Kitzhaber wins Democratic governor nod in Oregon in run for unprecedented third term

Kitzhaber wins Democratic governor nod in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. — John Kitzhaber has won the Democratic nomination to run for an unprecedented third term as governor of Oregon.

He had 68 percent of the vote with 50 percent of the expected vote counted. The other top contender was Bill Bradbury, former Oregon secretary of state. He had 28 percent.

Kitzhaber won two terms as governor in the 1990s and was known for advocating measures to save salmon and reform health care.

He will face the winner of the Republican primary, likely one of two businessmen, Chris Dudley, a former NBA player, or Allen Alley.

Democrat Ted Kulongoski is leaving office after two terms. State law prohibits governors from serving more than two consecutive terms, but allows former governors to run again after they’re out of office at least four years.