Bombshell: Kroger won't run for re-election

Kari Chisholm FacebookTwitterWebsite

A few minutes ago, Attorney General John Kroger announced that he won't run for re-election in 2012. From his statement:

I am announcing today that I will not seek a second term as Oregon’s Attorney General.

I was recently diagnosed and am under the care of a physician at OHSU for a significant but not life threatening medical condition. It will not interfere with my legal work or prevent me from completing my term, but I will need to reduce my hours, travel less, and be careful about my health. After consulting with my doctor over the last two days, I have decided against campaigning again for statewide office.

When I ran for office in 2008, my life was different. I was a bachelor. Now I have a wife and a family. Though I believe very much in public service, my wife and I agree that my health and our family have to come first.

I ask that the community and the media respect my medical privacy and grant me the opportunity to address my health in private

It has been a great honor to serve as Oregon’s Attorney General these past three years. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish. I look forward to completing my term and passing the office to a good successor in January 2013. I will always be grateful to the citizens of Oregon for their support.

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    Mad respect for the man, he will be missed. Hoping he recovers from his illness quickly and that he can do so privately.

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    So sorry to hear this. My thoughts and best wishes to Mr. Kroger and his family.

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    Oregon will be hard pressed to find a replacement for John. My best wishes for his speedy recovery.

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    Sad to hear it, but I am thankful that AG Kroger will be taking the time to take care of himself and his family. I can only hope whomever runs instead will be as capable.

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    My thought's and prayer's go out to as Oregon’s Attorney General John Kroger . As he recover's from his illness. May he be blessed with a long along happy life with his wife and his family.

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    John has been an incredible AG, but I am glad that he is properly prioritizing his health and his family. Good Oregon values.

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    John has been a terrific AG. We've been so lucky to have him in the job.

    I hope that he can resolve his health issues soon and completely, and that he can return to public service at some future time.

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    this is a big loss for Oregon. but certainly, John's health & his family's future are far more important.

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    Very sad news. It sounds like Atty. Gen. Kroger is taking the right step for his health and his family by deciding not to seek elective office in future. Hopefully he will be able to continue in public service, his health and the comfort of his family permitting, in future. He would make an excellent judge, even as far up as the United States Supreme Court.

    But that's very premature at this stage. Best wishes to the Kroger family at this time.

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    I am so sorry to hear that AG Kroger will not be running for re-election. That said, I think his decision to prioritize health and family is the right one. I wish him, and Michelle, the best.

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    I thought he was doing a great job- Glad he has the sense to cut back and take it easy.

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    This is an enormous loss for Oregon and the Democratic Party. John is the kind of public servant that comes along very rarely. We should support his agenda as he finishes out a term that will end too soon.

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    I really really hope he recovers and can once again serve us in public office. He is just terrific.

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    I was incredibly saddened to hear about this. John Kroger is, in my opinion, the finest public servant that this State has had in any capacity in my adult lifetime. I wish him a thorough recovery from whatever condition he has. Please finish taking care of yourself... and then come back to us.

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