Sen. Atkinson suspends gubernatorial campaign
From our weekly issue dated October 28, 2009
Sen. Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point) has announced that he will suspend his gubernatorial campaign due to private family health issues.
Although Atkinson had not made a formal announcement, it was anticipated that he would enter the race and publicly hinted that he might.
But in a Wednesday, Oct. 21 press release, Atkinson stated that he will focus on the health and well-being of his family and make an announcement “when the time is appropriate.”
“Stephanie and I have recently been confronted with some serious health concerns that need to be addressed before I undertake such a massive task as running for governor of our great state,” Atkinson said. “We ask for your thoughts and prayers, as well as your patience as we wade through this difficult time.
“I am not going away, but need time with my family. We greatly appreciate your strong support and kind words.”
Thus far, five candidates officially have entered the governor’s race. Among Democrats, former governor John Kitzhaber, former secretary of state Bill Bradbury and former Hewlett Packard executive Steve Shields are running.
The two Republican candidates are former state senator and representative John Lim and Allen Alley, who ran for state treasurer last year and lost to Democrat Ben Westlund.
Other potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield), former Portland Trailblazers star Chris Dudley and Sen. Frank Morse (R-Albany).
Current Gov. Kulongoski cannot run for a third consecutive term.
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