Westlund in race for governor of Oregon

SALEM -- Ben Westlund, a state senator from Bend described by some as a "maverick," shed his Republican Party label Tuesday and announced plans to run for governor as an independent.

If he makes it on the ballot, Westlund would become a wild card in the November general election, giving voters a broader choice and complicating the campaigns of the two major party nominees.

Westlund, 56, gave a speech blistering the current state of partisan politics in Oregon.

"It has become standard operating procedure for both parties to posture, preen, position -- all for the single-minded purpose of gaining control" of the Legislature and statewide political offices, he said.

Westlund, who has been in the Legislature since 1997, now must gather 18,368 signatures from Oregon voters by Aug. 29 to qualify for the ballot. Under a new state law, the signatures must come from people who don't cast a vote in a party primary.

His announcement stirred an immediate and intense political debate about whether his moderate stands might suck votes away from a Democrat or whether his conservative voting record would hamper the Republican.

"What's clear now is there's going to be two Republicans in the general election," said Cameron Johnson, campaign manager for incumbent Gov. Ted Kulongoski, a Democrat who is seeking re-election.

Naomi Inman, spokeswoman for Kevin Mannix, a Republican candidate, predicted Westlund would appeal most to Democratic voters, despite his longtime standing as a Republican.

Citing his past support for a sales tax, Inman said, "We just think he's another liberal in the race."

Independent candidates tend to quickly become labeled as "spoilers" in Oregon -- a state that has had one independent governor, Julius Meier, elected in 1930. For example, in 1990, Al Mobley, an independent gubernatorial candidate, garnered 13 percent of the vote and widely was credited with helping Democrat Barbara Roberts win by taking votes away from Republican David Frohnmayer.

But Tim Hibbitts, an independent Portland pollster, said Westlund showed good timing by shunning party labels.

"The climate is right in Oregon for an independent to do well," said Hibbitts, who has surveyed thousands of voters. "This is a state that's pretty grumpy" over its leadership and partisan wrangling at the Legislature.

If Westlund raises enough money, and offers a centrist alternative and message, he could become a fierce competitor, Hibbitts said.

On Tuesday, Westlund wore a plaid shirt, open at the neck, and leather jacket as he read a prepared speech focused on the need for independence in politics.

He slowed and hardened his tone when referring to an Oregon that "spirals into mediocrity and below." His children, son, B.J., 17, and daughter, Taylor, 13, stood by his side.

Westlund said he hopes to raise $3 million. A successful businessman, he was asked whether he would self-finance the campaign. "Nope," he said, joking about having 27 cents in his pocket.

Now midway through his four-year Senate term, Westlund would return to the Legislature if he loses. But he would be -- at this point -- the sole independent member.

Westlund is known for his willingness to work with Democrats, his efforts to reform the state tax system and his sometimes passionate floor speeches. He brought the House to a stunned silence in 2003 when he talked about his struggles with lung cancer and the need for statesmanship over partisanship.

This year, he is a sponsor of a proposed ballot measure that would make access to health care a right.

State Republican Chairman Vance Day sounded wistful about Westlund leaving the party. Day said that the two are longtime friends and that Westlund was a good Republican, even though they didn't always agree.

"Ben's a bit of a maverick," Day said, but he's not anti-Republican. "He's not taking a bazooka and shooting at us."

State Democratic Chairman Jim Edmunson said Westlund had to drop his party because his moderate stands wouldn't make it through a Republican primary that typically favors the more conservative candidates. But Edmunson said Westlund's chances are slim.

"In today's political world, organization is how you win elections," Edmunson said. "I don't think a gadfly candidate is going to affect the outcome much."

Harry Esteve: 503-221-8226; harryesteve@news.oregonian.com