Atkinson again will seek governor's job

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Oregon State Sen. Jason Atkinson has announced his plans to run for governor.Bob Pennell

September 03, 2009

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

Oregon Sen. Jason Atkinson, a Central Point Republican, said he's confident he can organize an effective but civil campaign against a potential foe in the 2010 race for governor, John Kitzhaber.

"I'm running," he said. "I'll be making an official announcement later this month."

Atkinson, 39, unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2006. He said he has put together "95 percent" of his campaign team.

In the Republican primary, Atkinson will be pitted against Lake Oswego resident Allen Alley, who announced his candidacy in February.

Atkinson said he has had many long conversations with Kitzhaber over the years and first met him in 1999 when he became a senator.

"I'm excited by it because he is a friend," said Atkinson.

Atkinson said there are stark differences in their political philosophies, however, particularly on the health care debate.

Oregon tried to create a model program that could be copied around the country known as the Oregon Health Plan, but none of the other 49 states followed the example here, he said.

"We couldn't control costs, and costs went astronomical," said Atkinson.

Atkinson is still recovering from an accidental gunshot wound to his leg in 2008. The extensive damage has made it difficult to pursue one of his passions, cycling.

"It's a mess," he said. "It's going to be constant pain for the rest of my life. A year ago, I could have died. Now I live completely without fear."

Atkinson, who hasn't yet filed with the Secretary of State's Office, is confident he will win in the May 18, 2010, primary and is ready for lively discussions with Kitzhaber during the general election.

"It will be interesting having two hard-core fly-fishermen get together as they run for governor," he said. "Maybe we can have a debate while standing in the river."

Alley, who has been walking 400 miles around the state to promote his campaign, said he's not going to worry about other candidates who might run against him.

"Either you believe you're the best candidate for governor, or not," said the 55-year-old Lake Oswego businessman. "I believe I'm the right candidate."

Alley said he's more concerned about addressing Oregon's high unemployment rate and finding ways to attract more businesses to the state.

Alley said he has worked well with both Republicans and Democrats over the years.

He has been appointed to state committees by Gov. Ted Kulongoski and former governor Kitzhaber, and he was appointed by former President Bush to a trade committee to Japan.

Alley said his travels across the state have reinforced his decision to run. "What the state needs is somebody with my background and experience."

Mark Ness, chairman of the Jackson County Republican Central Committee, said he is happy to have two good candidates willing to run against Kitzhaber, who announced his candidacy Wednesday.

But, Ness said, "We are, in Jackson County, proud to have one of our own in the race."

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.

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