Oregon governor candidate Chris Dudley will skip debate for vacation

PORTLAND — Oregon Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Dudley will not participate in a debate with his Democratic opponent this week, saying it interferes with his vacation plans.

Dudley was asked to take questions from a panel alongside former Gov. John Kitzhaber on Friday at the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's summer convention in Salem. The ONPA debate is a tradition in Oregon politics that stretches back decades, signaling the start of the general election campaign.

Democrats on Tuesday criticized Dudley's decision not to attend, arguing it's part of a pattern of avoiding issues.

"It's interesting, especially that he has not, since the primary, spoken out on anything," said Democratic Party of Oregon spokeswoman Amy Wojcicki. "He's had an opportunity to talk about various issues out there. Here's an opportunity, and they've decided that they're going on vacation."

http://tdn.com/news/state-and-regional/article_deab7fec-8eb2-11df-94f9-001cc4c002e0.html

I have a feeling it won't hold up in the wash. Kitzhaber is going to win.

We may get some backlash from conservative republicans who have been foaming at the mouth over Obama, but I don't think it will be enough to help Dudley prevail.

He's the invisible candidate. He's got nothing.

Used to play for the Cavaliers (and Portland too - forgot that). And a Republican to boot.