Oregon Public Broadcasting

At least six people want to become the next House member representing Oregon’s Fifth District.  They’re all vying for the seat being vacated by the retiring Darlene Hooley.

The race got a little more crowded Thursday when Republican activist Kevin Mannix joined the fray.  Salem correspondent Chris Lehman has more.

The Fifth District includes parts of the Willamette Valley and the Oregon coast. It has more Republicans than Democrats. But that didn’t stop voters from electing Democrat Darlene Hooley six times.

Republican Kevin Mannix announces his campaign for Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District at a rally at the Salem Municipal Airport.

So maybe that’s why Republican Kevin Mannix praised Hooley during his campaign kickoff rally in Salem.

Kevin Mannix:  “She has provided excellent service to her constituents.  She’s been a great advocate for our veterans, and I respect that. We disagree philosophically on a number of issues. But I’ve never disagreed about her commitment to public service and her commitment to the greater good.”

Mannix is a well-known name to Oregon voters. He served several terms in the state Legislature and also ran for Governor and Attorney General.  But he’s a Johnny-come-lately to the Fifth District race compared to his chief Republican rival.

That would be businessman Mike Erickson.  He lost to Hooley in 2006 and announced he was running again long before she said she was stepping down.  Erickson says he’s not fazed by the prospect of some competition.

Mike Erickson:  “Even if Kevin Mannix or anybody else jumps in the race, we’re going to run a real high-spirited, hard-working campaign, and get our message out there, things I believe in, why I’m running for office, and what I’m going to do for this state.”

The field is always crowded when there’s a vacant Congressional seat.  Mannix and Erickson will be joined on the Republican ticket by dance instructor RJ Wilson.

Democrats will choose between State Senator Curt Schrader, political consultant Steve Marks, and retired engineer Richard Nathe.

Mark Siegel:  “Well it’s certainly a coveted seat by both parties”

But Oregon Democratic Party spokesman Mark Siegel says he’s confident Democrats can hold onto the seat, in part because of the large Democratic turnout expected in the Presidential race.

Mark Siegel:  “Democrats are very excited and have seen record turnouts in all the early primary states.  We’ll probably see a high turnout in Oregon as well, both for May 20 and in November.”

The filing deadline for the Oregon primary is next Tuesday.

Web Extras:

Map of Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District