Governor must call special election

 After David Wu resigns from Congress, Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber must call a special election to replace him, under state law. There is no provision for an interim appointment.

 The governor has two options. He can schedule the election within 80 days of the resignation. If he does, the parties nominate candidates according to their internal rules, such as through a convention.

 He can schedule the election for 80 days or longer beyond the date of resignation. In that case, there will also be a primary election to select candidates.

 Press secretary Christine Miles said Tuesday that Kitzhaber, a Democrat, and his staff were working on a date and trying to decide which option he’ll choose.

Associated Press