Beginning in the end of September, chatter began in Oregon about the possibility that former Democratic Governor John Kitzhaber would challenge his designated successor, current Democratic Governor Ted Kulongoski, in a party primary in May. As The Oregonian's Harry Esteve reports, polling on the possible contest has finally been released.

Oregon Democrats would just as soon have former Gov. John Kitzhaber back in office as re-elect incumbent Gov. Ted Kulongoski, according to a new statewide poll released Monday.

The poll, by Riley Research Associates of Portland, shows Kitzhaber and Kulongoski in a virtual tie for the Democratic nomination, with 29 percent and 27 percent, respectively. Of the rest, the two closest were state Sen. Vicki Walker of Eugene and Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson, with 3 percent apiece.

On the Republican side, former party chairman Kevin Mannix of Salem holds a large lead over his two main challengers, Portland lawyer Ron Saxton and state Sen. Jason Atkinson of Central Point. Mannix had the support of 29 percent of respondents; Saxton and Atkinson had 6 percent each.

Although some say that Kitzhaber would make a better Democratic Governor than Kulongoski, it's clear that an intraparty primary the likes of this could provide the Republicans with their first shot at winning back the Governor's mansion since 1986.