Oregon's Clout in Congress Rises

Oregon and Hooley Climb in Power Rankings for 2007.

Oregon Congresswoman Darlene Hooley Photo by: Tim King

(WASHIGNTON, D.C.) - The Congressional clout of the state of Oregon and Congresswoman Darlene Hooley's (OR-5) have both risen in 2007, according to a recently released report by KnowLegis -- a private, non-partisan company that specializes in facilitating civic participation.

In its Pre-Season Power Rankings released yesterday on Congress.org, the state of Oregon was tenth in congressional power. Congresswoman Hooley and US Senator Ron Wyden are ranked Number 1 among Oregon members serving in the US House of Representatives and the Senate respectively.

The Power Rankings were based on position, influence, legislative accomplishments, and the ability to be effective in Congress in 2007.

"When I first arrived in Congress in 1997, it was reported that Oregon was dead last in congressional clout. In a decade, we've gone from last place to the top ten," said Hooley. "These new rankings reflect the political capital we've all been working to build up over the years and our potential to help the state of Oregon in Congress."

Hooley was ranked 74th of 435 members in the US House of Representatives. She sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Budget Committee, and Science and Technology Committee where she serves as Vice Chairwoman of the Investigation and Oversight Subcommittee. As in previous Congresses, Hooley was also appointed to the leadership post of Senior Whip by the new House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC).

A complete list of the Power Rankings can be found at: congress.org/congressorg/power_rankings/index.tt