SEIU REMAINS NEUTRAL IN DEMOCRATIC GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY RACE



The Oregon State Council of the Service Employees International Union voted Saturday to remain neutral in the Democratic gubernatorial primary rather than choose between the two candidates who sought SEIU endorsement, former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury and former Governor John Kitzhaber. SEIU represents more than 50,000 public employees, home and child care providers, and hospital, janitorial, and nursing home workers in Oregon.



'We appreciate the extensive qualifications of both candidates and the admirable dedication to working families each has expressed during our review process," said Linda Burgin, a research analyst in the State Department of Education who is President of SEIU Local 503.



Meg Niemi, President of SEIU Local 49, added: "We wish them well and look forward to revisiting our endorsement process after the primary."



SEIU invites all declared candidates to seek its endorsement by completing a questionnaire, spending a day on the job with a union member, and appearing at a member forum.