FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. — Today, the Democratic Party of Oregon kicks off its biennial Oregon Summit, the premier political conference in the Pacific Northwest. The three-day event marks the unofficial launch of the 2012 elections, bringing together the state’s most dynamic and engaged community activists, elected officials, business leaders, aspiring candidates and Democratic supporters.
“There’s nothing quite like the energy and civic engagement on display at the Oregon Summit,” said Meredith Wood Smith, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. “2012 will be a year of new ideas and bold solutions, and the talent and enthusiasm of each participant at Oregon Summit will help to shape our progressive future as Oregonians .”
The theme of this year’s sold-out summit is Resource Oregon, which will focus on the many ways that Oregon can continue to serve as model for the rest of the country: our innovative spirit, progressive values and stewardship of natural resources.
Oregon Summit attendees participate in a wide range of education and advocacy workshops, strategy sessions and political engagement forums. Featured speakers address the most pressing issues facing local communities, the state of Oregon and the nation.
A full schedule of events can be found at: http://oregonsummit.org/schedule-events
Press Registration:
Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend at no cost. Limited walk-up passes are available, though prior notice is appreciated. Press in attendance will be allowed to participate as observers only, and no interview access is planned for elected officials. The Sponsors' Reception is closed to the media.
Please contact Erik Dorey before or upon arrival:
(503) 960-6789 – cell
erik [at] dpo [dot] org
Elected officials selected to speak include:
Governor John Kitzhaber
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer
U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader
Attorney General John Kroger
State Treasurer Ted Wheeler
Secretary of State Kate Brown
Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum,
Senate President Pro-Tempore Ginny Burdick
House Democratic Leader Tina Kotek
Keynote: Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Special guest: U.S. Senator Al Franken of Minnesota
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