Over Steps In

The Oregon GOP is attempting to open a new chapter—and close the one that saw the party nearly $300,000 in debt—by replacing its executive director.

Andrew Over, Sen. Gordon Smith’s deputy campaign manager will take the reins from Amy Langdon, who will reportedly work for Mannix’s anticipated campaign for the fifth congressional district seat.

Dan Lavey, a Portland political strategist who is close to the Senator, told the Oregonian that Smith "is dispatching one of his most trusted aides" to help run a party that is important to his re-election effort.”

"The party needs to be an effective and solvent organization to help Gordon's re-election campaign and other candidates,” he continued.

Marc Siegel, Communications Director for the DPO, sees Smith’s attempt to change his party’s leadership as a sign of vulnerability.

“Smith has no confidence in his desperate, fractured and debt ridden state party,” Siegel said.

Over began as an intern in Smith’s office and has held several jobs with the Senator, as well as a position on Washingtonian Mike McGavick’s unsuccessful bid for a U.S. Senate seat in 2006.