Oregon Public Broadcasting

The two major party candidates for Oregon governor are prepping for their only scheduled television debate in the race.

It's set forThursday evening in Portland. When it comes to fundraising, new campaign finance reports show Republican Chris Dudley is staying well ahead of Democrat John Kitzhaber.

Dudley has raised more than $5.5 million since last November. That's almost twice as much as John Kitzhaber, who's been soliciting funds for more than a year.

Dudley's flush war chest has enabled Dudley to blanket the airwaves with ads including his latest, which includes testimonials from Democrats who say they support the Republican Dudley.

Voices on ad: "If we keep electing the same people, we're going to get the same results. If you're happy with how things are, Kitzhaber's your guy. But I'm not. I'm going with Dudley."

Dudley's strongest support comes from the business community. Kitzhaber's getting help from unions, which independently funded this ad.

Voice on ad: "Think Chris Dudley's going to look out for you? Chris Dudley's job is a wealth strategist."

The debate on KGW television will be the first and possibly only televised showdown in this year's governor's race.

Dudley has never run for office before so this will be his first time debating someone from a different party.