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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 27, 2006 Wildlife spot needs filling Governor's office aims to have nominee chosen in time for confirmation next month By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune Gov. Ted Kulongoski continues to struggle with finding a replacement for Medford attorney Don Denman on the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. Kulongoski spokesman Lonn Hocklin said the governor's staff has yet to find a qualified nominee who passes muster with state senators on both sides of the aisle. More than 20 people have tossed their hat into the ring to replace Denman, who has spent more than nine years representing the 2nd Congressional District on the seven-person commission. "We're still holding out hope that we can get this appointment made, get all the stakeholders on board with a nominee by the November meeting," Hocklin said. Until a replacement is confirmed, Denman will remain in the seat normally held for no more than eight years. Advertisement "They've told me that, maybe November will be your last meeting, maybe not," said Denman, 73. "In the meantime, I'm just doing my job." Kulongoski has expressed interest in nominating a woman to join the commission's lone female, Chairwoman Marla Rae. The nominee must be someone who can represent a wide range of stakeholders in fish and wildlife issues as well as bring a smooth confirmation, Hocklin said. The next Senate confirmation hearing is set for Nov. 27 in Salem. Should no nominee come forth by then, the process very likely would spill into early 2007, when the Legislature reconvenes, Hocklin said. Kulongoski is locked in a tight gubernatorial race with Republican Ron Saxton. The vote-by-mail election ends Nov. 7, right in the middle of any November nomination process. "The interesting scenario is, if Kulongoski loses, does it all go up in smoke?" Denman said. "I guess it's an interesting little kettle of fish." State Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Central Point, said he believes Kulongoski could "take a crack" at filling several commission seats in November should he win re-election. Should Saxton win the governorship, he could replace any 11th-hour Kulongoski appointments on boards and commissions, but Atkinson said that historically hasn't happened. "Getting on a commission almost assures that you serve until you almost can't take it anymore," Atkinson said. The commission sets fish and wildlife policies for the state and oversees the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Individual commissioners represent Oregon's five Congressional districts. Two others represent Western Oregon and Eastern Oregon. Reach reporter Mark Freeman at 776-4470, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com