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It’s been a week of seismic change in Oregon politics: House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney both announced their departures, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nick Kristof lost his place on the ballot.
On this week’s show, OPB political reporters Dirk VanderHart and Sam Stites break down all three of those big major stories and what they mean for Oregonians.
The unexpected move leaves a leadership vacuum in the Capitol as lawmakers prepare to meet next month. Kotek is the longest-tenured House Speaker in state history.
After months of speculation that leadership of the Senate may come up for grabs in 2023, Courtney informed colleagues shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday he would not seek re-election this year.
The Democratic candidate is asking the state's high court to act with speed, and force elections officials to reverse a decision that he doesn't qualify for the ballot.
A letter of determination was sent to Kristof's campaign Thursday morning. The decision is expected to be challenged in court.