BY SARAH ROSS

TUALATIN- In a release sent to the media on Thursday, small business owner Aaron Crowley announced his desire to run as the Republican candidate for the State House seat left vacant by Rep. Scott Bruun, now the GOP’s opponent for Congressman Kurt Schrader, D-Canby.

“This election is about jobs and the future economic health of Oregon,” stated Crowley in the press release. “I can bring common sense, private sector experience to Salem that will help government live within its means and make it easier for entrepreneurs to create jobs.”

Crowley owns a granite countertop company, Crowley’s Granite Concepts, Inc, and serves on the Planning Commission for Washington County. He also authored a book, Less Chaos More Cash, targeted at expanding small business operations.

Thursday’s press release also noted endorsements for the Tualatin businessman coming from Rep. Scott Bruun and Lou Ogden, Mayor of Tualatin.

This announcement comes following the notification that Ultimate Fighter Chael Sonnen would be withdrawing his name from the Republican nomination for the 37^th House District.

Sonnen told Fight! Magazine that he was leaving the race for legal reasons although some have blamed his withdrawal on remarks interpreted as being racist which were made on a Twitter account linked to his name.

The Oregon’s 37^th House District, encompasses West Linn and parts of Tualatin and Lake Oswego. Because primary elections were already held, the Oregon Republican Party will need to hold a “nominating convention” to elect the candidate, presumably Crowley, who will carry the Republican title in November’s general election.

Whoever is chosen to run as the Republican nominee will go on to face the Democratic candidate Will Rasmussen. In 2008, Bruun won the 37^th House District with just over 2,000 votes, making the seat vulnerable for Republicans in November.