Rep. David Wu gets a primary challenger

Rep. David Wu (D-Ore.), who has come under attention for his eccentric behavior, will face a Democratic primary challenger. 

State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian on Monday announced his candidacy at a press conference in the Beaver State and launched a campaign website.

{mosads}”This race is about two things: what our community needs and how it can be best represented,” Avakian says on his site. “I love my current job – helping Oregon businesses succeed and protecting the rights of all Oregonians. But these are principles that my district needs an effective representative to pursue in Congress.”

Wu, who fended off a tough challenge from Republican Rob Cornilles in 2010, has had a target on his back ever since he decided earlier this year to remain in office. 

Congressional Republicans have said they are interested in toppling the sixth-term congressman following reports that he engaged in odd behavior, such as sending staffers a picture of himself wearing a tiger costume and writing emails in the voices of his children just before the November 2010 midterm elections. 

The incidents reportedly led several senior staff members, who confronted him about his behavior, to leave his office.

Avakian is not the only Democrat interested in running against Wu: State Rep. Greg MacPherson of Lake Oswego has also expressed interest in running, according to the Portland Oregonian.

—This updated post was originally published at 8:30 a.m.