The Race in Oregon

It is so hard for me to study while everything back home is so tumultuous! Right now, the gubernatorial race in Oregon is heated- and close! It's always interesting to me, especially at GW, how many people have aspirations for political jobs such as these when the circumstances of how they got there are so different- especially for governor. The two contenders are Kitzhaber and Dudley:

Kitzhaber on left, Dudley on right

Kitzhaber's background: Practicing physician who went to Dartmouth and Oregon Health and Sciences University. Began his political career in 1979 and served as the Oregon Senate President and author of the Oregon Health Plan. He has already served two terms as governor (1995-2003). He is campaigning for his third term as the Democratic candidate.
Dudley's background: Former NBA player for the Portland Trail Blazers who went to Yale University. Born in Connecticut and opened an Oregon-based group to improve the lives of diabetic children. He is the Republican nominee.

Kitzhaber was supposed to prevail, but Dudley has held onto a slim margin until last night when the ballots were counted from the most urban section of Portland, Oregon. Kitzhaber has emerged victorious for his 3rd term.
While the politics interest me, what interests me most is the careers both of these men held before entering politics. From being a physician to a pro basketball player, what you major in during college or begin your career doing is not limiting- and instead, usually gives you a better perspective.

Questions? Email me! marisaw@gwmail.gwu.edu
- Marisa