By now we all know about the high profile campaign to oust House Speaker Karen Minnis from her elected position in House District 49. Democratic challenger Rob Brading is running a strong campaign and a number of organizations have joined forces to force her out of office.

But now it appears that there may even be a coup from within, if you believe this week's Willamette Week.

According to an editorial in Willamette Week Wednesday, Minnis' mayhem, capable of shutting down SB 1000 in the House last year, has drawn the ire of her fellow Republicans-many of whom feel her underhanded dealings benefit her above all else.

So, let's get this straight, Minnis refuses to listen to Democrats and Republicans, both of which have felt silenced and ignored.

But is she taking this concern seriously? No. According to Willamette Week, she's as indignant about the criticism from within as she was cavalier about killing Senate Bill 1000 with no debate or vote. Minnis essentially told Willamette Week, this is all a small temper tantrum and after some pouting and whining, everyone will forget and forgive:

"It's easy for members to spout off,' she says. 'And after some time and distance, they're fine."

As for the notion that a handful are upset enough either to challenge her or support a challenge, she says she's unaware of such talk.

Out of touch with Oregonians. Out of touch with Republicans and Democrats. And out of touch with her district. All the more reason to remove her from office and elect a fair leader who will help to solve the real problems of East County-and Oregon-instead of simply handing things over to big business and extremists.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 11:26 AM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.