With Potter out, who are the contenders?

With Potter out, who are the contenders?

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By Derek Sciba and KATU Web Staff

PORTLAND, Ore. - With Mayor Tom Potter announcing he will not be running for re-election, who will be the contenders vying to become the leader of Oregon's largest city?

Some you may not have heard of - political outsiders Jeff Taylor and Beryl McNair have decided to run. Others you may know, and they have already made their mark on the city.

Potter's friend, Roy Jay, is setting up an exploratory committee and is one of several people considering a run.

"As of about 12:30 this afternoon, my phone has been ringing. I have had e-mails. I have had voice mails," he said.

Jay leads the African American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon and employs Portlanders in several businesses.

"Everybody has to buy into this great American dream of Portland and being able to move it to the next level," he said.

Businessman Bob Ball, who is also a reserve police captain, said he has the needed experience and is weighing the decision.

"Portlanders want to protect the values that are important to them - sustainability, diversity, our ability to stay connected to each other," he said. 

Jim Francesconi lost to Potter the last time and said he will not run again. 

Then there is Commissioner Sam Adams, who has been widely speculated to run for Portland's top spot.  He is on vacation this week, but posted on his blog that he will announce his plans soon.

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