Should DeFazio run for governor of Oregon?

By Associated Press Published: Sep 14, 2009 at 9:50 AM PDT Last Updated: Sep 14, 2009 at 3:10 PM PDT
Should DeFazio run for governor of Oregon?
Rep. Peter DeFazio listens to a question from a reporter.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Congressman Peter DeFazio and former Gov. John Kitzhaber met privately Friday to discuss the 2010 gubernatorial race, but DeFazio wouldn't say whether he will take on Kitzhaber for the Democratic nomination.

Last week Kitzhaber announced he would seek a record third term.

DeFazio has said he was considering running for governor. He requested the Friday meeting with Kitzhaber, telling The Register-Guard newspaper the discussions would help him make a decision.

DeFazio's chief of staff, Penny Dodge, declined to characterize Friday's meeting between the two Democratic heavy hitters. She said the veteran congressman would make a decision soon about whether to run for governor or seek re-election to his southwest Oregon House seat.

"It was a private meeting," Dodge said. "He is not publicly commenting on it to anybody."

Kitzhaber's spokesman, Steve Marks, said the meeting at an undisclosed location in Portland went well and Kitzhaber felt good about it afterward.

"It was a good meeting for both of them," Marks said. "It's clear Peter wants to see bold leadership for the state. John Kitzhaber shares that vision with him."

Another Democrat, former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, is scheduled to announce next Thursday he is a candidate for governor, setting up a May primary contest with Kitzhaber.

DeFazio on Thursday said that even if he doesn't run for governor, he wants to make sure that whoever is the next governor will be able to take on Oregon's greatest challenges.

Marks, Kitzhaber's longtime friend and political adviser, said DeFazio didn't drop any hints during Friday's meeting whether he would enter the governor's race.

"Only Congressman DeFazio can answer that question," Marks said.

On the Republican side, Congressman Greg Walden has been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor next year.

In an interview Friday, Walden said he's "still chewing" on the idea but indicated he's leaning toward running for re-election to his House seat in the 2nd District covering most of eastern Oregon and part of southern Oregon.

"Clearly, I've got a lot invested in Washington, D.C., right now," Walden said. "There's a lot of work to be done there right now. I'm enjoying that work."

There are three announced GOP contenders — state Sen. Jason Atkinson of Central Point; businessman Allen Alley and Gresham businessman John Lim, a former legislator.

 

 

(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press)