Knute Buehler: Carpetbagger?

Carla Axtman

Former Secretary of State candidate Knute Buehler (R-Bend) is considering throwing his hat into the ring to replace Republican State Representative Jason Conger, who announced yesterday that he's challenging Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate.

Buehler's announcement seems like a pretty big deal. He's probably got decent name ID, since he's already run for statewide office and received plenty of press coverage during that run. But there's a problem:

Jason Conger represents House District 54. Knute Buehler lives in House District 53, which is currently represented by Gene Whisnant.

Under the Oregon Constitution, Buehler must live in the district for at least one year before the election (Article IV, Section 8). This gives Buehler roughly 2 1/2 weeks to move out of his million dollar house in District 53 and pitch a tent on Conger's front lawn in District 54.

By Carla Axtman Oct. 16, 2013