Hooley Hoops

I've always liked Darlene Hooley, the Democratic congresswoman representing Oregon's 5th District. (Hooley said she won't seek re-election this year). She chaired the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners when I was covering that body for the Clackams Review and Oregon City News. She was always helpful and chipper. Her recent work and ongoing work on veterans affairs and military service issues has been exemplary.

But when she said recently that she gave her word to cast her "super" delegate vote to Hillary Clinton, and that she would vote for Clinton even if the district she represents voted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama, she seems to be forgetting her role.

Hooley says she can't break the word she gave to Clinton. But what about REPRESENTATIVE Hooley's unspoken word to her constituents that she would REPRESENT them in Washington.

When she stands by HER word to vote for Clinton no matter what the outcome of the Oregon primary, she is representing HERSELF not her constituents.

I hate to say it, but she's been in Washington too long. It is indeed time for her to go.