Dems vie for Oregon governor nomination
From our weekly issue dated February 17, 2010
The May 18 primary election keeps coming closer, and the two Democrats seeking their party“s nomination for governor are ramping up their efforts to win as much support as possible.
Former secretary of state Bill Bradbury“s campaign got a boost on Wednesday, Feb. 10, when Howard Dean, former Vermont governor, held a fund-raiser for the candidate in Portland.
Dean also ran for president in 2004 and was elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 2005. The “50-state strategy“ he employed in that role often is credited by political analysts with helping Democrats reach the majorities they currently hold in the U.S. House and Senate.
In a Thursday, Feb. 11 telephone interview, Bradbury characterized the fund-raiser and rally with Dean as a “great event.“
“It was very exciting,“ Bradbury said. “We really talked about the strong Democratic values that Gov. Dean and I share as we move into this campaign.“
Bradbury, who also has been endorsed by former Vice President Al Gore, said that it was an “honor“ to have Dean“s support.
“I think he looked at both candidates and really came to the conclusion that there“s one very solid Democrat running for governor. He chose to endorse that candidate“me,“ Bradbury said.
Also seeking the nomination for the November general election is former governor John Kitzhaber.
Although many political insiders have favored Kitzhaber to win both the primary and general elections, Bradbury said voters ultimately will have the final say in the matter.
“I think I“ll definitely give him a run for the money,“ Bradbury said. “The reality is, he“s already served two terms as governor, and he“s going for a third chance. I just don“t think it“s any kind of a slam dunk at all.“
Bradbury said that it“s time for “new leadership with new ideas in this new decade.“ He added that he plans to visit Southern Oregon by the end of February.
Not to be outdone, Kitzhaber recently announced a series of endorsements that his candidacy has received, including that of the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council.
On Monday, Feb. 8, Kitzhaber received the public support of former nine-term congressman Les AuCoin.
“John Kitzhaber is a progressive fighter and will be a governor that listens to the concerns of Oregonians in every corner of our state,“ AuCoin said in a press release. “As governor, John always stood on principle, even when it was not popular. His creativity and courage made a lasting difference on issues like health care and the environment, and these qualities make him exactly the right leader for the challenges facing Oregon right now.“
Among Republican contenders, former state senator and representative John Lim formally announced his bid for Oregon“s highest office during a Tuesday, Feb. 9 press conference at the capitol in Salem.
“Everywhere I have traveled throughout Oregon, I see people in dire need of jobs,“ Lim said in a Feb. 4 press release. “As an entrepreneur for 35 years and former Chair of House Trade and Economic Development Committee, I know what it takes to create jobs.“
Former Portland Trailblazer basketball star Chris Dudley also is seeking the Republican nomination. He has been endorsed by the Oregon Restaurant Associated, and visited Taprock Northwest Grill in Grants Pass on Monday, Feb. 15.
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