Run, GOP, Run

Greg Walden should run for Oregon governor.

And if Walden, who represents Central and Eastern Oregon in the U.S. House, won’t run, then former Sen. Gordon Smith, who unlike Walden has won a statewide race, should.

Of course any Republican, even experienced politicians such as Walden and Smith, face a daunting task in seeking the keys to Mahonia Hall.

Oregon voters haven’t elected a Republican governor since 1982, when they chose Vic Atiyeh for the second of his two four-year terms.

And the Republican candidate in 2010 might have the even tougher assignment of trying to beat a Democrat who’s already had the state’s top job — John Kitzhaber, who served two terms, from 1995 to 2003, is running again.

There’s already a Republican in the race, of course. But Allen Alley, although he’s a likable guy and we appreciate that he started his statewide walk in Baker City, gained little traction in his bid for state treasurer last fall.

Alley poses no threat to either Kitzhaber or other possible Democratic candidates, Bill Bradbury and Rep. Peter DeFazio.

Walden, though, has done an admirable job representing the 2nd Congressional District.

We’re confident he would be more receptive to a variety of Baker County concerns, from wolves to water, than any of the Democratic contenders.

We would as a result be disappointed to lose his voice, and vote, on Capitol Hill.

But there are capable replacements, including State Sen. Ted Ferrioli of John Day.

Although the chances that a Republican can win a statewide race are marginal, we like the sound of “Governor Walden.”