Chris Dudley reappears at Dorchester Conference, talks about education reform

By Jeff Mapes, The Oregonian

March 6, 2011

SEASIDE-Former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley, making a rare appearance at a political event after losing last November’s race for Oregon governor, on Sunday told Republicans at the Dorchester Conference that he continues to be interested in the major issues facing Oregon.

But he didn’t indicate if he had any interest in seeking another elective office.  Afterward, Dudley said in a short interview that he himself didn’t know if he would ever run again.

“I’ll be involved at one level or another,” he said.  “Whether it is in front of the curtain or behind the curtain remains to be seen.”

Dudley, who lost one of the closest races for governor in Oregon history to Democrat John Kitzhaber, thanked the GOP activists for their support and said:

“Losing an election does not mean you lose your desire to make Oregon a better place in which to live, work and raise a family.  Like all of you, I will be advocating for policies that reduce or eliminate Oregon’s job deficit, to get Oregonians back to work.  Like all of you, I will be advocating for polices that restrain government spending.  And like all of you I will be advocating for true - true - reform in our schools.”

Dudley said after his talk that he has been talking with several education groups, including Stand For Children and the Chalkboard Project, about taking a more visible role on school reform.  “More to come,” he promised.