Portland businessman Sho Dozono said he will continue to run for Portland mayor despite a lack of public financing.

Last Thursday, a judge disqualified Dozono from getting public campaign dollars because Dozono accepted a research poll valued at $27,000 as a campaign gift last December. The judge said that violated the $12,000 limit on goods or services that a candidate participating in public financing can receive.

Monday, Dozono said he wants to challenge the status quo and says Adams is a "City Hall insider" who believes he is "entitled to the Mayor's job".

A statement released by Dozono's campaign advisor Monday said “this is about a City Hall insider, who thinks he is entitled to the Mayor's job -- using every political maneuver possible to eliminate his only competition. Commissioner Adams championed a flawed system that Sho tried to make work and he receive specific instructions from the Auditor…only to have Sam Adams spend $10,000 to over rule the Auditor’s decision. If Commissioner Adams gets his way, the system will be forever rigged to protect the incumbent and the status quo."

 More: Dozono's complete statement

Dozono had previously said he would quit if he didn't qualify for taxpayer help with his campaign. But he called a press conference Monday and announced that he was not backing down, after all.

In voter-owned elections, candidates for city office receive all the money they need to campaign in exchange for limiting spending. As a well-connected businessman, Dozono probably could raise all the private money he needs.

Fans have also been urging Dozono to stick with it.

“That one was $200,” said Adam Berg, a Dozono campaign worker scanning new donation pledges from political supporters last week.

One email from the public said, “Stay in the race. We will raise money easily.”

Dozono said he was advised by the City Auditor this would not pose a problem in his bid for certification as publically financed candidate.

But Dozono’s opponent, Sam Adams, said the poll gave Dozono an unfair advantage. Adams appealed Dozono’s certification for the public funds.

Now Dozono has 40 days –the time until ballots are delivered to voters- to raise money the old-fashioned way.

“I do think it's important for the city to have a good race. Whoever wins should win because they're the best candidate not by default,” explained Dozono.

Retiring Mayor Tom Potter also said he stands behind Dozono as the top candidate. He urged Dozono to collect multitudes of small contributions while avoiding big money.

“Is Sho up to the task? I think he is,” said Potter, smiling confidently.