Sen. Brad Avakian put all of the speculation to rest when he said that he will officially be accepting Gov. Kulongoski’s appointment to Labor Commissioner.

"Dan Gardner has been a true champion for working families and his resignation leaves our state with an immense void - one that Gov.

Kulongoski has asked me to fill. I will accept the appointment and withdraw from the race to be Oregon's next Secretary of State,” Avakian said.

"My passion for workers' rights runs deep. For the past 14 years, I have strived to better the lives of Oregon's working families as both a legislator and as a civil rights lawyer. I have fought for fair wages, better working conditions, and the right to organize and bargain," he continued.

Gardner will remain in the position until April 7, when Avakian will assume the seat. Although he is appointed, he will have to stand election for the remaining two years of the term in November.