Portland mayor candidate fires staff

Published 5:00 am Sunday, May 20, 2012

PORTLAND — Former City Commissioner Charlie Hales has fired most of his campaign staff and told them they’re welcome to reapply for their positions.

Hales has secured one of two slots in the runoff for Portland mayor. State Rep. Jefferson Smith grabbed the second.

Hales has fired six members of his seven-member campaign staff, including campaign manager Jessica Moskovitz.

Moskovitz says her release is a shock. She says Hales told her needed to “recast the play.”

Hales received 37 percent of the vote in the Tuesday primary.

He and Smith will face off in the November general election to replace Sam Adams, who is not seeking a second term.