000 doors in his 2008 campaign. He vows to work even harder to learn from the voters of Senate District 26. “I look forward to hearing from voters on the doorstep, in town halls, and from their e-mails,” Barton said.