Springfield mayor Leiken to challenge DeFazio
Rep. Peter DeFazio has said he wants to serve as a congressman with the Democratic majority and administration, but the possibility of a gubernatorial run instead in 2010 remains. Sid Leiken, the mayor of Springfield, filed to run for the seat as a Republican. By John Tierney KVAL NewsSPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken has filed paperwork to run for U.S. Congress, setting up a potential general election battle with 12-term incumbent Democrat Rep. Peter DeFazio. MultimediaLeiken, a Republican, says he filed the paperwork on Monday to run in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. He was elected to his third term as Springfield mayor in November. Leiken was being courted by the Republican Party to run against DeFazio. “I think what it comes down to is timing,” Leiken told KVAL News. “My family is supportive, which for me is number one. Quite honestly, I seriously looked at this two years ago, but didn’t think the timing was right.” By filing the first candidacy forms, Leiken can begin raising money for his campaign. Leiken said he’s already been talking with potential donors, including what he calls “grassroots” supporters. “What it comes down to is what’s left for me to accomplish with some of the goals I’ve set, but more importantly accomplishing the goals the community has asked me to work on,” Leiken said. “Sid is a nice guy and a step up from the Republican’s last nightly touted recruit,” DeFazio said in a statement reacting to the news. “I look forward to him continuing his good service as my hometown mayor for the next four years.” The congressional election will come in the middle of Leiken’s current mayoral term. Leiken says he’ll make a more formal announcement in the coming weeks. He will also start touring the congressional district, which stretches north to Albany, west to the coast and south to the California border in places. |
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February 9, 2012
- Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon
