PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The race to replace disgraced U.S. Rep. David Wu picks up Tuesday, when Republicans and Democrats choose the nominees who will carry their party into a special election in January.
A race that started with Wu’s sex scandal and resignation in August is ending with clear front-runners from both parties. Polls indicate Republican business consultant Rob Cornilles of Tualatin is likely to take on Democratic state Sen. Suzanne Bonamici of Portland.
Turnout so far has been low. About one in three voters has returned a ballot in the 1st Congressional District.
In the GOP contest, Cornilles faces lesser-known candidates. Bonamici has built a comfortable lead after her main Democratic opponents, Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian and state Rep. Brad Witt, struggled to raise money and gain traction in their campaigns.
