Chris Dudley has impressive cash haul to start campaign

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Although former Trail Blazers player Chris Dudley hasn't formally entered the race for Oregon governor, he's already raised more money than any of the declared candidates.

New financial records filed today showed that Dudley has raised more than $340,000. In comparison, the best-funded candidate in the race, former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, has raised $280,000.

So far, Dudley has said little publicly other than that he may seek the Republican nomination for governor. Dudley, who played basketball professionally for 15 years, lives in Lake Oswego and works for a wealth management firm.

The largest contributor to his campaign was his old sports agent, Daniel Fegan of Los Angeles, who gave $100,000. Other major contributors include Steve Shepard, of M Benefit Solutions in Lake Oswego, who gave $50,000 and American Industries of Portland, which gave $25,000. One of Dudley's former Blazer teammates, Terry Porter, gave $5,000.

Just a few minutes ago, Friends of Chris Dudley, the campaign committee he formed a month ago, sent me a press release that listed a "statewide leadership team" consisting of five current and former legislators and Salem Mayor Janet Taylor who are "encouraging Dudley to declare his candidacy for governor."

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/12/dudley_has_impressive_cash_hau.html