Showdown for senate district 20

Filling the vacant seat of state Senator Kurt Schrader (D-Canby), who is now heading to Congress, is turning out to be more of a saga than some pols initially anticipated.  Clackamas County Commissioner Martha Schrader, wife of Kurt, and former Democratic House candidate Toby Forsberg are now both serious contenders for the open seat and are leaning on their own respective heavyweights in government for a little help.  Both Forsberg and Schrader have gone on the record with PolitickerOR.com regarding their interest in the state senate appointment.

Forsberg, who ran a competitive but unsuccessful campaign for HD-39 against Republican Clackamas County Commissioner Bill Kennemer, was considered by many Democrats to be the favorite to take the open Canby senate seat.  House Democrats spent nearly $500,000 trying to elect Forsberg and saw him as a hard-working candidate with great potential despite his narrow loss.  In fact, then soon-to-be-elected Speaker of the House Dave Hunt went on the record with The Oregonian stating, "I am confidant Toby Forsberg is going to be in the Legislature in 2009. The only question is, will he be in the house or will he fill Kurt Schrader's Senate seat?"  Apparently, a few too many underestimated the political ambitions of the future Congressman's wife.

Martha first ran for the Oregon Legislature back in 2002 when she attempted to fill Kurt's vacant House seat eventually losing to Republican Wayne Scott.  Shortly after losing to Scott, Martha was appointed to the Clackamas County Commission in 2003 and was elected to a full term in 2004. After rumors were circulating about a possible retirement of Congresswoman Darlene Hooley earlier this year, Martha was overheard wanting to make a bid for the fifth congressional district, however, she ultimately gave up the opportunity to her husband Kurt once the retirement became public. 

Now it appears Martha is eyeing another political appointment opportunity in the Oregon senate.  In what appears to be a response to Hunt's quote in support of a Forsberg appointment, she commented to PolitickerOR.com, "This is not something I am entitled to. There is a process for the local people to decide, which is as it should be."

Speculation dictates both contenders will very likely lean on the strength of their political alliances to garner help in the upcoming appointment process.  Forsberg will seek the Speaker's assistance in asking for support among the county's precinct committee people as will Martha seek the same from Kurt.  A big advantage Martha has right now is the $50,000 left in Kurt's state senate campaign account, which could easily be transferred over to her new account (he already donated $21,500 to her commissioner re-election campaign once this year), should Republicans launch a serious challenge to that district in two years.  Whereas, Forsberg has a meager $321 left after his bitter race against Kennemer.  Another big advantage is the working relationship Martha has with Kennemer from the county commission.  No comment yet from Kennemer on his post-election feelings toward Forsberg.  As commissioners, both Kennemer and Martha will be voting on the final appointment.