Oregon GOP tries to make a power grab

Oregon's Republicans might not have much power -- the only part of the state Government they still control is the State House of Representatives -- but that's not going to stop them from trying to abuse their power. Peter Wong of the Salem Statesman Journal reports:

The opening day of the 2005 Legislature on Monday might be marred by a fight about House rules.

The proposed change would make the chief clerk -- a position held by Ramona Kenady for 20 years --an appointee of the speaker, rather than a choice made by the 60 representatives.

The change is contained in a draft obtained by House Minority Leader Jeff Merkley, D-Portland, who said that the move would politicize the clerk's office and compromise the legislative process. The draft is labeled "revision VII," dated Thursday.

If it occurs, Merkley said, "it sends a terrible message on the first day."

Who originated the draft?

"The rules are still under discussion," said Chuck Deister, spokesman for House Speaker Karen Minnis, R-Wood Village[...]

The GOP will evidently stop at nothing to make the most out of any situation, and I suppose you cannot fault them for that. Nonetheless, I simply do not understand why they try to rid the political theatre of any comity whenever possible. It's just beyond me.