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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend May 17, 2006 State Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Central Point, conceded the election among about a hundred supporters gathered at the Old Market Brewery near Portland. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) Atkinson thanks supporters; 'I'm going fishing' By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune PORTLAND — Jason Atkinson's campaign for governor ended Tuesday night where it all started — in a small suburb near Portland. About 100 supporters gathered at the Old Market Brewery and Pub, where Atkinson conceded the election at a little after 9 p.m. "Now is the time to leave the campaign and get behind the Republican candidates," said the 35-year-old Central Point resident and state senator, flanked by his wife, Stephanie, and 2-year-old son, Perry. "I am heartsick about the fact that my life starts over tomorrow and I won't be campaigning." Expressing his appreciation to those who aided in his campaign, Atkinson said, "In American politics I would stand in the trenches with any of you to get things done. I am flattered you would all give your hearts to me." For a candidate who was relatively unknown at the start of the campaign, Atkinson received 22 percent of the vote statewide in early returns, coming in third behind Ron Saxton at 43 percent and Kevin Mannix at 30 percent. In Jackson County, however, Atkinson won a clear majority with 8,122 votes — 48 percent over Saxton's 33 percent and Mannix's 14 percent. As the disappointing results began rolling in, Atkinson often waited outside the brewery, away from supporters. "When I get down, I like to be by myself," he said. Atkinson's campaign began a year and a half ago at the brewery with a small group of friends and supporters. Tim Bernasek, a close friend, remembers when the idea of Atkinson running for governor first surfaced. They were on an annual fishing trip to Montana when the conversation turned to politics. "I remember saying that what Oregon needs is someone to stand up and say what is right," said Bernasek, of Portland. "I've always thought that Atkinson has the attributes of a true leader." After that initial conversation, they began meeting with others at the brewery. Longtime supporter Cindy Robert of Tigard said it only seemed appropriate to hold the election night gathering at the brewery. "We said, 'Let's go back to where it all started,'" she said. Supporters said Atkinson will be in a stronger position to run for governor four years from now with this campaign behind him. "We won't have the same amount of name recognition to deal with the next time," said Norwood Knight-Richardson, vice chairman of the Public Psychiatry Training Program at Oregon Health & Science University. He did not believe any of the other Republican candidates had a chance of winning against incumbent Ted Kulongoski in the general election. "If a Republican wants to be in the governor's mansion, Atkinson's the only guy who can do it," Knight-Richardson said. Atkinson said he was heartened by a campaign that didn't go negative and was based in grassroots support. He said he visited every town in the state during his campaign — something he said hadn't been done in 50 years of Oregon politics. Asked if he would make another bid for governor four years from now, Atkinson replied, "I'm going fishing for a long time." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] . Advertisement s 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 Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy