[img_assist|nid=1385|title=Congressional candidate Steve Marks|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=242]Although Gov. Ted Kulongoski has not weighed in on the Democratic primary in the 5th Congressional District, his two predecessors have, and they are both standing behind Steve Marks.

Former Gov. John Kitzhaber—who Marks has worked with in various capacities over the past two decades— endorsed the candidate soon after he jumped into the race, and today former Gov. Barbara Roberts also threw her hat into the ring.

"Steve has the experience to lead and is the only candidate with a vision for real change and a strong record of collaborative solution building," said Roberts. "I've known Steve for over twenty years. His knowledge of the issues facing Oregon is evidenced by his hard work on salmon restoration, job creation, and affordable health care. Steve Marks is the best candidate to make Washington D.C. work for Oregon.”

In addition to the two governors, Rep. Les AuCoin, who represented Oregon's 1st Congressional District for 18 years, and Jim Hill, the State Treasurer from 1993 to 2001, also announced their support for Marks.

Marks is facing off against state Sen. Kurt Schrader, who has received the major organizational support in the race, including the AFL-CIO, the AFSCME and the OEA.