COOS BAY - Pushing his campaign pledge to be the people's chief advocate, Greg Macpherson, one of two Democratic candidates for Attorney General, makes a stop in Coos Bay on Tuesday.

Local supporters including State Representative Arnie Roblan, Senator Joanne Verger and many others turned up for the community gathering hosted for Macpherson at Benetti's Restaurant.

Macpherson, who is a life-long Oregonian and an Oregon lawyer for over 30 years, has served the last three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives and says his experience will lend itself to the Attorney General seat.

His many campaign platforms include protecting Oregon's environment and consumers but there is one main issue he hopes to tackle in office.

"I think we need to beef up the consumer protection aspect of the Department of Justice. There are new threats coming at Oregonians, particularly over the Internet with identity theft. We need to make sure we are responding to these new threats."

When asked about the recent cuts in timber payments and how that is affecting the local District Attorney's office, Macpherson says it's something he is aware of and hopes to help with.

"The Department of Justice does provide assistance to local District Attorney's, particularly with complex cases. As timber payments are lost, counties like Coos County, are unable to prosecute as many criminals. There is the opportunity though, for the Department of Justice to provide assistance."

Macpherson is running against only one other candidate, Democrat John Kroger.