Esteemed Governor John Kitzhaber just sent out an announcement saying he will declare a special election to replace Congressman David Wu, with time for a primary.

All spelled out earlier today, the governor is responsible for setting the deadline for an election to replace a congressional representative who leaves their seat early. But if he called for an election within 80 days of the resignation, the candidates would be chosen by a party convention rather than an open primary. This means, we'll have a district-wide vote to choose the candidates, then a special election to choose the winner.

Does this affect who will win? Probably not, in my cynical opinion. But it is does mean a more direct democracy and that candidates will have to actually campaign with voters, rather than just shaking hands around the party table.

• Rob Cornilles: Look! Family values!

The district stretches all the way from SW Portland to the coast, encompassing the right-leaning Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Columbia counties. In November 2010, Wu got only 54 percent of the vote in the district. We reluctantly endorsed Wu because opponent Rob Cornilles vhad never run for public office, but he got the Oregonian's nod.

That's right—running a race for US Congress against a Republican who had never run for office before, Wu got only 54 percent of the vote. Imagine what could happen in an open race with a Republican people have actually heard of and has experience.

Plus, add in people who may be dispirited with voting Democrat thanks to Wu's problems. A red District One seems like a real possibility.

Oregon Republican Party spokesman Allen Alley points out that the district was only four or five percentage points away from voting for Republican gubernatorial Chris Dudley, too. While Democrats Brad Avakian and Brad Witt have jumped into the race for Wu's seat, no Republican has declared. But, says Alley, there's plenty of potential candidates. Rob Cornilles has expressed an interest. "The other guy that's been talked about is Rob Miller, he's a business guy from Beaverton," says Alley. "In a short time frame like this, you might also have state representatives who could jump in, like Katie Brewer, Shaun Lindsay, or Bruce Starr who all are in that district."

However, a friend of mine did use the above language in an e-mail he sent yesterday—just like Obama requested—to his representative. My friend's e-mail is also an example of clear and compelling speech, in it's own way, and my friend suggests you copy and paste and personalize and hit send if, like him, you're represented in Congress by a no-compromise Republican:

Representative XXXXXXXXX-

What the hell is wrong with you people? You are the worst representatives because you are purely self-serving. Do your fucking job and strike a deal; this is absolutely ridiculous.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX

Oregon Congressman David Wu sent out a statement at 9:30 today saying, yes, he's resigning.

Here's what he's got to say:

It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be a United States Congressman. Rare is the nation in which an immigrant child can become a national political figure. I thank God and my parents for the privilege of being an American.

Now, however, the time has come to hand on the privilege of high office. I cannot care for my family the way I wish while serving in Congress and fighting these very serious allegations.

The wellbeing of my children must come before anything else. With great sadness, I therefore intend to resign effective upon the resolution of the debt-ceiling crisis. This is the right decision for my family, the institution of the House, and my colleagues.

It is also the only correct decision to avoid any distraction from the important work at hand in Washington. I intend to go forward with new resolve and love of family, the State of Oregon, and our nation.

Is anyone going to shed a tear for David Wu's career? I've never actually met a passionate fan of Wu, even before this recent scandal. Mostly it seems that people are asking: So, what happens next?

BlueOregon has the procedural details: The governor chooses the date for a special election. If it's more than 80 days away from now, candidates will be chosen through a primary. If not, they'll be chosen by a party convention.

There's already two candidates in the ring for Wu's seat: Current labor commissioner Brad Avakian and State Representative Brad Witt.