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Atkinson seeks Adams'seat in Oregon Senate By PETER WONG Jason Atkinson wants to return to the Oregon Legislature, but in 2001, he wants to see it from a different vantage point. Atkinson said Wednesday he will vacate his seat in the House after one term to seek the open seat in the Senate district that covers southwest Jackson County and most of Josephine County. "I am excited to continue what we started this time," said the Jacksonville Republican. "We began with a smattering of issues, from tax relief for senior citizens to help for small businesses, agriculture and natural resources -- and passing a litany of bills this past session is not an end but a beginning. "I like the forum of the Senate with its small numbers and more experienced members." Atkinson's announcement, which he hinted at last month, sets up a contest in the May 16, 2000, primary for the Republican nomination for the open seat in Senate District 25. The Republican incumbent is Brady Adams of Grants Pass, who is barred by Oregon's term-limits law from seeking a third term. Adams' 1992 campaign manager, Pat Fahey of Grants Pass, announced for the nomination last week at a party Adams attended. Adams said this week he is endorsing both because he thinks either would be a good successor. Senate Majority Leader Gene Derfler of Salem, heir apparent to Adams as Senate president, said the leadership is not taking sides in the primary. "But we are pleased that Jason is considering coming over to the Senate," Derfler said as he accompanied Atkinson Wednesday. "He would add a lot to our caucus." Atkinson represents House District 51, which covers southwest Jackson County, including Central Point and White City, and a small part of Josephine County. "I do not take anything for granted," Atkinson said after he announced at a luncheon of the Rogue River Republican Women in Grants Pass. "I would not run unless I thought I can win -- and I believe I can." Atkinson won the Republican nomination to his House seat over Larry Frank by a margin of 122 votes of more than 5,000 cast in May 1998. He then won the seat in the general election by a 60 percent majority. Atkinson, 28, is a business consultant. He and his wife, Stephanie, a dental hygienist, live in Jacksonville. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and history from Southern Oregon University in 1992 and a master's degree in management from Willamette University in 1997. During the 1999 session, Atkinson pushed passage of bills to reorganize the membership of the state Land Conservation and Development Commission along regional lines, integrate tribal hatchery programs with state salmon-recovery plans, boost aid for state universities, and provide property tax rebates for seniors. The latter bill was vetoed. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA