Governor Thanks Supporters, Vows to Build on Accomplishments

For Immediate Release May 16, 2006

Portland – Gov. Ted Kulongoski led Oregon through some of its toughest times, and today voters showed their appreciation in the form of a primary victory. Gov. Kulongoski issued the following statement in response to his party’s nomination for reelection:

"Our state has come a long way over the last three years and tonight’s victory tells me that Oregonians are happy with the progress we have made. We have created more than 100,000 new jobs, increased access to affordable health care to an additional 30,000 kids, and average personal income is up by nearly $3,000 a year.

"Tonight, we’re coming together, we’re working together, and we’re moving forward together. Because tomorrow, the real campaign starts.

"The campaign for Oregon – and for America’s – future begins tomorrow.

"Together we can make a dramatic, long-term investment in our school system from pre-school through graduate school to have the best trained, most-skilled, and best educated workforce in America.

"We can make sure that every uninsured Oregon child has access to quality and affordable health care.

"We can make the investments today that will set our state on a path to energy independence and turn Oregon into America’s leader in renewable energy.

"I’ve never been more enthusiastic or optimistic about the future of our state."

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