Oregon Republicans have an established history of schizophrenic behavior, which embattled Democrat Congressman David Wu hopes to capitalize upon as he launches a preemptive bid for election to an eighth term. Despite recent news reports of bizarre behavior and calls for his resignation, Rep. David Wu (D-Ore.) has filed for reelection.
Wu filed a statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday to be able to run for his seat in 2012.
Noting that Republicans were well-positioned to take the Oregon governorship during the last election but chose to run a washed-up basketball player rather than the clearly more qualified Allen Alley, Wu commented that Republicans are crazier than he is, so why not file for reelection?
While the gubernatorial race was among the closest in Oregon history, it was a race between a re-tread and a basketball player; many voters simply threw up their hands. The election illustrated the dissatisfaction of Independent and even Democrat voters in Oregon, but in the final analysis, even they couldn't bring themselves to vote for the ball player.
It might have been, and likely would have been, entirely different in terms of outcome had Republicans backed a qualified candidate for office; lending credence to Wu's contention.
And already, Wu has begun lining up backers: State Sen. Bruce Starr (R) has indicated that he'll run against the recumbent incumbent congressman; a sure sign that the Republican establishment in Oregon will support Wu's return to congress in the next election.
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