Brad Avakian to announce his candidacy in Democratic primary next year

PanARMENIAN.Net - Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian said that he will be holding a press conference on April 18 in which it looks like he will announce his candidacy in the Democratic primary next year against embattled Rep. David Wu, D-Ore, according to The Oregonian.

Avakian said in the notice that he's heard from "many leaders and citizens asking me to consider running for Congress" and that he will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Monday in Beaverton at the Willow Creek Campus of Portland Community College.

Avakian, a former state legislator from Washington County, has been frequently mentioned as a potential candidate against Wu. He's turned aside press inquiries, although without disclaiming any interest in the seat. Last week, Willamette Week reported that Jake Weigler, who managed Sen. Ron Wyden's reelection campaign last year, has been hired as a political advisor for Avakian.