The bad news just keeps rolling in for Oregon Republicans. According to Harry Esteve at The Oregonian, it now turns out that the state Republican Party is $264,000 in debt and has an IRS lien for failure to pay payroll taxes.

Party officials blame the payroll tax problem on an "irresponsible employee" who has since been fired. But clearly the party's money issues go beyond that. The fact is that the party is not alone. House and Senate Republicans have also had trouble raising money and are being far outpaced by the Democratic majority.

The GOP is also having trouble recruiting candidates, both for legislative and statewide office. About the only bright spot for Republicans is that they now have a real shot at winning the 5th Congressional District since Rep. Darlene Hooley, D-Ore., announced her retirement this month.

I don't know what the turnaround experts would recommend, but the Republicans clearly need some strong leadership that can mobilize the party. Or I suppose they can wait and hope that the voters tire of one-party rule from the Democrats.