Potential 2010 gubernatorial candidates: Democrats (Part II)

Looks like the Dem primary for governor in 2010 could be more crowded than we expected.  Based on email responses from some very vocal Democrats and on our blog, here are some additional governor wannabes that are being thrown around.

Former Governor and medical doctor John Kitzhaber seems to be the favorite of a handful of Democratic loyalists.  He made the rounds this past May election by endorsing in several primary campaigns garnering goodwill with winners like John Kroger, but missing the target by endorsing Portland lawyer Steve Novick in the US Senate race.  His most recent activity is with the Archimedes Movement, an organization focused on health care reform, could prove problematic as it supports tort reform which angers big money trial lawyers.

Fourth District Congressman Peter Defazio has been eyeing Oregon's top job for several years now.  Insiders speculate he's waiting to see what happens in November before making any critical decisions.  Should an Obama administration become a reality and Democrats gain more seats in Congress he's likely to stick around in Washington, DC.

Every two years there is always talk of what third district Congressman Earl Blumenauer will run for next.   In 2004, he gave serious consideration to running for Portland Mayor, but took a pass to maintain his seniority in Congress.  As much as many Portland Democrats would love to see Blumenauer throw his hat in the ring, his severe distaste for fundraising (he has a mere $7800 in his campaign account) and a lucrative spot on the House Ways and Means committee are likely to keep him where he's at.

There was a suggestion that retiring fifth district Congresswoman Darlene Hooley may take a stab at Mahonia Hall in 2010.  Kari, really?  Retiring with her pension from Congress it is unlikely Hooley will continue her political tenure by running for office again.

Retiring state Treasurer Randall Edwards is also said to be considering a run for governor now that term limits are forcing him out of office.  The fiscally intuitive Democrat and former legislator could present a strong challenge if he gets into the primary.  He's one of few Dems who has somehow managed to antagonize the fewest liberal constituencies of all current potential candidates.  His wife, Nike lobbyist Julie Brim-Edwards, could also give him a leg up with the Oregon lobby.

The last and least likely Democrat mentioned to the Inside Edge is current state Sen. Betsy Johnson from Scappoose.  She was well on her way to building a coalition of support for a gubernatorial bid until she admitted to ethics violations, was accused of using her political clout to leverage a better contract for a company owned by her husband, and of course, is currently under a federal criminal investigation for her own business dealings.  Should the fed probe disappear between now and fall of 2009 she might be able to recover by using her own personal fortune to convince Dem primary voters she's legit.