Oregon Public Broadcasting

Replacements have been finalized for three departing members of the Oregon Legislature. April Baer reports at least one more lawmaker will leave next year.

Multnomah County Commissioners have named State Representative Chip Shields to take over for long-time State Senator Margaret Carter in the state Senate's District 22.

The vote was close, with Commission staffer Karol Collymore coming second. Collymore says that creates yet another opportunity for her, by opening Shields'  seat in the Oregon House.

Karol Collymore "I feel pretty certain I want to run for his seat when it's vacated, but I want to take the weekend and sleep on it and make sure it's something I really want to do."

The Oregon legislature's roster is whirling with changes.

This week Lane County  Commissioners appointed Val Hoyle this week to take over for 14th District Rep Chris Edwards. He, in turn, will move to Vicki Walker's seat in the state Senate.

Finally, former labor consultant Margaret Doherty was tapped to replace Larry Galizio for a seat representing parts of Tigard and Lake Oswego. And State Senator Rick Metzger has just announced he will not run for re-election in 2010.

All the departing legislators were Democrats, as is Metzger.