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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend January 28, 2006 State Sen. Jason Atkinson of Central Point promises to take Oregon in a "new direction" if he's elected governor. Atkinson makes it official By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune State Sen. Jason Atkinson became an official candidate for governor Friday, saying he’s in the race to win. "Many of our critics said we weren’t serious," said the 35-year-old Central Point lawmaker. He said the filing is just a formality, but shows his growing feeling that he has the support of his party. "We have a huge backing of people in the Republican Party who want a new direction," he said. Atkinson said he’s more convinced than ever that he has more to offer than his GOP opponents, Kevin Mannix and Ron Saxton. Advertisement While Mannix has good name recognition, Atkinson said his own internal polls show him either slightly ahead or just behind Mannix. He wouldn’t disclose the numbers. Saxton has raised the most money of the three candidates at $1 million, but Atkinson, who said he’s raised less than that, said his campaign won’t be about money. "We want to forge a new way of campaigning that goes back to the heart level," he said. "It says there is hope and we can stand for something." He said he will campaign on issues that are important to him and other Oregonians, such as better funding for education, controlling illegal immigration, protecting children from sexual predators, getting rid of taxes that hurt business and keeping special interests from buying legislation. In his two successful campaigns for Senate, Atkinson said he was outspent by his opponents. Atkinson, who did say his targets for fundraising are on track, said he’s spent months on the campaign and fundraising trail, driving 1,500 a miles a week as he travels up and down and across the state. "Like the Johnny Cash song, ‘I’ve been everywhere,’ " he said. He’s also opened offices in Medford, Tigard and Bend. Rep. Dennis Richardson, a Central Point Republican, said he’s already decided to endorse Atkinson. "I think Jason would make a great governor and I would support him in his bid," he said. "He has a combination of fresh ideas and energy and intelligence that Oregon truly needs." Richardson said the challenge for Atkinson will be to get his name recognized in the northern counties that have the largest block of voters. "It’s certainly an uphill battle for him," he said. Political analyst Russ Dondero said he’s seen no indication that Atkinson is building momentum for a statewide race. "Atkinson’s base is so narrow — Southern Oregon and perhaps the Christian right — it’s hard to see him being anything but a spoiler for the two heavyweights," said Dondero, who teaches political science at Portland State University. Any votes Atkinson draws in the May GOP primary likely will come at the expense of Mannix, who was strongly backed by the party’s social conservatives in the 2002 Republican primary election, Dondero said. "That will make the race between Saxton and Mannix a real close one," he said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail Atkinson makes it official ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations Casinos Canada dvd-r Generic Viagra Myspace Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Student Loans Sudoku Online Advertisement s Advertisement