By Tim Fought
Associated Press Writer
 
March 9, 2010
 
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski has named the chairman of the Multnomah County Commission as state treasurer.
 
Democrat Ted Wheeler succeeds Ben Westlund, who died Sunday of lung cancer. He will serve until voters choose a successor in November.
 
Kulongoski announced the appointment Tuesday. Wheeler is to be sworn in Thursday.
 
The 47-year-old Wheeler says he will run for the job. He may have competition in the May primary from Democratic state Sen. Rick Metsger of Welches.
 
Among Republicans, state Sen. Chris Telfer of Bend announced Tuesday that she is in the race.
 
The candidates are jumping into the race quickly because the filing deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday.