2006 Gubernatorial Election
On December 1, 2005 the Eugene Register-Guard reported that former Democratic Governor John Kitzhaber was considering challenging Kulongoski in the Democratic primary. But one month later, Kitzhaber announced he would not do so, as did another potential Democratic rival, State Senator Vicki Walker. This left Governor Kulongoski with two challengers: Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson, and former State treasurer Jim Hill, both of whom accused Kulongoski of betraying Democratic Party principles. Stated Hill, "From my standpoint, is a good opportunity to show what a horrible Democrat Ted has been". The Service Employees International Union Local 503 endorsed Jim Hill, and the Multnomah County Democratic Central Committee decided to endorse Kulongoski's rivals but not him at a February 19, 2006 meeting.
Some other interest groups also indicated unhappiness with Kulongoski. Palestinian supporters from Americans United for Palestinian Human Rights questioned Kulongoski's connections to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, after the governor was quoted as saying that "support for AIPAC is an article of faith for both political parties." And in April 2006, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde started running advertisements for Jim Hill over Ted Kulongoski, due to the Governor's decision allowing a rival tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to build a casino in Cascade Locks. Hill attacked Kulongoski stating, "Let's be real clear: Once again, Ted lied". Kulongoski denied the accusation, stating that he endorsed the Cascade Locks site only to prevent the Warm Springs tribe from building on tribal land near Hood River, in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, which by law they are allowed to do.
On May 16, 2006, Kulongoski won the Democratic primary with 54% of the vote. Jim Hill finished second with 25%, Pete Sorenson third with 16% of the vote.
Kulongoski faced multiple opponents in the general election: Republican Party candidate Ron Saxton, Constitution Party candidate Mary Starrett, Libertarian Party candidate Richard Morley, and Pacific Green Party candidate Joe Keating. Former Republican Ben Westlund planned on running as independent, but on August 10, 2006 withdrew from the race, stating that "I made a commitment to the people of Oregon that I was in it to win it and that I absolutely would not play a spoiler role".
On November 7, 2006, Kulongoski won a second term, 51% to 43% over Ron Saxton.
Read more about this topic: Ted Kulongoski
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