SALEM — Former state Rep. Betsy Close has been appointed to replace a retiring senator.
Linn and Benton county commissioners selected Close on Wednesday. She will replace former Sen. Frank Morse of Albany, who shocked colleagues last month when he announced he would resign before the end of his term.
Both Close and Morse are Republicans.
Close served four terms in the state House beginning in 1999. She previously was a teacher in Albany and in Washington state.