Jason Atkinson

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Jason Atkinson
Member of the Oregon Senate
from the 2nd district
In office
January 2001 – January 2013
Preceded by Brady Adams
Succeeded by Herman Baertschiger
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives
from the 51st district
In office
January 1999 – January 2001
Preceded by Eldon Johnson
Succeeded by Cherryl Walker
Personal details
Born (1970-11-06) November 6, 1970
Sacramento, California, U.S.
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Stephanie Atkinson
Alma mater Southern Oregon University
Willamette University
Religion Presbyterianism

Jason Atkinson (born 1970) is an American politician in the US state of Oregon. A native of California, the Republican grew up in the Southern Oregon city of Medford. He served as a senator in the Oregon State Senate from 2001 to 2013. He ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for Governor of Oregon in 2006, but was reelected to the Senate in 2008. He stated his intention to run in the 2010 Oregon gubernatorial election, but withdrew from the race in 2009.[1][2]

Early life

Jason Atkinson was born on November 6, 1970, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in the Medford, Oregon area, where, as an adolescent, he worked at his father's radio station, KDOV.[3] His father, Perry Atkinson, ran for Congress three times and once served as chairman of the Oregon Republican Party.[3] Growing up, Jason competed in skiing and in mountain bike racing.[3] In 1992, he earned a Bachelor's degree in political science and history from Southern Oregon State College.[4] Atkinson then attended Willamette University where he earned a MBA from the school's Atkinson Graduate School of Management in 1997.[4] Atkinson is the founder of several entrepreneurial ventures, including Allmand Tree Creative. He also hosts a local radio talk show in Medford.

Political career

In 1998, Atkinson was elected to his first public office as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives.[5] He served as a Republican representing District 51, which includes Jackson and Josephine counties.[5] He served one term before election to the Oregon State Senate in 2000.[6] Atkinson was elected from District 25, once again representing Jackson and Josephine counties in Southern Oregon. In 2002, the district was changed to District 2.[7] Atkinson was re-elected to a second four-year Oregon Senate term without opposition in 2004.[8] In the State Senate he has served as Deputy Majority Leader, Majority Whip and Committee Chair.

In 2006, Atkinson ran for the Republican nomination for Governor of Oregon.[3] He finished third of the eight candidates, with 22% of the vote, behind the nominee, Ron Saxton, who garnered 43% and Kevin Mannix, who received 30%.

Atkinson won reelection to the Oregon Senate in 2008. He decided not to run for reelection in 2012.[9]

Family

Atkinson and his wife Stephanie live in Central Point with their son, Perry. The Atkinsons are of the Presbyterian faith.[3]

Gun accident

On July 29, 2008, while repairing a friend's bicycle, Atkinson was struck in the knee by a bullet fired from a loaded .38 caliber derringer pistol, which was in a small bag that he had taken off the bike and dropped on the floor. On July 31, Senator Atkinson was listed in serious condition at Providence Medford Medical Center.[10] On August 4, 2008, Atkinson underwent successful surgery at Providence Medford Medical Center.[11]

Electoral history

Oregon State Senator 2nd District General Electoral Results[12]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
2008 Richard Koopmans 17,570 30.79% Jason A. Atkinson 39,265 68.81%
2004 No candidate filed Jason A. Atkinson 45,379 96.17%
Oregon State Senator 25th District General Electoral Results[12]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
2000 No candidate filed Jason A. Atkinson 37,636 95.35%
Oregon State Representative 51st District General Electoral Results[12]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
1998 Lon Holston 7,088 40.54% Jason A. Atkinson 10,380 59.37%
Oregon Gubernatorial Republican Primary Electoral Results[12]
Year Republican Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
2006 Ron Saxton 125,286 41.69 Kevin Mannix 89,553 29.80% Jason A. Atkinson 67,057 22.31% Other candidate 18,658 6.21%

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mann, Damian (September 2, 2009). "Atkinson says he'll join governor's race on GOP side". Retrieved 9/8/2009. 
  2. ↑ http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091022/NEWS/910220310
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Law, Steve. Oregon governor's race party profile: Republicans. Statesman Journal, April 23, 2006.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jason Atkinson. Statesman Journal, April 23, 2006.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Oregon Legislative Assembly (70th) 1999 Regular Session". Oregon State Archives. Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved 2007-12-12. 
  6. ↑ "Oregon Legislative Assembly (71st) 2001 Regular Session". Oregon State Archives. Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved 2007-12-12. 
  7. ↑ "Oregon Legislative Assembly (72nd) 2003 Regular Session". Oregon State Archives. Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved 2007-12-12. 
  8. ↑ "Oregon Legislative Assembly (73rd) 2005 Regular Session". Oregon State Archives. Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved 2007-12-12. 
  9. ↑ Giegerich, Andy (March 6, 2012). "Jason Atkinson to leave Oregon Senate". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved March 6, 2012. 
  10. ↑ Mann, Damian (2008-07-31). "Dropped derringer wounds state Sen. Atkinson". Mail Tribune (Medford). Retrieved 2008-07-31. 
  11. ↑ Specht, Sanne (2008-08-05). "Atkinson is doing well after successful surgery on his leg". Mail Tribune (Medford). Retrieved 2008-12-24. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 http://oregonvotes.org/other.info/stelec.htm Retrieved August 31, 2009

External links

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