Former Senate President Peter Courtney, 'legend' of Oregon Legislature, dies at 81

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon’s longest-serving Senate President Peter Courtney, considered “the most influential lawmaker in the history of Oregon,” has died. He was 81.

Former Sen. Courtney served in the Oregon Legislative Assembly for a total of 38 years. He served for nearly 20 years as Senate President after first serving as House Democratic leader.

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Courtney announced he would not run...