Oregon Democrats pick Kitzhaber as their gubernatorial nominee in uneventful primary

The primary season for the 2010 election cycle is in full swing as Oregon voters went to their mailboxes and ballot dropboxes and voted in their primary.

On the Democratic side, the biggest contest was between former Governor John Kitzhaber and Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, who each sought the Democratic nomination for governor. With 55.3% of precincts reporting, Kitzhaber has nearly two thirds of the vote and will be the Democratic nominee for Governor.

The Senate race was an easy blowout for Senator Ron Wyden, who beat his primary opponents nearly nine to one. He will face Republican Jim Huffman, who received 40% of the Republican vote and beat out four other contenders.

In the general election (for governor), Kitzhaber will likely face Chris Dudley, whose claim to fame is playing basketball for the Portland Trail Blazers. Dudley is currently leading Allen Alley, a well known right wing business executive.

There were no closely contested primary contests for U.S. House on the Democratic side. However, Republicans are still waiting to find out who their nominee to challenge Representative David Wu in the 1st will be. Currently, Robert Cornilles is leading by 8%. He will probably be the Republican nominee.

In addition, voters approved Measures 68 and 69 which allow greater flexibility for schools and universities to use bonds.

Basically, it's a way for public schools to save money on interest.

So no major surprises in Oregon, but then again, none were expected. The major action is happening back East, where voters are in a feisty, populist mood.