LISTEN TO "District Five is Alive" (48MB MP3)

Interested in running for Congress? Darlene Hooley's seat in District 5 is suddenly open, but you'd better move fast: The official filing deadline for new candidates is March 11.

Congresswoman Hooley is best known for her work against ID theft, elder abuse and methamphetamine. Her supporters also like to point out that she's been an advocate for the nation's troops -- both active and retired -- the elderly, and the many people in her Congressional district (which runs from Salem west to the central coast, east to the summit of Mount Hood, and north to Portland's southern suburbs).

There's a lot to discuss about her legacy, but there's also the burning question: Who's going to fill her spot? With only a month to go do interested people really have time to make a decision and get a campaign plan together?

On the Republican side, businessman Mike Erickson, who ran against Hooley two years ago, has announced that he will run again. But are there other Republicans who might seize this opportunity, too? And what about the Democrats? Who's waiting in the wings?

Congresswoman Hooley will join us on Monday. What questions do you have for her? What do you think of her decision to step down? How will her departure redraw Oregon's political map?

GUESTS:

• Darlene Hooley: U.S. Congresswoman representing Oregon’s 5th District

Photo credit: hooley.house.gov