Oregon Public Broadcasting

One-time political rivals are becoming friends again.

Now that this week's primary election is over, Republican and Democratic party leaders in Oregon are putting on a show of force.

Republicans are gathering for a unity event Thursday in Newberg. Former Democratic adversaries rallied together Wednesday in Portland. Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

In the race for governor, it wasnít a particularly bruising primary between former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury and former Governor John Kitzhaber.

The two veteran politicians are long-time friends. In the end Kitzhaber easily defeated Bradbury to win the Democratic nomination.

Bradbury and Kitzhaber embraced at a Democratic Party gathering in Portland. Bradbury says he whole-heartedly supports Kitzhaberís bid to win an unprecedented third term as Oregon governor.Bill Bradbury: "I am so convinced that John Kitzhaber is going to be the absolutely right candidate this fall."

Kitzhaber faces Republican Chris Dudley in the general election. The former NBA basketball player has already hit the road in a series of campaign stops around the state.