Walden rules out a run for governor

[ccharles000]

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, won’t run for Oregon governor, he announced Thursday.

Walden, 52, is the only Republican in Oregon to hold federal office and was widely considered the GOP’s best candidate to re-take the governor’s seat in 2010.

Given the weighty issues facing the U.S. Congress — including health care reform and government deficits — Walden told The Bulletin on Thursday that he’s already in the best position to help Oregon.

“Much of the problem we face in Oregon starts right here in Washington,” Walden said.

Walden, now in his sixth term, said he’s gained enough seniority at the Capitol to get things done. And as ranking member of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Walden is involved in a swath of issues ranging from food safety to federal energy policy.

Walden has also seen success reaching a national conservative audience, with Fox News and radio appearances on issues such as banning reintroduction of the Fairness Doctrine and requiring bills to be posted online for 72 hours before a House vote.

http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091120/NEWS0107/911200417/1009/NEWS01&nav_category=NEWS01

[davidpdx]

1. Chicken shit

He knows any Dem would beat his ass (literally). As an overseas Dem I had to change my registration to my mom's address and have been in his district for the last few years. Calling his office on any issue is just a waste of time he's such a hardcore right wing loon.

This will probably leave the door open for some very ugly Republicans to join the race. I'd bet a months salary on Mannix announcing.