Longtime State Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-NE Washington County) may have his thunder stolen in a primary challenge for his 33^rd District seat by Portland social worker Julie Young. According to records with the Secretary of State’s office, Young’s filing for the position is still listed as valid, with an accounting of nearly $17,000 in her reports. Attempts to reach Ms. Young were unsuccessful as of printing time.

Greenlick, a former OHSU professor and 10-year veteran of the Oregon House of Representatives, had no primary competition in the district in 2008 and sailed to re-election. The district covers Downtown Portland north of Burnside, Northwest Multnomah County to the Columbia County border, and NE Washington County including the Cedar Mill and Bethany neighborhoods.

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Is State Representative Brian Clem (D-Salem) throwing his hat into the ring for Governor? According to Oregonian political reporter Jeff Mapes, Clem reported a $500,000 loan/donation from his mother-in-law, Parkdale orchard owner Azuza Suzuki. Clem states that his plans for running for governor are hanging on the decision of former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, and would bow out if Kitzhaber ran for Governor again.

Clem may not be getting into the race without some problems related to the donation. As being reported by the blog NW Republican, investigations into the family orchards and potential violations of both immigration laws and OSHA laws could dog Clem’s attempt at the high seat. According to OSHA’s own website, the Suzuki-Tambara (Inc.) orchards have been hit with 7 OSHA complaints, including multiple serious and repeat violations.

As of current, only two candidates on either side have officially declared their intent to run for the governor’s seat: Former Pixelworks CEO Allen Alley (R) and former HP financial analyst Steven Shields (D)

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