Oregon Public Broadcasting

The governor's office says deputy chief of staff Allen Alley resigned Tuesday. That's because Alley -- a Republican -- will announce Wednesday that he is running for state treasurer. Central Oregon correspondent Ethan Lindsey reports.

Alley's announcement is a blow to Democratic state Senator Ben Westlund of Bend. Westlund was the only high-profile name in the race, and had collected a number of key endorsements, including from the governor.

Ben Westlund: “I've always felt that the Republicans would file a candidate.”

Westlund started out his political career as a Republican.

Alley has business experience -- he was the CEO of the Oregon computer display company Pixel Works.

State Republican chair Vance Day says this proves the rumors of a GOP demise were greatly exaggerated.

Vance Day: “We told everybody that we'd bring out our candidates one at a time at the end of February and early March, and that's what we're doing."

Day says the GOP is in fine shape heading into November. What with Alley running for treasurer, former gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix running for an open congressional seat, and former Eugene television anchor Rick Dancer running for secretary of state.