01/30/2007

Associated Press

Jim Edmunson, the chairman of the Oregon Democratic Party, will not seek re-election.

Edmunson took over the leadership position eight years ago, when Republicans controlled both the Oregon House and Senate. Today, Democrats control both. Edmunson, a former state representative, was a freshman lawmaker running for re-election in 1990, the year Democrats lost control of the Oregon House.

"I promised myself I would do everything I could to regain control," he said in an interview with The Oregonian. "I never dreamed it would take 16 years."

When asked why he is stepping down, Edmunson cited his success in building the party and his concern that the organization has taken a turn away from campaigns and elections and into the arena of issues and ideology.

"The party should not become a special interest group," Edmunson said. "I remember days when the party was very opinionated — and very irrelevant. I don't want to see us go back to those days where we were just another voice screaming for justice."

Edmunson holds a modern record for longevity as the party's chairman, and Neel Pender, the party's executive director, said the Democrats have benefited from that stability. Pender said he understands Edmunson's concerns about the party potentially heading in a different direction. At a recent meeting, the party created a "legislative action committee" aimed at trying to influence decision-making at the Oregon Legislature.

"Now that the party is in the majority, there is a natural tendency to want to become issue-oriented rather than electoral," Pender said. "Obviously I think the electoral emphasis has to come first."

Edmunson said he has heard from three party activists interested in replacing him — Mac Prichard, Meredith Smith and Carol Voisin. Edmunson says all three are good candidates, and he doesn't expect to endorse anyone.

The filing deadline is Feb. 13, with the election March 10.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com