Bill Walton Becomes Chairman for Politicians Run for Oregon Office

A history graduate from UCLA, Walton is acutely engaged in the world of politics and wants citizens to become more involved in shaping their government.

NBA Hall of Fame and Former Trailblazer legend Bill Walton has signed on as Chairman of Senator Rick Metsger’s bid for the Democratic nomination to serve as Oregon’s next Secretary of State.

PORTLAND, Ore. - NBA Hall of Fame and Former Trailblazer legend Bill Walton has signed on as Chairman of Senator Rick Metsger’s bid for the Democratic nomination to serve as Oregon’s next Secretary of State.

Walton, a change activist dating back to his days at UCLA, believes it is “time to take our country back” and that it must take place at both the state and national levels.

“I have known Rick for over 30 years and he is the right person to help lead Oregon forward and preserve the very special qualities of the state I dearly love,” Walton said. “Sports and politics share many similarities. True winners are those who can inspire and lead others to be there very best. Rick is that kind of leader,” he added.

Walton, a nationally acclaimed sports broadcaster, retains deep ties to Oregon despite a whirlwind career that takes him to all corners of the country for his broadcasting responsibilities as well as being in high demand as an inspirational speaker to organizations throughout the United States.

A history graduate from UCLA, Walton is acutely engaged in the world of politics and wants citizens to become more involved in shaping their government.

Metsger, who entered the Secretary of State race just before Thanksgiving, says Walton’s support will help him reach out to Oregonians who are not yet engaged in the political process who want a new kind of leadership that will make sure their voice is heard from rural and urban Oregon and everywhere in between.

“Most people spend more time thinking about how to balance work and family and how they will afford to pay their bills than they do about the role government plays in their lives,” Metsger said. “I am working for the support of ordinary people who believe they have no voice in their government. As Secretary of State I will provide the independent oversight needed to ensure fair and responsive elections,” Metsger said.

Metsger and Walton enjoy a friendship that dates back to the Blazer championship year in 1977 when Metsger was a sports anchorman for Portland television station KOIN-TV and Walton led the Blazers to their only NBA title. The two became colleagues in 1990 when Walton worked alongside Metsger as a playoff analyst. It was one of Walton’s first broadcast experiences that has now blossomed into an award winning career.

Metsger also notes that Walton is a member of the Grateful Dead Hall of Honor, recognition of Walton’s endearing love for the iconic American band. He has attended over 700 of the band’s concerts and is well recognized in the Eugene area where the band made numerous stops.

“Maybe we will adopt The Grateful Dead’s hit song “Truckin” as our unofficial campaign theme song,” Metsger, a transportation advocate, joked.

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