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{{short description|American politician}}
⚫
{{Infobox Politician

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{{Infobox officeholder
| name=Ben Westlund
| name=Ben Westlund
| image = Ben Westlund Forward Oregon.jpg
| image = Ben Westlund Forward Oregon.jpg
| imagesize=
| imagesize=
| office = 27th [[Oregon State Treasurer]]
| office = 27th [[Oregon State Treasurer|Treasurer of Oregon]]
| governor=[[Ted Kulongoski]]
| term_start = January 5, 2009
| term_start = January 5, 2009
| term_end = March 7, 2010
| term_end = March 7, 2010
| predecessor = [[Randall Edwards (politician)|Randall Edwards]]
| predecessor = [[Randall Edwards (politician)|Randall Edwards]]
| successor = [[Ted Wheeler]]
| successor = [[Ted Wheeler]]
| state_senate2=Oregon
| state_senate2=Oregon State
| district2=27th
| district2=27th
| term2=2003–2008
| term2=2003–2008
| preceded2 = Beverly Clarno
| preceded2 = [[Bev Clarno]]
| succeeded2 =[[Chris Telfer]]
| succeeded2 =[[Chris Telfer]]
| state_house3=Oregon
| state_house3=Oregon
| district3=53rd
| district3=53rd
| term3=1997–2003
| term3=1997–2003
| preceded3=Beverly Clarno
| preceded3=Bev Clarno
| succeeded3=[[Gene Whisnant]]
| succeeded3=[[Gene Whisnant]]
| party=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] <small>(2006–2010)</small><br/>Independent <small>(2006)</small><br/>[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] <small>(1996–2006)</small>
| party=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] (2006–2010)
| otherparty=[[Independent politician|Independent]] (2006)<br/>[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] (1996–2006)
| birth_name = Bernard John Westlund II
| birth_date= {{birth date|1949|9|3}}
| birth_date= {{birth date|1949|9|3}}
| birth_place=[[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| birth_place=[[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
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| spouse= Libby
| spouse= Libby
| residence=[[Tumalo, Oregon|Tumalo]], [[Oregon]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| residence=[[Tumalo, Oregon|Tumalo]], [[Oregon]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| religion=[[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal]]
}}
}}
'''Ben Westlund''' (September 3, 1949 – March 7, 2010) was an [[United States|American]] politician in the U.S. state of [[Oregon]]. A [[Democratic Party of Oregon|Democrat]], he was elected [[Oregon State Treasurer|State Treasurer]] in 2008. Previously, Westlund served in both houses of the [[Oregon Legislative Assembly]], as a [[Oregon Republican Party|Republican]] from 1996 to 2006, as an [[independent (politician)|independent]] from 2006 to 2007, and then as a Democrat. Westlund dropped his Republican party affiliation to run for [[Governor of Oregon]] in [[Oregon gubernatorial election, 2006|the 2006 election]], but dropped out of the race in August. In December 2006 he became a Democrat.<ref name="bend">{{cite news|url=http://www.benwestlund.com/insert_news_bulletin-democrat-12-12-06.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928041505/http://www.benwestlund.com/insert_news_bulletin-democrat-12-12-06.html|archivedate=2007-09-28|title=Independent Westlund switches to Democrat|last=Sinks|first=James|date=December 12, 2006|work=The Bend Bulletin|accessdate=2009-04-27}}</ref> Westlund worked as a [[business analyst]], and ran businesses in [[mining]], [[ranching]], and [[agriculture]].<ref name="treasurer">{{cite web|url=http://www.ost.state.or.us/about/treasurer/index.htm|title=Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund|publisher=Office of the State Treasurer|accessdate=2009-04-27|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080731091134/http%3A//www.ost.state.or.us/about/treasurer/index.htm |archivedate = July 31, 2008|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
'''Bernard John''' "'''Ben'''" '''Westlund II''' (September 3, 1949 – March 7, 2010) was an American politician in the U.S. state of [[Oregon]]. A [[Democratic Party of Oregon|Democrat]], he was elected [[Oregon State Treasurer|State Treasurer]] in 2008. Previously, Westlund served in both houses of the [[Oregon Legislative Assembly]], as a [[Oregon Republican Party|Republican]] from 1996 to 2006, as an [[independent (politician)|independent]] from 2006 to 2007, and then as a Democrat. Westlund dropped his Republican party affiliation to run for [[Governor of Oregon]] in [[Oregon gubernatorial election, 2006|the 2006 election]], but dropped out of the race in August. In December 2006 he became a Democrat.<ref name="bend">{{cite news|url=http://www.benwestlund.com/insert_news_bulletin-democrat-12-12-06.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928041505/http://www.benwestlund.com/insert_news_bulletin-democrat-12-12-06.html|archivedate=2007-09-28|title=Independent Westlund switches to Democrat|last=Sinks|first=James|date=December 12, 2006|work=The Bend Bulletin|accessdate=2009-04-27}}</ref> Westlund worked as a [[business analyst]], and ran businesses in [[mining]], [[ranching]], and [[agriculture]].<ref name="treasurer">{{cite web|url=http://www.ost.state.or.us/about/treasurer/index.htm|title=Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund|publisher=Office of the State Treasurer|accessdate=2009-04-27|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080731091134/http://www.ost.state.or.us/about/treasurer/index.htm |archivedate = July 31, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Westlund was born in [[Long Beach, California]] and his family moved to Oregon when he was a teenager. He graduated from [[Oregon Episcopal School]] in 1967, then received a [[bachelor's degree]] from [[Whitman College]]<ref name=race2008>{{cite news|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2008/09/financial_meltdown_figures_int.html|title=Financial meltdown figures into Oregon treasurer's race|last=Walsh|first=Edward|date=September 25, 2008|work=The Oregonian|accessdate=2008-09-26| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080929071614/http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2008/09/financial_meltdown_figures_int.html| archivedate= 29 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> in education and history and pursued some graduate studies at the [[University of Oregon]]. He moved to [[Central Oregon]] in 1974 and lived near Bend, running a ranch, with his wife Libby and two children, son B.J. and daughter Taylor.<ref name="treasurer"/>
Westlund was born in [[Long Beach, California]], and his family moved to Oregon when he was a teenager. He graduated from [[Oregon Episcopal School]] in 1967, then received a [[bachelor's degree]] from [[Whitman College]]<ref name=race2008>{{cite news|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2008/09/financial_meltdown_figures_int.html|title=Financial meltdown figures into Oregon treasurer's race|last=Walsh|first=Edward|date=September 25, 2008|work=The Oregonian|accessdate=2008-09-26| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080929071614/http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2008/09/financial_meltdown_figures_int.html| archivedate= 29 September 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> in education and history and pursued some graduate studies at the [[University of Oregon]]. He moved to [[Central Oregon]] in 1974 and lived near Bend, running a ranch, with his wife Libby and two children, son B.J. and daughter Taylor.<ref name="treasurer"/>


Westlund was arrested for [[drunk driving]] and possession of [[cocaine]] in 1982. He credited that incident with convincing him to stop drinking. He later served in the [[Oregon Legislative Assembly|Oregon Legislature]] with the arresting officer, Rep. [[John Minnis]].<ref>[http://www.pdxnorml.org/O_Petitioners_100497.html Petitioners expect to suspend law recriminalizing pot]</ref>
Westlund was arrested for [[drunk driving]] and possession of [[cocaine]] in 1982. He credited that incident with convincing him to stop drinking. He later served in the [[Oregon Legislative Assembly|Oregon Legislature]] with the arresting officer, Rep. [[John Minnis]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pdxnorml.org/O_Petitioners_100497.html |title=Petitioners expect to suspend law recriminalizing pot |access-date=2006-01-12 |archive-date=2005-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051219015128/http://pdxnorml.org/O_Petitioners_100497.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Oregon legislature ==
== Oregon legislature ==
In 1996, Westlund won election to the [[Oregon House of Representatives]] as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]].<ref name="bend"/> During four terms in the House, his most notable work was done as co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee, to which he was appointed in 2001. He unsuccessfully argued for the creation of a state [[sales tax]] as a means to balance the budget during a [[revenue]] shortfall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsweekly.com/oregon_newspaper_archive/11-10-05archive/localnews1.asp |title=The Wild Card? Source Weekly, 10 November 2005 |accessdate=2006-01-12 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060512075554/http://www.tsweekly.com/oregon_newspaper_archive/11-10-05archive/localnews1.asp |archivedate=2006-05-12 |df= }}</ref>
In 1996, Westlund won election to the [[Oregon House of Representatives]] as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]].<ref name="bend"/> During four terms in the House, his most notable work was done as co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee, to which he was appointed in 2001. He unsuccessfully argued for the creation of a state [[sales tax]] as a means to balance the budget during a [[revenue]] shortfall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsweekly.com/oregon_newspaper_archive/11-10-05archive/localnews1.asp |title=The Wild Card? Source Weekly, 10 November 2005 |accessdate=2006-01-12 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060512075554/http://www.tsweekly.com/oregon_newspaper_archive/11-10-05archive/localnews1.asp |archivedate=2006-05-12 }}</ref>


That same year, he co-sponsored legislation to create the [[Oregon Cultural Trust]],<ref>[http://www.culturaltrust.org/about/oregon_cultural_trust_history.php Oregon Cultural Trust : History of the Oregon Cultural Trust] {{wayback|url=http://www.culturaltrust.org/about/oregon_cultural_trust_history.php |date=20060108041950 }}</ref> and subsequently came under fire for seeking to head the newly created organization. He served on the Cultural Trust's board until his election as State Treasurer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagw.org/site/DocServer/Oregon_Pig_Book_-_Finalpdf.pdf?docID%3D161 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2006-01-12 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509074650/http://www.cagw.org:80/site/DocServer/Oregon_Pig_Book_-_Finalpdf.pdf?docID=161 |archivedate=2006-05-09 |df= }}</ref>
That same year, he co-sponsored legislation to create the [[Oregon Cultural Trust]],<ref>[http://www.culturaltrust.org/about/oregon_cultural_trust_history.php Oregon Cultural Trust : History of the Oregon Cultural Trust] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060108041950/http://www.culturaltrust.org/about/oregon_cultural_trust_history.php |date=January 8, 2006 }}</ref> and subsequently came under fire for seeking to head the newly created organization. He served on the Cultural Trust's board until his election as State Treasurer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cagw.org/site/DocServer/Oregon_Pig_Book_-_Finalpdf.pdf?docID%3D161 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2006-01-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509074650/http://www.cagw.org/site/DocServer/Oregon_Pig_Book_-_Finalpdf.pdf?docID=161 |archivedate=2006-05-09 }}</ref>


In what would be Westlund's last House race, he defeated [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Cylvia Hayes]], a [[Bend, Oregon|Bend]] businesswoman who later became Oregon's first lady during the third and fourth terms of Governor [[John Kitzhaber]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-32290-oregon_first_lady_cylvia_hayes_undisclosed_third_marriage_was_to_18_year_old_immigrant.html|agency=Willamette Week|title=Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes' Undisclosed Third Marriage Was to 18-Year-Old Immigrant|first=Nigel|last=Jaquiss|date=October 8, 2014|accessdate=January 15, 2015}}</ref>
In what would be Westlund's last House race, he defeated [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Cylvia Hayes]], a [[Bend, Oregon|Bend]] businesswoman who later became Oregon's first lady during the third and fourth terms of Governor [[John Kitzhaber]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-32290-oregon_first_lady_cylvia_hayes_undisclosed_third_marriage_was_to_18_year_old_immigrant.html|agency=Willamette Week|title=Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes' Undisclosed Third Marriage Was to 18-Year-Old Immigrant|first=Nigel|last=Jaquiss|date=October 8, 2014|accessdate=January 15, 2015|archive-date=January 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117005335/http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-32290-oregon_first_lady_cylvia_hayes_undisclosed_third_marriage_was_to_18_year_old_immigrant.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2003, Westlund was appointed to the [[Oregon Senate]] to complete the term of retiring Sen. [[Bev Clarno]].<ref name="bend"/> He won election to that same seat in 2004, also gaining the local Democratic nomination and facing only token opposition on the ballot.<ref>[http://mom.deschutes.org/election/archive/20041102.htm#State%20Senator,%2027th%20District Deschutes County,Oregon General Election November 2, 2004] {{wayback|url=http://mom.deschutes.org/election/archive/20041102.htm#State%20Senator,%2027th%20District |date=20050330134101 }}</ref> He represented District 27 in the Senate, which covers most of [[Deschutes County, Oregon|Deschutes County]] and includes the city of [[Bend, Oregon|Bend]].
In 2003, Westlund was appointed to the [[Oregon Senate]] to complete the term of retiring Sen. [[Bev Clarno]].<ref name="bend"/> He won election to that same seat in 2004, also gaining the local Democratic nomination and facing only token opposition on the ballot.<ref>[http://mom.deschutes.org/election/archive/20041102.htm#State%20Senator,%2027th%20District Deschutes County, Oregon General Election November 2, 2004] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050330134101/http://mom.deschutes.org/election/archive/20041102.htm#State%20Senator,%2027th%20District |date=March 30, 2005 }}</ref> He represented District 27 in the Senate, which covers most of [[Deschutes County, Oregon|Deschutes County]] and includes the city of [[Bend, Oregon|Bend]].


During the 2004 election, Westlund endorsed [[Oregon Ballot Measure 36 (2004)|Ballot Measure 36]], which outlawed [[gay marriage|same-sex marriage]] in Oregon.<ref>[http://oregonvotes.org/pages/history/archive/nov22004/guide/meas/m36_fav.html Measure 36 - Arguments in Favor]</ref> After learning that research claims by Measure 36 proponents on which he had relied were rejected by the researcher, he personally called the researcher to apologize, expressing regret for supporting the measure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yaleherald.com/article.php?Article=3783 |title=The Yale Herald - November 12, 2004 - Gay marriage critics misuse Yale study |accessdate=2007-07-05 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041207031400/http://www.yaleherald.com/article.php?Article=3783 |archivedate=2004-12-07 |df= }}</ref> He subsequently sponsored a bill in the legislature to allow [[civil union]]s. That effort was defeated in part thanks to opposition by Speaker of the House [[Karen Minnis]], wife of the officer who arrested Westlund in 1982.<ref>[http://www.brainstormnw.com/archive/jul04_feature.html Brainstorm Nw]</ref> Civil union legislation was later resurrected and passed in the [[Seventy-fourth Oregon Legislative Assembly|2007 legislature]], becoming law in 2008.
During the 2004 election, Westlund endorsed [[Oregon Ballot Measure 36 (2004)|Ballot Measure 36]], which outlawed [[gay marriage|same-sex marriage]] in Oregon.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Recordpdf/6873502 |title=Measure 36 - Arguments in Favor |access-date=2019-08-21 |archive-date=2019-08-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822121508/http://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Recordpdf/6873502 |url-status=live }}</ref> After learning that research claims by Measure 36 proponents on which he had relied were rejected by the researcher, he personally called the researcher to apologize, expressing regret for supporting the measure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yaleherald.com/article.php?Article=3783 |title=The Yale Herald - November 12, 2004 - Gay marriage critics misuse Yale study |accessdate=2007-07-05 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041207031400/http://www.yaleherald.com/article.php?Article=3783 |archivedate=2004-12-07 }}</ref> He subsequently sponsored a bill in the legislature to allow [[civil union]]s. That effort was defeated in part thanks to opposition by Speaker of the House [[Karen Minnis]], wife of the officer who arrested Westlund in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.brainstormnw.com/archive/jul04_feature.html |title=Brainstorm Nw |access-date=2006-08-10 |archive-date=2006-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060527124031/http://www.brainstormnw.com/archive/jul04_feature.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Civil union legislation was later resurrected and passed in the [[Seventy-fourth Oregon Legislative Assembly|2007 legislature]], becoming law in 2008.


Westlund was [[pro-choice]] and supported access to the [[morning-after pill]]. During his time in the legislature, however, he had supported some restrictions on [[abortion]]. In 2003 he backed House Bill 2547<ref>[http://www.leg.state.or.us/03reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2547.a.html Relating to information that a health care provider must provide to a female at least 24 hours before performing an abortion in order to obtain the female's informed consent to the abortion; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 435.496] {{wayback|url=http://www.leg.state.or.us/03reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2547.a.html |date=20070102202421 }}</ref> and in 2005 he backed H.B. 2532.<ref>[http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2532.intro.html Relating to the reporting of information about abortion; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 432.333 and 435.496] {{wayback|url=http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2532.intro.html |date=20060109165643 }}</ref> Both would have created a 24-hour waiting period for women wishing to receive an abortion and required doctors to read a statement to patients about abortion. In 2005, he also supported H.B. 2605,<ref>[http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2600.dir/hb2605.intro.html Relating to notification to a parent prior to performing an abortion on a minor] {{wayback|url=http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2600.dir/hb2605.intro.html |date=20110611081501 }}</ref> a [[parental notification]] bill, and H.B. 2020,<ref>[http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2000.dir/hb2020.intro.html Relating to establishing an unborn child as the legal victim of a crime that results in harm to the unborn child; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 163.005, 163.095, 163] {{wayback|url=http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2000.dir/hb2020.intro.html |date=20060112172742 }}</ref> which would have expanded Oregon's criminal [[homicide]] law, redefining "human beings" to include [[fetus]]es and [[embryo]]s at any stage of development.
Westlund was [[pro-choice]] and supported access to the [[morning-after pill]]. During his time in the legislature, however, he had supported some restrictions on [[abortion]]. In 2003 he backed House Bill 2547<ref>[http://www.leg.state.or.us/03reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2547.a.html Relating to information that a health care provider must provide to a female at least 24 hours before performing an abortion in order to obtain the female's informed consent to the abortion; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 435.496] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102202421/http://www.leg.state.or.us/03reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2547.a.html |date=January 2, 2007 }}</ref> and in 2005 he backed H.B. 2532.<ref>[http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2532.intro.html Relating to the reporting of information about abortion; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 432.333 and 435.496] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060109165643/http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2532.intro.html |date=January 9, 2006 }}</ref> Both would have created a 24-hour waiting period for women wishing to receive an abortion and required doctors to read a statement to patients about abortion. In 2005, he also supported H.B. 2605,<ref>[http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2600.dir/hb2605.intro.html Relating to notification to a parent prior to performing an abortion on a minor] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611081501/http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2600.dir/hb2605.intro.html |date=June 11, 2011 }}</ref> a [[parental notification]] bill, and H.B. 2020,<ref>[http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2000.dir/hb2020.intro.html Relating to establishing an unborn child as the legal victim of a crime that results in harm to the unborn child; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 163.005, 163.095, 163] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060112172742/http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/hb2000.dir/hb2020.intro.html |date=January 12, 2006 }}</ref> which would have expanded Oregon's criminal [[homicide]] law, redefining "human beings" to include [[fetus]]es and [[embryo]]s at any stage of development.


== Statewide office ==
== Statewide office ==
{{Main|2008 Oregon State Treasurer election}}
Following his switch to the Democratic Party, there was speculation that Westlund would run against [[United States Republican Party|Republican]] incumbent U.S. Senator [[Gordon Smith (politician)|Gordon Smith]]. On October 3, 2007, however, in a press conference attended by Governor [[Ted Kulongoski]], he announced his candidacy for the office of [[Oregon State Treasurer]]. He won the Democratic [[primary election|primary]] and defeated [[Allen Alley]] in the November 2008 general election.<ref name=race2008/> He was sworn in on January 5, 2009.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} Westlund was one of the first statewide officeholder to be cross-nominated by the [[Independent Party of Oregon]].
Following his switch to the Democratic Party, there was speculation that Westlund would run against [[United States Republican Party|Republican]] incumbent U.S. Senator [[Gordon Smith (politician)|Gordon Smith]]. On October 3, 2007, however, in a press conference attended by Governor [[Ted Kulongoski]], he announced his candidacy for the office of [[Oregon State Treasurer]]. He won the Democratic [[Partisan primary|primary]] and defeated [[Allen Alley]] in the November 2008 general election.<ref name=race2008/> He was sworn in on January 5, 2009.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} Westlund was one of the first statewide officeholders to be cross-nominated by the [[Independent Party of Oregon]].


== 2006 Governor's race ==
== 2006 Governor's race ==
{{main|Oregon gubernatorial election, 2006}}
{{main|2006 Oregon gubernatorial election}}
On February 14, 2006, Westlund dropped his Republican registration, registered as an [[independent (politician)|independent]] and declared his candidacy for Governor.<ref>[http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060215/NEWS0107/602150347/1001&nav_category= Westlund launches bid to be governor - The Bulletin, 15 February 2006]</ref> While Westlund gathered over 36,000 signatures<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westlundforgovernor.com/documents/release_signatures_7-24-06.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2006-08-17 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927161226/http://www.westlundforgovernor.com/documents/release_signatures_7-24-06.pdf |archivedate=2007-09-27 |df= }}</ref> (18,386 valid signatures required by August 29, 2006 for [[ballot access]]), he withdrew from the race for governor on August 10, 2006, citing that he did not want to be a [[spoiler effect|spoiler]] in the election.<ref>[http://www.salem-news.com/articles/august102006/westlund_81006.php Ben Westlund Withdraws From Oregon Governor's Race - Salem-News.Com]</ref>
On February 14, 2006, Westlund dropped his Republican registration, registered as an [[independent (politician)|independent]] and declared his candidacy for Governor.<ref>[http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060215/NEWS0107/602150347/1001&nav_category= Westlund launches bid to be governor - The Bulletin, 15 February 2006]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> While Westlund gathered over 36,000 signatures<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westlundforgovernor.com/documents/release_signatures_7-24-06.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2006-08-17 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927161226/http://www.westlundforgovernor.com/documents/release_signatures_7-24-06.pdf |archivedate=2007-09-27 }}</ref> (18,386 valid signatures required by August 29, 2006, for [[ballot access]]), he withdrew from the race for governor on August 10, 2006, citing that he did not want to be a [[spoiler effect|spoiler]] in the election.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.salem-news.com/articles/august102006/westlund_81006.php |title=Ben Westlund Withdraws From Oregon Governor's Race - Salem-News.Com |access-date=2006-08-30 |archive-date=2006-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019131109/http://www.salem-news.com/articles/august102006/westlund_81006.php |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Health issues and death ==
== Health issues and death ==
Westlund was diagnosed with [[lung cancer]] in 2003, for which he underwent surgery, [[radiation therapy|radiation]] and [[chemotherapy]]. Although the cancer was in [[remission (medicine)|remission]] for some time,<ref>[http://wweek.com/editorial/3225/7482/ “Ben Westlund” | Willamette Week | April 26th, 2006]</ref> Westlund died of cancer on March 7, 2010 while in office.<ref>[http://www.kgw.com/news/State-Treasurer-Westlund-succumbs-to-cancer-86766852.html Treasurer Westlund succumbs to cancer | kgw.com | KGW News | Portland, Oregon]</ref><ref>{{cite web
Westlund was diagnosed with [[lung cancer]] in 2003, for which he underwent surgery, [[radiation therapy|radiation]] and [[chemotherapy]]. Although the cancer was in [[remission (medicine)|remission]] for some time,<ref>[http://wweek.com/editorial/3225/7482/ “Ben Westlund” | Willamette Week | April 26th, 2006] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121133449/http://wweek.com/editorial/3225/7482/ |date=2008-11-21 }}</ref> Westlund died of cancer on March 7, 2010, while in office.<ref>[http://www.kgw.com/news/State-Treasurer-Westlund-succumbs-to-cancer-86766852.html Treasurer Westlund succumbs to cancer | kgw.com | KGW News | Portland, Oregon] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420060740/http://www.kgw.com/news/State-Treasurer-Westlund-succumbs-to-cancer-86766852.html |date=2010-04-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|title=Westlund Loses Battle With Cancer
|title = Westlund Loses Battle With Cancer
|date=March 7, 2010
|date = March 7, 2010
|first=Chris
|first = Chris
|last=Lehman
|last = Lehman
|work=Capitol Currents
|work = Capitol Currents
|url=http://www.capitolcurrents.com/2010/03/westlund-loses-battle-with-cancer.html
|url = http://www.capitolcurrents.com/2010/03/westlund-loses-battle-with-cancer.html
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110708115019/http://www.capitolcurrents.com/2010/03/westlund-loses-battle-with-cancer.html
|archivedate = July 8, 2011
}}</ref>
}}</ref>

==Electoral history==
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2004 Oregon State Senator, [[Oregon's 27th Senate district|27th district]]<ref>{{cite web
| title = Official Results &#124; November 2, 2004
| url = http://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Recordhtml/6873503
| website = Oregon Secretary of State
| access-date = October 30, 2023
| archive-date = September 10, 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230910004416/http://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Recordhtml/6873503
| url-status = live }}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Ben Westlund
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 50,840
| percentage = 82.3}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Don Loyd
| party = Constitution Party (United States)
| votes = 9,932
| percentage = 16.1}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 981
| percentage = 1.6}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 61,753
| percentage = 100%}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2008 [[Oregon State Treasurer]] election<ref>{{cite web
| title = Official Results &#124; November 4, 2008
| url = http://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Recordhtml/6873598
| website = Oregon Secretary of State
| access-date = October 30, 2023
| archive-date = September 10, 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230910004214/http://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Recordhtml/6873598
| url-status = live }}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Ben Westlund
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 847,590
| percentage = 51.1}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = [[Allen Alley]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 750,484
| percentage = 45.3}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Michael Marsh
| party = Constitution Party (United States)
| votes = 56,581
| percentage = 3.4}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 3,529
| percentage = 0.2}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 1,658,184
| percentage = 100%}}
{{Election box end}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080731091134/http%3A//www.ost.state.or.us/about/treasurer/index.htm Biography from State Treasurer's Office]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080731091134/http://www.ost.state.or.us/about/treasurer/index.htm Biography from State Treasurer's Office]
* [http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=11041 Project Vote Smart - Senator Ben Westlund (OR)] profile
* [http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=11041 Project Vote Smart - Senator Ben Westlund (OR)] profile
* ''Follow the Money'' - Ben Westlund
* ''Follow the Money'' - Ben Westlund
** [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=81785 2006] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=63782 2004] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=4948 2002] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=48839 2000] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=48639 1998] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=48389 1996] campaign contributions
** [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=81785 2006] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=63782 2004] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=4948 2002] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=48839 2000] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=48639 1998] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=48389 1996] campaign contributions
* [http://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Record?q=recTitle:2004+general&sortBy=recCreatedOn- Nov. 2, 2004 Voters' Pamphlet]
* [http://oregonvotes.org/pages/history/archive/nov22004/guide/cand/westl_b.html Ben Westlund 2004 Voter's Guide]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050330134101/http://mom.deschutes.org:80/election/archive/20041102.htm#State%20Senator,%2027th%20District Official 2004 Election Results Deschutes County Clerk]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050330134101/http://mom.deschutes.org/election/archive/20041102.htm#State%20Senator,%2027th%20District Official 2004 Election Results Deschutes County Clerk]


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
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{{s-aft|after=[[Ted Wheeler]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Ted Wheeler]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Westlund, Ben}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Westlund, Ben}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:2010 deaths]]
[[Category:2010 deaths]]
[[Category:Oregon State Senators]]
[[Category:Oregon state senators]]
[[Category:Members of the Oregon House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Members of the Oregon House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Oregon Democrats]]
[[Category:Oregon Democrats]]
[[Category:People from Long Beach, California]]
[[Category:Politicians from Long Beach, California]]
[[Category:University of Oregon alumni]]
[[Category:University of Oregon alumni]]
[[Category:Oregon Republicans]]
[[Category:Oregon Republicans]]
[[Category:Lung cancer survivors]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in Oregon]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in Oregon]]
[[Category:State treasurers of Oregon]]
[[Category:State treasurers of Oregon]]
[[Category:Whitman College alumni]]
[[Category:Whitman College alumni]]
[[Category:Ranchers from Oregon]]
[[Category:Ranchers from Oregon]]
[[Category:Oregon Independents]]
[[Category:Oregon independents]]
[[Category:21st-century members of the Oregon Legislative Assembly]]
[[Category:American people of Swedish descent]]
[[Category:Oregon Episcopal School alumni]]

Latest revision as of 05:06, 7 December 2024

Ben Westlund
27th Treasurer of Oregon
In office
January 5, 2009 – March 7, 2010
GovernorTed Kulongoski
Preceded byRandall Edwards
Succeeded byTed Wheeler
Member of the Oregon State Senate
from the 27th district
In office
2003–2008
Preceded byBev Clarno
Succeeded byChris Telfer
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives
from the 53rd district
In office
1997–2003
Preceded byBev Clarno
Succeeded byGene Whisnant
Personal details
Born
Bernard John Westlund II

(1949-09-03)September 3, 1949
Long Beach, California, U.S.
DiedMarch 7, 2010(2010-03-07) (aged 60)
Bend, Oregon, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic (2006–2010)
Other political
affiliations		Independent (2006)
Republican (1996–2006)
SpouseLibby
Residence(s)Tumalo, Oregon, U.S.
Alma materWhitman College
OccupationRancher

Bernard John "Ben" Westlund II (September 3, 1949 – March 7, 2010) was an American politician in the U.S. state of Oregon. A Democrat, he was elected State Treasurer in 2008. Previously, Westlund served in both houses of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, as a Republican from 1996 to 2006, as an independent from 2006 to 2007, and then as a Democrat. Westlund dropped his Republican party affiliation to run for Governor of Oregon in the 2006 election, but dropped out of the race in August. In December 2006 he became a Democrat.[1] Westlund worked as a business analyst, and ran businesses in mining, ranching, and agriculture.[2]

Early life

[edit]

Westlund was born in Long Beach, California, and his family moved to Oregon when he was a teenager. He graduated from Oregon Episcopal School in 1967, then received a bachelor's degree from Whitman College[3] in education and history and pursued some graduate studies at the University of Oregon. He moved to Central Oregon in 1974 and lived near Bend, running a ranch, with his wife Libby and two children, son B.J. and daughter Taylor.[2]

Westlund was arrested for drunk driving and possession of cocaine in 1982. He credited that incident with convincing him to stop drinking. He later served in the Oregon Legislature with the arresting officer, Rep. John Minnis.[4]

Oregon legislature

[edit]

In 1996, Westlund won election to the Oregon House of Representatives as a Republican.[1] During four terms in the House, his most notable work was done as co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee, to which he was appointed in 2001. He unsuccessfully argued for the creation of a state sales tax as a means to balance the budget during a revenue shortfall.[5]

That same year, he co-sponsored legislation to create the Oregon Cultural Trust,[6] and subsequently came under fire for seeking to head the newly created organization. He served on the Cultural Trust's board until his election as State Treasurer.[7]

In what would be Westlund's last House race, he defeated Democrat Cylvia Hayes, a Bend businesswoman who later became Oregon's first lady during the third and fourth terms of Governor John Kitzhaber.[8]

In 2003, Westlund was appointed to the Oregon Senate to complete the term of retiring Sen. Bev Clarno.[1] He won election to that same seat in 2004, also gaining the local Democratic nomination and facing only token opposition on the ballot.[9] He represented District 27 in the Senate, which covers most of Deschutes County and includes the city of Bend.

During the 2004 election, Westlund endorsed Ballot Measure 36, which outlawed same-sex marriage in Oregon.[10] After learning that research claims by Measure 36 proponents on which he had relied were rejected by the researcher, he personally called the researcher to apologize, expressing regret for supporting the measure.[11] He subsequently sponsored a bill in the legislature to allow civil unions. That effort was defeated in part thanks to opposition by Speaker of the House Karen Minnis, wife of the officer who arrested Westlund in 1982.[12] Civil union legislation was later resurrected and passed in the 2007 legislature, becoming law in 2008.

Westlund was pro-choice and supported access to the morning-after pill. During his time in the legislature, however, he had supported some restrictions on abortion. In 2003 he backed House Bill 2547[13] and in 2005 he backed H.B. 2532.[14] Both would have created a 24-hour waiting period for women wishing to receive an abortion and required doctors to read a statement to patients about abortion. In 2005, he also supported H.B. 2605,[15] a parental notification bill, and H.B. 2020,[16] which would have expanded Oregon's criminal homicide law, redefining "human beings" to include fetuses and embryos at any stage of development.

Statewide office

[edit]
Main article: 2008 Oregon State Treasurer election

Following his switch to the Democratic Party, there was speculation that Westlund would run against Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Gordon Smith. On October 3, 2007, however, in a press conference attended by Governor Ted Kulongoski, he announced his candidacy for the office of Oregon State Treasurer. He won the Democratic primary and defeated Allen Alley in the November 2008 general election.[3] He was sworn in on January 5, 2009.[citation needed] Westlund was one of the first statewide officeholders to be cross-nominated by the Independent Party of Oregon.

2006 Governor's race

[edit]
Main article: 2006 Oregon gubernatorial election

On February 14, 2006, Westlund dropped his Republican registration, registered as an independent and declared his candidacy for Governor.[17] While Westlund gathered over 36,000 signatures[18] (18,386 valid signatures required by August 29, 2006, for ballot access), he withdrew from the race for governor on August 10, 2006, citing that he did not want to be a spoiler in the election.[19]

Health issues and death

[edit]

Westlund was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003, for which he underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Although the cancer was in remission for some time,[20] Westlund died of cancer on March 7, 2010, while in office.[21][22]

Electoral history

[edit]
2004 Oregon State Senator, 27th district[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ben Westlund 50,840 82.3
Constitution Don Loyd 9,932 16.1
Write-in 981 1.6
Total votes 61,753 100%
2008 Oregon State Treasurer election[24]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ben Westlund 847,590 51.1
Republican Allen Alley 750,484 45.3
Constitution Michael Marsh 56,581 3.4
Write-in 3,529 0.2
Total votes 1,658,184 100%

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Sinks, James (December 12, 2006). "Independent Westlund switches to Democrat". The Bend Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2009-04-27.
  2. ^ a b "Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund". Office of the State Treasurer. Archived from the original on July 31, 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-27.
  3. ^ a b Walsh, Edward (September 25, 2008). "Financial meltdown figures into Oregon treasurer's race". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 29 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-26.
  4. ^ "Petitioners expect to suspend law recriminalizing pot". Archived from the original on 2005-12-19. Retrieved 2006-01-12.
  5. ^ "The Wild Card? Source Weekly, 10 November 2005". Archived from the original on 2006-05-12. Retrieved 2006-01-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  6. ^ Oregon Cultural Trust : History of the Oregon Cultural Trust Archived January 8, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-05-09. Retrieved 2006-01-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ^ Jaquiss, Nigel (October 8, 2014). "Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes' Undisclosed Third Marriage Was to 18-Year-Old Immigrant". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on January 17, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  9. ^ Deschutes County, Oregon General Election November 2, 2004 Archived March 30, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ "Measure 36 - Arguments in Favor". Archived from the original on 2019-08-22. Retrieved 2019-08-21.
  11. ^ "The Yale Herald - November 12, 2004 - Gay marriage critics misuse Yale study". Archived from the original on 2004-12-07. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
  12. ^ "Brainstorm Nw". Archived from the original on 2006-05-27. Retrieved 2006-08-10.
  13. ^ Relating to information that a health care provider must provide to a female at least 24 hours before performing an abortion in order to obtain the female's informed consent to the abortion; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 435.496 Archived January 2, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ Relating to the reporting of information about abortion; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 432.333 and 435.496 Archived January 9, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ Relating to notification to a parent prior to performing an abortion on a minor Archived June 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ Relating to establishing an unborn child as the legal victim of a crime that results in harm to the unborn child; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 163.005, 163.095, 163 Archived January 12, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ Westlund launches bid to be governor - The Bulletin, 15 February 2006[permanent dead link‍]
  18. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2006-08-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  19. ^ "Ben Westlund Withdraws From Oregon Governor's Race - Salem-News.Com". Archived from the original on 2006-10-19. Retrieved 2006-08-30.
  20. ^ “Ben Westlund” | Willamette Week | April 26th, 2006 Archived 2008-11-21 at the Wayback Machine
  21. ^ Treasurer Westlund succumbs to cancer | kgw.com | KGW News | Portland, Oregon Archived 2010-04-20 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ Lehman, Chris (March 7, 2010). "Westlund Loses Battle With Cancer". Capitol Currents. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011.
  23. ^ "Official Results | November 2, 2004". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  24. ^ "Official Results | November 4, 2008". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
[edit]
Political offices
Preceded by Treasurer of Oregon
2009–2010 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Ben_Westlund&oldid=1261646911"