Oregon lawmaker suspends campaign for governor
By BRAD CAIN
Associated Press
Thursday, October 22, 2009 11:15 AM PDT
SALEM — Citing family health concerns, Republican state Sen. Jason Atkinson on Wednesday suspended his campaign for Oregon governor.
The southern Oregon lawmaker said that both he and his wife, Stephanie, have been ‘‘confronted with some serious health concerns.’’
Atkinson did not go into details. However, Atkinson is still recovering from an accidental shooting in 2008 that nearly killed him and severely damaged his leg. In the same year, Stephanie Atkinson was treated for thyroid cancer.
Two other Republicans are running for governor — businessman Allen Alley and former legislator John Lim. Former Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Dudley and state Senator Frank Morse of Albany are considering running as well. In a brief statement Wednesday, Atkinson left open the question of whether he would re-enter the race at some point.
‘‘I am not going away, but need time with my family,’’ Atkinson said.