Posted on 02/26/2011 9:03:16 PM PST by Libloather
Congressman who donned tiger costume files for re-election
By Daniel Strauss - 02/25/11 07:11 PM ET
Despite recent news reports of bizarre behavior and calls for his resignation, Rep. David Wu (D-Ore.) has filed for reelection.
Wu filed a statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday to be able to run for his seat in 2012.
Two major Oregon newspapers and Oregon Republicans have been calling for Wu's resignation after revelations, originally reported by The Oregonian, that Wu had been exhibiting strange behavior, including dressing in a tiger costume and sending emails to his staff in the voice of one of his daughters.
As a result, some of Wu's staff have quit and others have encouraged him to be seek professional help.
Wu went on ABC's Good Morning America on Tuesday and admitted that he is receiving counseling and taking medication. He has called his behavior "unprofessional and inappropriate."
Wu has served as a member of Congress representing Oregon's first district for seven terms. Given the reliably Democratic voting record of the district, an eighth term for Wu was extremely likely, at least before the news of his odd behavior broke.
Since then, Wu's reelection appears to be less than a sure thing and his presumptive challenger, Republican and sports management consultant Rob Cornilles, has repeatedly called attention to Wu’s behavior.
Cornilles challenged Wu's last reelection but lost by 13 points. This time, Oregon Republicans are more optimistic. Wu, however, apparently thinks he can defend his seat.
Read Wu's statement of organization here.
The people in his district would probably re-elect him in a heartbeat. Remember Portland Oregon is the city that rejected a recall effort of their mayor, even though he was proven to have engaged in a sexual affair with a boy under 18. Its not much better here in Eugene; about two hours south on I-5.
I think it is instructive to note members of his staff resigned and disclosed his behavior after the election. Their actions evidence the position that they considered the voters were better served for two years by a person they found an intolerable lunatic, than by any Republican.
wait till he comes to the house chambers wearing the tiger suit
That might work if he were campaigning against Carter.
Excellent points.
I lived in Seattle for about 10 years up until 2006 until I moved back to the s-hole known as the east coast (hate it here).
So I know exactly how dementedly leftist they are in that area.
Yeah, they’d rather have an insane Democrat (who is fairly centrist for that area) than a far more liberal Republican.
No, he's just giving accurate representation to his constituents.....
Wu: “So what if I’m nuts? Most politicians are, too!”
But the most Wu-nderful thing about Wu is, he’s the only one.
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