Recall attempt fails


CORVALLIS (AP) - A group attempting to recall a pro-gay marriage commissioner in Benton County fell short of the 5,000 required signatures.

Commissioner Linda Modrell faced the recall effort after she voted in March to stop issuing marriage licenses to Benton County couples altogether, until all couples - including gay and lesbian pairs - were afforded the same right to marry under the law.
Matt Henscheid, spokesman for Citizens for Legal Accountability, said the recall effort was derailed after 19-year-old Brooke Wilberger went missing last month.

The group collected almost 4,000 signatures - a strong showing, Henscheid said. But the group relied heavily on conservative churches, especially the local Mormon church. Members of the Corvallis Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints became heavily involved in the search for Wilberger, who is a practicing Mormon - leaving few volunteers to collect signatures.