News Digest
Sunday, June 1, 2008 3:13 AM PDT
GOOD MORNING
OREGON
Ore. governor tries to get feedlots, workers together
BAKER CITY (AP) — Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has intervened in a labor dispute at three Pacific Northwest feedlots that has put the future of some Oregon ranchers in jeopardy.
The issue is whether workers at Beef Northwest feedlots should have their vote on union representation handled by a neutral party or by the United Farm Workers.
John Wilson, president of Beef Northwest, wants the vote to be by secret ballot.
Wyden endorses Merkley in Senate race
PORTLAND (AP) — Senator Ron Wyden has endorsed fellow Democrat and House Speaker Jeff Merkley in a race for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Merkley is facing battle against Senator Gordon Smith.
Wyden said Saturday that he and Merkley will work together to fight for universal health care, protect Oregon’s natural resources and lead the fight against global warming. Wyden says Smith has refused to support his universal health care plan and has showed no leadership in the fight against global warming.
IDAHO
ATF apologizes for
misleading letter, says it gave out tools
BOISE (AP) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives apologized to U.S. Rep. Bill Sali of Idaho for a misleading letter indicating he played a role in the agency’s decision to drop its ‘‘Always Think Forfeiture’’ slogan.
Sali claimed responsibility two weeks ago, only to learn later from news organizations he had nothing to do with it.
The slogan was actually abandoned in March after Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska complained.
Two-thousand multi-tools were engraved with the slogan and were to be handed out at ATF training sessions for law enforcement agents.
