Dave Hunt To Run For Clackamas County Chair

Capitol Currents:

Democrat Dave Hunt said today that he won't seek a sixth term in the Oregon House. The former Speaker, who was bounced from his role as caucus chair at the end of the 2011 session, is announcing a run for Clackamas County Chair. Hunt, who just returned from a legislative trade mission to China, told me this morning that he plans to serve out the remainder of his current term in the House.Hunt's impending departure raises the number of House Democrats who have announced they won't be seeking re-election to four. Jefferson Smith is running for Portland mayor; Mary Nolan is running for Portland City Council, and Jean Cowan is retiring. Additionally, Brad Witt is running for Congress in the Special Election in Congressional District 1. If he wins, he'd have to give up his House seat. Thus far no Republicans have announced their departure from the legislature, but Representative Bob Jenson and Senator David Nelson are both reportedly interested in being appointed to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

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