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Oregon's state government was already dominated by women. But now there's one more, leaving just one man in statewide executive office.
Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, announced this afternoon that she was appointing Bev Clarno, a former speaker of the Oregon House Representatives, to be secretary of state, following the death last month of Dennis Richardson, the state's lone Republican in statewide office. Clarno, also a Republican, represented Redmond in the state House.
Clarno's appointment leaves the state treasurer, Tobias Read, as the lone man among the statewide executive office holders. Three Democratic women already held office: Gov Brown. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Labor and Industries Commissioner Val Hoyle.
“Bev’s career is marked by her trailblazing spirit, focus on fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to Oregonians,” said Brown in a statement. “Bev’s experience as a legislator and as a manager of a large government organization is key to the success of the programs and employees the Secretary of State oversees. I’m confident that Bev will continue the legacy of accountability and integrity that Secretary Richardson left on the office of Secretary of State.”
The choice of Clarno, 83, won praise from Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) and from former state Rep. Knute Beuhler (R-Bend), who ran against Brown in the November gubernatorial race.
Bev Clarno is an excellent choice to lead the Secretary of State’s office. As a legislative leader, no one worked harder to hold agencies accountable to taxpayers. She is smart, independent and a true public servant of the highest caliber.
— Rep. Greg Walden (@repgregwalden) March 30, 2019
I applaud Gov. Brown for her excellent choice of Bev Clarno to be our next Secretary of State. Bev is a great woman of uncompromising integrity and dedication to serving the people of Oregon. #orpol #orleg https://t.co/B91ccwZfB1
— Knute Buehler (@KnuteBuehler) March 30, 2019
Brown had vowed to appoint a Republican who would not seek reelection, just as she did after her ascension to the governorship in 2015 left an opening for a Democrat in the secretary of state's office. (At that time, Brown appointed Jeanne Atkins, who did not seek reelection.)
"I know there is not a Republican way or a Democrat way to oversee elections—there is only a fair and honest way," said Clarno in a statement. "There is not a Republican way or a Democrat way to audit state agencies, there is only a fair, thorough, and honest way. I will administer the key functions of this office in a way that will earn the trust and faith of all Oregonians."
She will take the oath of office on Monday, April 1.