Trailblazer legend signs with Metsger's campaign team
 

Sen. Rick Metsger, D-Welches, was surprised with the publicity that resulted from his decision to bring former Trailblazer Bill Walton onboard his campaign for Secretary of State.

This week’s announcement that Walton would serve as honorary chair of Metsger’s bid for the second highest office in Oregon garnered national attention. The political partnership was splashed across headlines in the United States and even aired in a French newspaper.

“It certainly seems like this choice has captured the interest of the people,” said Metsger. “I feel very good about that since my campaign message is that this government should be for everybody, not just for the establishment good old boys.”

Metsger said Walton’s support will help him in that citizens in rural and urban areas are looking for a new kind of leadership..

“Most people spend more time thinking about how to balance work and family and how they will afford to pay their bills than they do about the role government plays in their lives,” stated Metsger in a Jan. 9 press release.

Walton and Metsger have known each other for three decades. Walton led the Blazers to their only NBA title, in 1977; Metsger was a sports anchorman for Portland’s KOIN-TV. Both served as playoff analysts for that station in 1990.

Walton, a change activist dating back to his days at UCLA, agreed to support Metsger out of the belief that it is “time to take our country back” at all levels of government.

“I have known Rick for over 30 years and he is the right person to lead Oregon forward and preserve the very qualities of the state I dearly love,” said Walton in a written statement. Though Walton lives in San Diego, Calif., he will help with campaign spots and pose for photos when in Oregon.

Metsger said Walton, in addition to being named to the NBA Hall of Fame, is a member of the Grateful Dead Hall of Honor. He said the basketball player’s love for the iconic American band has led him to attend over 700 concerts.

“Maybe we will adopt The Grateful Dead’s hit song ‘Truckin’ as our unofficial campaign theme song,” said Metsger, who is now on the road almost as much as he is home.

Metsger, whose 26th Senate District encompasses Hood River County, has three challengers for the seat that is being vacated by Bill Bradbury this year due to term limits. Democrats also running include Kate Brown, of Portland, Vicki Walker, of Eugene, and Brad Avakian, of Bethany.