Oregon Public Broadcasting

Residents of Oregon's First Congressional District are still able to get help from their Congressman's office - even though the office is now vacant.

Congressman David Wu's staff has been retained, and is now supervised by the Clerk of the House. A spokeswoman for the Clerk's office says many office functions are still operative. Staff can provide help with many departments within the executive branch - for example, immigration matters or military benefits. They can provide status reports on any pending legislation, or give technical assistance to people or groups applying for federal grants.

Staff members may or may not stay on after Wu's successor is chosen. Governor Kitzhaber has scheduled a special primary election November 8th, with a special general election to follow at the end of January.