David Wu has been my Congressman for six years, since I moved into my current residence. I have voted for him every election. I have spoken to him on a couple of accessions and to his staff so many times that a couple of his aides have recognized my voice on the phone. He has voted the way I wanted him to almost without exception. Therefore I have watched the rumors about his mental problems with growing concern. The situation appears to be coming to a head, and he’s clearly in trouble.
Top Oregon Democrats said Saturday that they hope Rep. David Wu is getting the help he needs following reports that his staff demanded he enter a hospital for psychiatric treatment. Most also said it’s too early to say whether they will push to replace Wu, first elected to the House in 1998.
"Before everybody starts playing the political parlor games, someone should figure out if he needs help," said state Sen. Mark Hass, D-Beaverton, echoing sentiments expressed by several political figures.
The Portland Democratic congressman, who has refused to talk with reporters about the matter, continued to stay out of public view Saturday. A woman at his Capitol Hill home refused to take a message for him from a reporter and turned out the lights when she saw the reporter outside the house later.
Still, though many Democratic officials were speaking cautiously in public, the latest reports about Wu have only intensified the backroom discussions about Wu’s political future and his odds of continuing to represent the 1st Congressional District on the Portland area’s west side.
Several potential candidates have surfaced, with Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian and state Sen. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Cedar Hills, the most frequently mentioned as the favorites of party activists… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <The Oregonian>
I urge caution. Serving in Congress as a rare progressive in the midst of right-wing insanity and blue-dog perfidy could drive anyone a few cans short of a six-pack, and while I don’t doubt that David has psychiatric issues, I would remind you that the man’s exemplary service has earned him a little time and space. I sincerely hope that David will get the help he needs to continue the fine job he has done, and if not, I remain grateful for his loyalty to the people of his district.
6 Responses to “Can Oregon’s Rep. David Wu Continue?”
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I wish him the best and hope for his speedy recovery.
As do I Ahab.
I would go so far as to say even if he were as evil as Palin-Beck-Limbaugh – if he’s ill, he deserves our compassion that comes from him simply being a fellow human … especially from dyed-in-the-wool liberals like us.
And I’ll echo Ahab’s wish for his speedy recovery.
Well said, Nameless.
Unless it was a teabagger or a Repub, I wouldn’t go around saying that someone has lost their marbles unless they’ve been evaluated by a competent psychologist or psychaitrist.
Lisa, it’s been pretty much out of the national news, but his behavior has gotten so bizarre that his own staff is demanding that he get help, and threatening to quit if he doesn’t. I would not make that statement lightly, but acknowledge that it’s a lay opinion.