Oregon Public Broadcasting

The replacement of a State Senator recently elected to Congress became a family affair Friday.  This happened in the southern suburbs of Portland.

Martha Schrader will be sworn in on Monday to take the seat recently vacated by her husband.  As Salem correspondent Chris Lehman reports, it’s not the only twist to this story.

Democrat Kurt Schrader quit the Oregon Senate when he was elected to Congress in an open seat in Oregon’s 5th District.  Now, his wife, Martha Schrader has been chosen to fill out the remainder of her husband’s term.

The selection was made by the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners.

Martha Schrader is a familiar name to the board -- in fact, she’s a member of it.    She couldn’t be reached for comment, but Senate Democratic leader Richard Devlin says she’ll be a welcome addition.

Senator Richard Devlin:  “She’s a long-time resident of Clackamas County, I think knows the issues very well of her district.  I think she’ll be very capable.”

Martha Schrader was in her second term on the Clackamas County Commission. She recused herself from the vote.

The Oregon Legislature kicks off its 2009 session on Monday.