GOP lands DeFazio challenger

National Republicans have landed a top-tier recruit to run against Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.).

Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken announced Tuesday that he would run against DeFazio, who was elected to the seat in 1986 and has never won reelection with less than 61 percent.

But DeFazio may not even run for a 13th term; the Oregon Democrat has spoken openly about the prospect of waging a campaign for governor in 2010. Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski is term-limited from running for reelection…

Leiken’s announcement came a week after he received a visit from Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who is heading up the National Republican Congressional Committee’s recruiting program this cycle.

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