Doug Ainge Announces Candidacy for House District 30

For years now, the name Ainge has brought to mind the long range shooting of former Portland Trailblazer Danny Ainge and the passing skills of former Glencoe High School and NFL Quarterback Erik Ainge. Now, Hillsboro residents will get the chance to send an Ainge to the Oregon Legislature.

Doug Ainge, the father of Erik and brother of Danny, announced today he will seek the nomination for the November election for House District 30, the seat being vacated by current State Rep. David Edwards. 

“Truth is, I taught Danny how to play defense. Now I’m ready to go down to Salem to defend our schools and other critical services as we work our way out of this global recession. I also taught my son Erik – from the day he was a toddler throwing his first ball around – that a good quarterback sees the whole field and knows where to find the right target,” said Ainge. “These are difficult times for Oregon and as an educator and a coach for over 30 years, I’m ready and well-prepared to take on the political games played in Salem.”

Ainge said he hopes to be chosen by local precinct people to replace Edwards on the November ballot as soon as possible. He has already set up the required political action committee and expects to be endorsed by a number of local community leaders shortly.

“I am proud to announce that the first endorsement I received – after that of my family – is from Rep. Edwards. He has been a great leader for our community and I will work closely with him as I learn the ropes in Salem,” said Ainge. “I hope to provide the same kind of level-headed, common-sense bipartisan representation for District 30 as Rep. Edwards.”

Ainge began teaching at Banks High School over 30 years ago, hired just after he graduated from Linfield College. He served in a teaching internship in McMinnville that included tutelage under legendary Coach Nick Robertson.

A four-year college basketball player at BYU, Lane Community College and Linfield (where he was coached by Ted Wilson), Ainge married his high school sweetheart, Diane Forrell. The two have been married for 35 years. Diane is a dental hygienist.

Their oldest daughter, Kimberly, lives in the area and works in public relations after graduating from the University of San Diego. Erik, after graduating from Glencoe, was a four-year starter at Tennessee and is now a quarterback for the New Jersey Jets.

Along with teaching economics and government at Banks, Ainge coached baseball and basketball at the high school for many years. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business from Linfield, and has received a master’s in Education.

“I understand the needs of small business. I understand economics for both private enterprise and public work. And I’ve been teaching our young people about the importance of being involved in the workings of their communities. This is an opportunity for me to step up and serve my community. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Ainge.