Kitzhaber speaks with Occupy protesters

By Associated Press Published: Feb 1, 2012 at 5:57 PM PDT Last Updated: Feb 24, 2012 at 4:06 PM PDT
Kitzhaber speaks with Occupy protesters
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, left, listens to Occupy Portland protester Devon Pack, right, at his office in the Oregon State Capitol Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, in Salem, Ore. The Oregon Legislature kicks off a one-month session, the first in an election year since voters decided to create annual legislative sessions in 2010. Lawmakers are expected to cut spending on social services in response to slumping state revenue and to discuss Gov. John Kitzhaber's efforts to overhaul the health care and education systems. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Demonstrators sympathetic with the Occupy Wall Street movement occupied Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber's office for a few minutes on Wednesday.

Kitzhaber spoke briefly with about two-dozen people who packed into the lobby of his Capitol suite. He asked for their support of his proposed education and health care initiatives, which he says would be beneficial to the 99 percent of Americas that demonstrators say they're fighting for.

The demonstrators had their own agenda, however. Several asked the governor to join them in opposing a U.S. Supreme Court decision that removed most limits on election spending by corporations and labor unions.

Kitzhaber said he sympathized with their cause and wished them luck. He was joined by his companion, Cylvia Hayes, along with several aides and security officials.