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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Hammer and concrete block used as weapons in attack ... Emergency Services, Oct. 31 ... OR-7 goes off the radar ... Hammer and concrete block used as weapons in attack ... Emergency Services, Oct. 31 ... OR-7 goes off the radar ... POLITICS Richardson will make another run Former Central Point rep announces for secretary of state Comment By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 29, 2015 at 4:47 PM Updated Oct 29, 2015 at 6:19 PM By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 29, 2015 at 4:47 PM Updated Oct 29, 2015 at 6:19 PM » Social News Dennis Richardson has set his sights on another statewide office in 2016. The 66-year-old former six-term state representative from Central Point, who unsuccessfully challenged former Gov. John Kitzhaber in 2014, is running for secretary of state. "Things aren't going to fix themselves," said Richardson. "I'm frustrated by the lack of accountability over the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on Cover Oregon, the Columbia River Crossing project, and the final straw — watching the scandal at the Department of Energy over nearly a billion dollars in tax credits. Yet, seeing the secretary of state's office refuse to conduct a full audit on the behalf of the public." Lane County Commissioner Sid Leiken earlier announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in next May's primary election. Incumbent Jeanne Atkins is not seeking the office. She was appointed secretary of state when her predecessor, Kate Brown, replaced Kitzhaber following his resignation amid allegations of influence peddling. Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, Tualatin state Sen. Richard Devlin, and Eugene state Rep. Val Hoyle have announced their candidacies for the Democratic nomination. Richardson said pursuit of the secretary of state role is more to his liking than another gubernatorial run. "There is too much emphasis put on social positions in the governor's race," Richardson said. "As secretary of state I will be the chief auditor, responsible to ensure free and honest elections occur, and that information and archives are available to news media and citizens without undue delay or expense." The secretary of state's campaign finance website was hacked and shut down for three weeks in February 2014, exposing political candidates' bank account information prior to the May primary vote. The ORESTAR campaign finance database contains records of payments candidates or parties have made to the state, transactions between a candidate's bank account and his or her campaign fund, and donations to and from campaign finance committees. "The secretary of state's office is the leader in technology for the entire state," Richardson said. "It was coincidental at best that it occurred when it did, and regrettable it was shut down for as long as it was." Richardson said his year-long break from politics has been good. "I enjoyed every minute of it," he said. He called for true transparency in the state's second-highest office. "It's been used as a place for political protection, not for representing the people, who lost hundreds of millions of dollars in Cover Oregon and the bridge project," he said, referring to a failed online health insurance registration and a proposed Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River. "There was no audit by the secretary of state's office. The power structure that exists shows a lack of accountability and responsibility. We haven't learned our lessons about how to avoid such debacles in the future." If elected, Richardson said, he would both seek to uncover fraud and corruption, and would provide protection for whistleblowers. "The goal is to save money, deliver better outcomes, safeguard elections," he said. "And restore trust in the state government." Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 29, 2015 at 4:47 PM Updated Oct 29, 2015 at 6:19 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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