Ron Wyden, Sondland, and Oregon Good Old Boys Club

Sondland or his business also made contributions to Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, former Portland Mayors Sam Adams and Charlie Hales, as well as Portland City Commissioner Steve Novick. Some were made under Sondland's name, while others were submitted by Provenance Hotels. 

And, in what would lead to his current position, Sondland donated one million dollars to Donald Trump's inauguration committee in 2016. Trump eventually appointed Sondland the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union.

Sondland's nomination was supported by both Republicans and Democrats. Most notably, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden was an outspoken supporter of Sondland at his June 2018 confirmation hearing.

"I have known 'Gordy' for well over a quarter of a century," Wyden said during the hearing.

 "At a time when lots of politics is polarized and divisive, Gordon Sondland will be a good fit."

Records show Sondland has donated nearly $15,000 to Wyden over the past 22 years. His wife has donated more than $20,000.


https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/gordon-sondland-hotelier-portland-seattle-trump-ambassador-ukraine/283-7a229daf-48eb-4dd6-a215-5a44e82d668b