01:44 PM PST on Saturday, March 4, 2006

By BRAD CAIN / Associated Press Writer

SEASIDE, Ore. -- The three leading GOP contenders for Oregon governor differed Friday night over which of them would have the best chance of knocking off Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski this fall.

AP photo

Republican gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix.

In a debate that started this year's Dorchester Conference, an annual gathering of Republicans, former State Rep. Kevin Mannix was asked whether Republicans might be feeling "fatigue" about his candidacy.

Mannix, who narrowly lost to Kulongoski in 2002, noted that former Gov. Vic Atiyeh had run unsuccessfully for the job before winning the first of two terms in 1978. Mannix said he made a tactical error four years ago by neglecting to campaign hard in Multnomah County, a Democratic stronghold.

This time, he said, he is giving his full effort in all parts of the state.

KGW photo

GOP gubernatorial candidate Ron Saxton.

But Portland lawyer Ron Saxton said it's time for Republicans "to get serious" after losing five successive gubernatorial races.

"What this party needs is new leadership; I am that candidate," said Saxton, who lost to Mannix in the 2002 GOP primary.

The third contender, Jason Atkinson, said his message and grass-roots campaign will resonate with voters throughout the state.

"It's not about money; it's about touching people's hearts," said the state senator from Jacksonville.

Ore. Legislature

State Sen. Jason Atkinson

During the question-and-answer portion of the debate, Saxton was asked whether he's concerned that his radio ads targeting illegal immigration could hurt the Republicans by blaming people.

Saxton's ads have been critical of the government for allowing illegal immigrants to get Oregon drivers' licenses, emergency health care and some other state services.

Saxton said he's not blaming the immigrants: "I'm blaming our leadership."

Mannix has taken a similar policy stand on immigration, but said he helped rewrite "vindicate language" that was in a resolution adopted by the state Republican Party this year.

Mannix said the resolution now praises immigrants who are in the country legally while calling on the federal government to enforce immigration laws.

Atkinson said he supports curbing benefits to illegal immigrants, but wouldn't run campaign ads that criticize people because of the color of their skin.