Nobody has really made any moves yet in the Oregon Governor's race for 2010, as everyone who's not ex-Governor John Kitzhaber seems to be waiting to see what he does. According to Willamette Week, we may have some answers soon:
WW has confirmed that former Gov. John Kitzhaber will file paperwork Tuesday to proceed with plans to run for governor in 2010. He has notified at least three state-wide officials of his plans.
Kitzhaber previously served as Oregon governor from 1995 to 2003.
No confirmation yet from the Oregonian's Jeff Mapes, Oregon's go-to politial reporter, but he did report yesterday that Kitzhaber would be announcing something as early as this week, although it was unclear whether it would be yes or no. Now it's sounding like yes. (UPDATE already: Now Mapes is saying yes, too.)
Kitzhaber's early presence in the race would probably serve to drive out most significant competition, both Rep. Peter DeFazio in the primary and Rep. Greg Walden for the GOP -- although there hasn't been any indication that either one was making any hard plans to run. Kitzhaber polled well against all comers in June's R2K poll of the race.
