John Kitzhaber to run for a 4th term as governor [View all]

John Kitzhaber announces for historic fourth term

Gov. John Kitzhaber announced at a news conference Monday morning that he'll run for re-election in 2014, seeking an unprecedented fourth term.

Kitzhaber, a Democrat, outlined four key goals: Adequately funding education, overseeing the implementation of the state's health care reforms, working to meet Oregon's carbon reduction goals, and boosting middle-class jobs.

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Kitzhaber becomes the immediate front-runner, unlikely to face significant opposition in the Democratic primary and with only two contenders so far hoping to face him in the general election, state Rep. Dennis Richardson of Central Point and eastern Oregon rancher Jon Justesen. Both face long odds; even without announcing, Kitzhaber has raised more than $239,000 this year.

Allen Alley, former chairman of the Oregon Republican Party, said Monday that he's still weighing a run and plans to make a decision sometime after Christmas. He ran in 2010, losing in the GOP primary to former Trail Blazer Chris Dudley. Dudley went on to narrowly lose to Kitzhaber.

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/john_kitzhaber_announces_for_h.html