Oregon Public Broadcasting

Lane County Commissioners are meeting Monday and Tuesday with three candidates who hope to succeed Vicki Walker, as state senator for the Eugene area. 

The contenders are computer technician Mark Callahan, former State Representative Bob Ackerman, and Chris Edwards, who already represents part of Lane County in the Oregon House.

The decision is up to Lane County Commissioners.

Board chair Pete Sorenson is himself a former State Senator. He says he'll be weighing experience and track records, and looking for someone who believes in a strong legislature. And, he says, the nominee will have to show an ability to work across party lines.

Pete Sorenson  "We have a very diverse population here, in terms of the spectrum of American voters. We have very conservative Republicans, we have very progressive Democrats, we have everything in between.

The Commissioners hope to decide by Wednesday. Walker has taken a new job, running the state parole board.