OR House GOP shifts the deck chairs on the Titanic

Carla Axtman

There are, I suppose, all sorts of maritime metaphors that could be used to describe the phenomenon of Oregon House Republicans choosing not to run for reelection. One is, of course, in the title of this piece. Another might revolve around rats abandoning their sinking ship. Either way, the Bend Bulletin seems eager to play into hand-wringing about leadership within the ranks bailing out:

Lauren Dake, The Bend Bulletin:

So far, six House Republicans have declared they won’t run for re-election. And all of them have been big players in recent legislative sessions.

“Giants in the Legislature usually move out one at a time ... It’s rare a cadre of people who have been in leadership positions in (one caucus) all leave at the same time," said Len Bergstein, who has been a lobbyist and a regular at the state Capitol since 1974.

It’s not uncommon that six members aren’t seeking re-election, but what makes it “unprecedented," Bergstein said, is who is leaving.

“It’s an enormous brain drain," he said.

Rep. Bruce Hanna, the former co-speaker of the House, who has served since 2004, is leaving. Hanna, who many assumed had his sights set on higher office, said his immediate plan is to focus on his family and business in his hometown of Roseburg.

“It’s hard to replace someone who has been a co-speaker; you have a perspective on a legislative session that’s unique," Bergstein said.

And there’s Rep. Vicki Berger, R-Salem, who has served for a decade. During the 2011 session, Berger served as co-chair of the House Revenue Committee. When it comes to tax-related issues, caucus members look to her. She currently serves as House Republican Whip.

McLane called the two “high-profile, very energetic legislators who made a significant impact."

“Their absence will be noted," McLane said.

Hmm...okay. I guess their absences will be noted. But really, how much? Republicans in Oregon have been circling the drain for awhile and don't seem especially eager to do anything substantive to fix the problem. It seems like this a lot of worrying about breaking the tea cups when the house is on fire (I'm out of maritime-related metaphors. Sorry).

By Carla Axtman Nov. 07, 2013