OR-5: GOP - Boquist maybe, Berger maybe, Bruun out. Dems - Gardner maybe.
The Associated Press reports new developments on a series of candidates considering running for the 5th Congressional District.
Among the Democrats, state Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner is considering jumping into the race. In late 2006, Gardner declined to run for the U.S. Senate - and made the announcement in a comment here at BlueOregon. At the time, he said that if he ran, he would be "in it to win it." So, if he runs for Congress, expect a vigorous campaign. In 2006, he was easily re-elected to his current post.
"If you look at both sides of the aisle, I am the only candidate who has been on the ballot in every single county in the district, twice, and won in every single one of those counties," Gardner said.He said he is hoping to make a decision by next Monday.
The AP also reports that State Reps. Brian Boquist (R-Dallas) and Vicki Berger (R-Salem) are considering the race. Boquist lost to Darlene Hooley in 2000 and 2002. Rep. Scott Bruun (R-West Linn), who ran against Earl Blumenauer in 1996, says he won't run.
Previously, each of these Republican candidates were profiled on BlueOregon here.
Discuss.
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Feb. 13, 2008
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12:08 p.m.
Feb 13, '08
Would Berger run and give her seat up to the Democrats? I think if it were an open seat the Dems could take HD 20.
I think it will be unlikely that she runs, but I await to be delightfully surprised.
Feb 13, '08
Hmmm... so Gardner doesn't live in the district? It wasn't perfectly clear in the article, but I have to think that'll be a major detractor for him.
And no word on Mannix? or even a mention of Erickson, who's been running for a while? That's a rather poorly written article to leave out, at the least, Erickson.
Feb 13, '08
It's been nealry a week since Darlene announced her decision, and yet no official candidiates. When Packwood resigend, Wyden jumped in within a day or two and the others shortly thereafter. There have been many reports for a decade or so of how the increased fundraising demands along with nealry every weekend in the district seem to scaring off many would be candidiates.
Gardner, obviously, could potentially have a lot of labor support if he runs. Unlike OR legislative rules, there is no law that requires federal congressional candidiates to live in the district. It could be a campaign liability if they don't, though.
5:44 p.m.
Feb 13, '08
Of course, no one was surprised when Packwood resigned. Hooley surprised everyone.
Feb 13, '08
Considering Hooley's age and health issues, especially her recently lung illness, I don't think many of us were terribly surprised.
For some reason, I doubt if Paul Evans was caught off guard. He probably knew months ago.
Feb 13, '08
Paul Evans had to know ahead of time. His wife is Hooley's chief of staff.
Feb 14, '08
I'd love Congressman Dan Gardner. But, then, I love Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner.
Feb 15, '08
Count out Berger http://www.politickeror.com/gop-list-grows-shorter-685
Feb 15, '08
http://www.politickeror.com/gop-list-grows-shorter-685
<h2>Count out Berger.</h2>