Oregon Sen. Merkley, House Speaker Kotek to speak at DNC today

Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, the only senator to endorse Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president, will speak tonight at the Democratic National Convention. Oregon Democratic House Speaker Tina Kotek is also scheduled to address the convention.

Spokesman Ray Zaccaro confirmed the senator’s appearance. It will be on the same night that Sanders is scheduled to give what will be a closely watched speech.

Sanders pressed Clinton hard during the Democratic primary season, winning numerous states including Oregon.

Last month, Merkley said it was clear Clinton had a delegate majority. He said the party should now rally around her.

He praised Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Clinton’s vice presidential choice. Some Sanders supporters criticized Kaine’s support of international trade pacts.

Previously, two Sanders advisers, Larry Cohen and Robert Borosage, suggested that Clinton should choose Merkley as her running mate. They said Merkley would help unify Sanders supporters around the ticket.

Kotek will speak alongside other leaders from state legislatures, including California Senate President pro tem Kevin de Leon and Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, the Statesman Journal’s Gordon Friedman reports.