Atkinson to run for governor       

   The Central Point Republican said he has put together “95 percent” of his campaign team for the May 18 primary against Allen Alley.

   Atkinson, 39, lost in the 2006 primary but said he’s confident he’ll clear that hurdle in 2010.

   Atkinson spoke the same day former Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber announced his candidacy.

   “It will be interesting having two hard-core fly fishermen get together as they run for governor,” Atkinson said.

   State Rep. Brian Clem, also a Democrat, had been mulling entering the 2010 race, but said Thursday he has decided against it. Clem said he will join Kitzhaber’s campaign as a statewide director. Clem worked on the former governor’s first campaigns.

   Differences

   Though he describes Kitzhaber as a friend, Atkinson says he and the Democrat have stark philosophical differences, particularly on health care.

   Oregon tried to create a model program that could be copied around the country known as the Oregon Health Plan, but none of the other 49 states followed suit, he said.

   “We couldn’t control costs, and costs went astronomical,” said Atkinson, who dealt with his own health emergency last year — an accidental gunshot wound to the leg.

   “It’s a mess,” he said. “It’s going to be constant pain for the rest of my life. A year ago, I could have died. Now I live completely without fear.”

   Alley’s response

   Alley, who has been walking 400 miles around the state to promote his campaign, said he’s not going to worry about other candidates who might run against him.

   “Either you believe you’re the best candidate for governor, or not,” said the 55 -year-old Lake Oswego businessman. “I believe I’m the right candidate.”