OR-GOV: Is Jason Atkinson abandoning the race?
Kari Chisholm
The O's Jeff Mapes takes note of the lack of activity from state Senator Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point), who has been widely expected to be prepping another run for Governor. (In 2006, he placed third out of three, behind Ron Saxton and Kevin Mannix.)
Rumors are swirling through the Oregon political world that state Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Central Point, won't be a candidate in next year's race for governor after all.Atkinson has not returned several calls from me over the last five days and his legislative aide, Cheri Adkins, said Tuesday that "I just don't know" what is happening with his candidacy. She said she has also received numerous calls asking about Atkinson's status.
A strange story indeed, given that he accidentally announced back on September 3rd.
As Mapes notes, he doesn't appear to be raising money - with only one contribution of $2000 between the end of the legislative session and September 23. (Oregon has a rolling 30-day filing system, so it's certainly possible he's raised millllllllions in the last month, though unlikely.)
His campaign website lists no media clips since February. His campaign blog hasn't been updated since April. He's got a personal Facebook page, but not a political one. And his Twitter account has 81 followers and zero tweets.
These are not the things you'd expect from someone getting ready to run for Governor.
If Atkinson fails to run, that would leave Allen Alley and John Lim in the GOP race - with Frank Morse and Chris Dudley considering.
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Oct 21, '09
Next time I see Chris Dudley at the Quiznos in Lake O I'll be sure to tell him he's a fool to even consider a run on the Repug ticket. And yes I do have pictures.
8:29 a.m.
Oct 21, '09
The more interesting story will be why he isn't running.
Oct 21, '09
Agreed, Jason would be foolish to run ni the current climate. Even were he to win (highly unlikely) he would be faced with a legislature controlled by the opposing party. better to wait for a re-invented republican party; or better yet a new third party.
Oct 21, '09
Folks should not jump to conclusions. Senator Atkinson's wife Stephanie had some fairly serious health issues last year. I have no doubt that the Senator would put his family's health above any political considerations. Plus, he is quite young and has lots of time.
12:56 p.m.
Oct 21, '09
Uh, yeah.
As much as I dislike what Atkinson stands for and how he pursues it, the only thing I can say here is best of luck to him and a speedy recovery to his wife.
1:55 p.m.
Oct 21, '09