May 27 2009
Kitzhaber in?
The idea of John Kitzhaber once again seeking the job he once seemed to argue was undoable – governing Oregon – just simply hasn’t seemed like a starter. He could have run for the U.S. Senate in 2002 or 2008, but passed; considered a run for governor in 2006 but passed. Why should the idea of a run in 2010 be taken seriously now?
A new piece by the Oregonian‘s Jeff Mapes suggests the outline of a case for taking it seriously. It says (on occasion of the unveiling of his picture at the Statehouse) that he’s thinking about running. Fine; he was thinking about running all those other times, too. But there are a few new factors.
He would likely have a Democratic legislature to work with, rather than the Republican one he fought with the whole time he was governor. He has been pushing his ideas on medical reform, but visibility has been intermittent, and as governor he could go much further to make things happen. His personal circumstances have changed.
What hasn’t, probably, is how formidable he would be if he does run. There’s no overwhelming favorite in the field right now, and Kitzhaber (whose polling numbers remain excellent and campaign skills remain sterling) would enter as the formidable frontrunner and likely next governor.
But be wary of placing any bets just yet.
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