Jason Atkinson

Jason Atkinson (born 1970) is an American politician in the U.S. state of Oregon. A native of California, the Republican grew up in the Southern Oregon city of Medford. He is currently serving in the Oregon Legislative Assembly as a senator, and he ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for Governor of Oregon in 2006. He filed for reelection and appeared on the May 2008 primary ballot.

Early life

Jason Atkinson was born on November 6, 1970, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in the Medford, Oregon area, where as an adolescent he worked at his father's radio station, KDOV. His father, Perry Atkinson, ran for Congress three times and once served as chairman of the Oregon Republican Party. Growing up, Jason competed in skiing and in mountain bike racing. In 1992, he earned a Bachelor's degree in political science and history from Southern Oregon State College. Atkinson then attended Willamette University where he earned a MBA from the school's Atkinson Graduate School of Management in 1997. Atkinson is the founder of several entrepreneurial ventures, including Allmand Tree Creative. He also hosts a local radio talk show in Medford.

Political career

In 1998, Atkinson was elected to his first public office as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives. He served as a Republican representing District 51, which includes Jackson and Josephine counties. He served one term before election to the Oregon State Senate in 2000. Atkinson was elected from District 25, once again representing Jackson and Josephine counties in Southern Oregon. In 2002, the district was changed to District 2. Atkinson was re-elected to a second four-year Oregon Senate term without opposition in 2004. In the State Senate he has served as Deputy Majority Leader, Majority Whip and Committee Chair.

In 2006, Atkinson ran for the Republican nomination for Governor of Oregon. He finished third with 22% of the vote, behind the nominee, Ron Saxton, who garnered 43% and Kevin Mannix, who received 30%.

Family

Atkinson and his wife Stephanie live in Central Point with their son, Perry. The Atkinsons are of the Presbyterian faith.

Gun accident

On July 29, 2008, while repairing a friend's bicycle, Atkinson was accidentally struck in the knee by a bullet fired from a loaded .38 caliber derringer pistol that was contained in a small bag that was attached to the bike. As of July 31, Senator Atkinson was listed in serious condition at Providence Medford Medical Center.

See also

• Oregon gubernatorial election, 2006

References

External links

• Senator Atkinson's webpage from the Oregon Legislative Assembly website
• Senator Atkinson's Bio Oregon Secretary of State's Office
• Project Vote Smart Biography