Okay, so Frank Ivancie didn't exactly have the greatest reputation around here. He once called homosexuality a “a severe, unnatural personal problem,” for example. But the fella sure knew how to deal with unwelcome distractions, like, say, a NUCLEAR ATTACK:

Fortunately, I've prepared an updated version of the poster for Mayor Sam Adams to deal with today's news about a second recall petition being filed:
Speaking of distraction, here's the thing: This recall petition has been filed in a week when conservatives around the state are funneling their money into every possible avenue to distract voters from the election on January 26, to decide on the tax measures [see Oregonian ad, right, for example]. Research shows that a low voter turnout in the race favors the "no" vote, while young people, like, say, Mercury readers, are more inclined to vote yes to support paying for basic services.

We're still joining the dots here at the Merc—so far, all we can come up with is that Voice of the Electorate (VOTE), the firm which stands to gain from a $150,000 contract by gathering signatures for the second recall effort, also gathered signatures for the "No" campaign on Measures 66 and 67. VOTE boss Ross Day is yet to return a message asking whether the second recall is timed to distract from the measures debate.

Columbia Sportswear boss Tim Boyle has also funded both initiatives—the "no on 66/67" side, and the second recall. He's yet to return a call for comment this morning asking whether the timing is intended to distract voter attention from the debate over the ballot measures.

Update, 12:18pm:

Boyle says he's "not involved in either campaign other than to be a financial supporter."

Original post:

Yes for Oregon campaigner Steve Novick didn't want to talk about the possible distraction issue this morning, either. But we did talk to Yes campaign spokesperson Elana Guiney. "We're not really concerned," said Guiney. "This is a busy state, there's a lot going on, people are going to be pretty concerned about the measures and focusing on that."

Perhaps we're just paranoid. Either way, Vote Yes on 66 and 67. No matter whether the four TV stations are all preoccupied with the second recall this evening. You stay focused on the importance of this election. Okay? We're better than that.

Hat tip to the Makezine blog for that nuke poster.

—Sarah Mirk contributed reporting.