Oregon Sec'y of State To Fine DeFazio Opponent

In the recent annals of Oregon political foul-ups, there have been few stories as amusing (although ultimately inconsequential) as the saga of Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken.

Leiken, a Republican, has set out to challenge U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, (photographed above) a Lane County Democrat who is expected to seek re-election though he continues to muse about running for governor. Meantime, Leiken got sideways when he claimed he paid his mother $2,000 to conduct a poll.

According to the results of an investigation [PDF] released today by the Oregon Secretary of State's Elections Division, Leiken and his mom cannot produce any evidence of the poll's existence. State elections officials determined that Leiken "converted campaign funds for personal use," according to a statement.

The Secretary Of State now proposes fining Leiken $2,250.

Blue Oregon has all the back story.