OR-Gov: Kitzhaber Poised to Run

[ccharles000]

Nobody has really made any moves yet in the Oregon Governor's race for 2010, as everyone who's not ex-Governor John Kitzhaber seems to be waiting to see what he does. According to Willamette Week, we may have some answers soon:

WW has confirmed that former Gov. John Kitzhaber will file paperwork Tuesday to proceed with plans to run for governor in 2010. He has notified at least three state-wide officials of his plans.

Kitzhaber previously served as Oregon governor from 1995 to 2003.

No confirmation yet from the Oregonian's Jeff Mapes, Oregon's go-to politial reporter, but he did report yesterday that Kitzhaber would be announcing something as early as this week, although it was unclear whether it would be yes or no. Now it's sounding like yes. (UPDATE already: Now Mapes is saying yes, too.)

Kitzhaber's early presence in the race would probably serve to drive out most significant competition, both Rep. Peter DeFazio in the primary and Rep. Greg Walden for the GOP -- although there hasn't been any indication that either one was making any hard plans to run. Kitzhaber polled well against all comers in June's R2K poll of the race.

http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/5507/orgov-kitzhaber-poised-to-run

[bluestateguy]

1. As I recall, he was pretty popular?

Correct me if I am wrong.

[NYC Democrat]

2. yes he was a popular governor and he would likely be the favorite in this race.

[classof56]

3. Yes, he was popular, a great governor and...if I may be permitted to say so...

He looks great in his blue jeans and tweed jacket. ;-)

I'm now just an old State of OR retiree, but during the years John was governor, he made many of our jobs much better if for no other reason than he valued and respected state employees. He was an emergency room doctor, which may have accounted for his compassion and commitment to establishing the Oregon Health Plan. And he was committed to other progressive causes. The two-term limit kicked in but his public involvement remained. DeFazio is so effective as a Congressman, and while I'm sure he'd make a great governor, I hate to see him step away from the arena in which he's been so effective. Sorry to say, Greg Walden (R of course) is my rep and in my opinion would be a terrible governor. Would be a true blessing to have John Kitzhaber back in that role.

Oh, and then there's the jeans... :toast:

[Bluenorthwest]

4. I like what I know about him and hope he does run

And it sounds like he will. I know some people who think he's the cat's pajamas.

[cascadiance]

5. I think this is great! We need to keep DeFazio in congress!

to continue his great work in the house where it's sorely needed, or perhaps even to put pressure to run against Wyden in the Senate if Wyden doesn't support having a decent public option in the Finance Committee bill and other Senate bills on health care.

Kitzhaber as governor will give us Oregonians the best of both worlds! It will be interesting to see potentially two former Democratic governors running again on the West Coast (Kitzhaber and Jerry Brown in California).