Former Governor John Kitzhaber and Senator Ben Westlund of Tumalo have declared their support for Governor Kulongoski's reelection.

In a noon event at Porland State University, Kitzhaber praised Ted's leadership on achieving energy independence and called on voters to support him in the election. You can watch video of the announcement below.

Westlund joined Governor Kulongoski at Get Out the Vote rallies Saturday - asking voters to reelect the Governor and vote down Measures 41 and 48. Westlund summarized his support in a release:

Today, I came to the decision to vote for and openly support Governor Ted Kulongoski’s re-election. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. For quite awhile I considered not endorsing at all…but the reason I gave for running, because I care and I’m concerned are my same reasons for endorsing Governor Kulongoski.

[..]

Since leaving the race I have been focused primarily on three things: working for tax reform with a coalition of tri-partisan legislators, co-chairing the Senate Commission on Healthcare Access and Affordability that has found a way to provide basic, affordable healthcare for every Oregonian, and working to defeat Measures 41 and 48, two draconian measures that will keep us from investment on my first two priorities.

In these issues I have found a strong ally in Governor Kulongoski.