Following former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber's announcement Wednesday that he will run in 2010 for his old post, one Democrat cleared the field for him and one Republican jumped into the race.
Republican state Sen. Jason Atkinson confirmed Thursday in an interview with the Mail Tribune that he will be entering the open 2010 governor's race. Atkinson has been officially exploring a bid and was widely expected to enter.
But on the Democratic side, state Sen. Brian Clemcut short his exploratory campaign Wednesday in deference to Kitzhaber.
"Given John Kitzhaber's entry, I will not be running for Governor of Oregon in 2010," Clem said. "I've listened to Oregon, and I am endorsing John Kitzhaber, Oregon's next Governor."
Kitzhaber became the instant Democratic frontrunner when he made his intentions known, but primary competition remains a possibility. Democrat Bill Bradbury, former Oregon secretary of State, has been preparing a campaign and has announced he will make an official decision Sept. 17.
It has been nearly 30 years since a Republican won election as governor of Oregon, but the party plans to offer a competitive challenge. Republican businessman Allen Alley is actively campaigning, though the party continues to eye other potential candidates.
The state's current governor, Democrat Theodore R. Kulongoski, is term-limited in 2010.
CQ Politics rates the race Leans Democrat.
To follow the 2009 and 2010 governors' races, check out CQ Politics' election map.
UPDATE: Republican former state legislator John Lim told The Oregonian he also plans to enter the governor's race. Lim was the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate in 1998. He lost to Democrat Ron Wyden in the general election.
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