Meet Kate Brown

Brown, a Minnesota native who attended law school in Oregon, was first elected to the state House in 1992. A few years later, she joined the state Senate, ultimately becoming the state’s first female majority leader. She is in her second term as secretary of state, winning tight general elections in 2008 and 2012.

Political observers note that Brown is more liberal — or at least a more orthodox Democrat — than Kitzhaber, who developed a reputation as a maverick who occasionally bucked his party. While Kitzhaber pursued education and pension reforms that rankled labor interests, Brown is a favorite among public-sector unions.

Though some note that she has made a few enemies in the state legislature — almost a necessity in her two-decades-long political career — Brown has a reputation as being kind, sociable and funny. Political experts note that her personality has made her a significantly better retail politician than Kitzhaber — who, despite winning a record four gubernatorial elections, was often seen as reclusive.

Still, while experts agreed that the incoming governor is smart and a well-liked politician, she isn’t viewed as a major star. Many described her record as secretary of state as unexceptional and cast doubt on her skills as an administrator.


Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/kate-brown-oregon-governor-115198.html#ixzz3RgVqjEFI