The secretary of state serves as Oregon's top elections official and oversees an audits division that ensures public dollars are being spent wisely. But you wouldn't know that from Avakian's campaign in which he pledged to go after private companies, sniff out unequal pay for women and otherwise use the office in ways that go beyond the responsibilities articulated in the Constitution and state law.
Avakian trumpeted endorsements from abortion rights advocates, helping to sway voters who are either unfamiliar or indifferent to the actual responsibilities of the secretary of state. And he plugged the office's position on the State Land Board to argue that he will help combat climate change.
Voters who are rightly concerned that Avakian will distort the office to fit his Hulk-sized ambitions should take a close look at the winner of the Republican primary, Dennis Richardson, for November.
Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian