Hood River News

Quietly, Ben joins the fold.

The Oregon State Senate Democratic Caucus issued a press release Tuesday announcing that it welcomes former Republican State senator Ben Westlund as its newest member.

The welcome came after Westlund announced that he is changing his registration from Independent to Democrat.

“We are very happy to have Senator Westlund join our caucus and the Democratic Party,” said Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland). “Senator Westlund will bring a wealth of experience and a valuable Central Oregon perspective to our discussions on critical issues like health care, education and renewable energy.”

In announcing his decision to join the Democratic Party, Westlund said:

“I have said that being an Independent doesn’t mean standing alone, it means choosing who you stand with. This past month, I have found myself rooting for the Democrats’ success on health care, on education funding, on expanding renewable energy. And I think it’s time to get off the sidelines and stand with them.”

In a statement issued Wednesday, Westlund said,
“I knew in my heart when I left the Republican Party last February that they were taking us in the wrong direction, both in the state and nationally. The November election confirmed that belief as Oregonians and Americans also rejected their brand of leadership.

“These last 10 months as an Independent have been exhilarating, yet somewhat lonely. But I don’t think I am alone when I say that the election was more a rejection of Republicans than an affirmation of Democrats. The people have sent the message that they are ready for a new direction and the Democrats have been given an opportunity to make progress on the big issues that will move our state and nation forward.”

In the Caucus press release, Brown noted that “Senator Westlund has always been willing to work across party lines. Everyone in the caucus is looking forward to working with him as we move ahead on the issues that matter to all Oregonians.”

There are two other things worth noting about Westlund’s return to the Democratic Party.

First, it already positions him as the most interesting, if not most electable, Democratic possible to succeed Gov. Kulongoski in 2010.

Second, it restores his political tag to “D-Bend,” thus doing away yet also underlining a short-lived suffix that was both politically awkward and apt: “Ben Westlund, I-Bend.”