BendSearch.com: Government and Politics

In 1974, Ted was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, and four years later to the Oregon Senate. In the Legislature, Ted continued to be a voice for the people and values of Oregon. He used his proven ability to bring people together to strengthen Oregon´s economy, attract new jobs and preserve Oregon´s unique quality of life.

In 1987, in recognition of Ted´s lifelong commitment to fairness and accountability, then-Governor Neil Goldschmidt appointed Ted Oregon Insurance Commissioner. As Insurance Commissioner, Ted helped lead the Oregon Comeback, creating thousands of new jobs and helping Oregon recover from its worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Ted also stood firm against unjustified rate increases; protected seniors and consumers against fraud; and made the Insurance Department more consumer-friendly.

Five years later, the people of Oregon elected Ted Attorney General with the highest vote total for any statewide candidate. As Attorney General, Ted worked to steer kids away from crime and toward the values that had made his own life a success - education, accountability, discipline and hard work. Ted joined children´s advocates and community leaders to rebuild Oregon´s juvenile justice system - a system many thought was broken but that Ted turned into a national model that is both fair and effective. Ted also went after corporate polluters - enforcing laws and regulations, and making sure that the polluters, not the taxpayers, pay the bill for cleaning up our air and water.

In 1996, Ted was elected to the Oregon Supreme Court, where he served with distinction for 4 1/2 years. Ted´s service on the Court made him one of a rare few who have served in all three branches of government. Every challenge Oregon faces, Ted has worked to solve as a legislator, executive and judge.

Ted is a lifelong outdoorsman who loves backpacking and fishing in Oregon´s wilderness. He and his wife, Mary, a legal editor, have three grown children.