Oregon Public Broadcasting

In the face of a major budget shortfall, both of the leading candidates for Oregon governor are asking state workers to make concessions.

But Democrat John Kitzhaber and Republican Chris Dudley differ in the level of sacrifice they're demanding.

Kitzhaber outlined his budget-balancing plans at a Portland press conference Tuesday.

Both Kitzhaber and Dudley say they'll ask state workers to start paying a portion of their health insurance premiums.

Dudley says 16 percent is a good number. Kitzhaber says it could be closer to nine percent.

Both candidates say they'll push to reduce the amount the state contributes to public employee retirement accounts.

Dudley has also said he wants to privatize some state services but hasn't specified which ones other than the relatively small Liquor Control Commission.

Kitzhaber says his approach is to reduce personnel costs without wholesale layoffs.

John Kitzhaber: "This narrative that we can just whack public employees, keep us safe, take care of the vulnerable and educate our kids is poppycock."

Kitzhaber has the financial and political backing of the largest public employee unions.

Dudley's campaign accused Kitzhaber of maintaining a , "failed status quo," with his budget plan.