Oregon Gov. Roberts Drops Bid for Second Term

SALEM, Ore. —  Gov. Barbara Roberts called off her reelection bid on Friday, citing personal and professional concerns in her decision not to try for a second term.

“I thought I could do it all . . . but I can’t do justice to my family or myself if I spread myself that thin,” Roberts said.

Her husband, Frank, died of cancer last fall, and her sister is suffering from lung cancer.

Roberts, 57, became the second Oregon governor in a row to decide not to seek reelection. Democratic Gov. Neil E. Goldschmidt in 1990 announced that he would not run again because he and his wife were splitting up.

Roberts faced a strong challenge from former state Senate President John Kitzhaber in the May Democratic primary. She has been far behind in polls but had vowed to wage an all-out campaign.

In Washington, President Clinton issued a statement saying he had learned of Roberts’ decision not to seek reelection “with regret.”

“I have been very fortunate to work with the governor on issues affecting the people of the Northwest and the nation--health care, economic opportunity and the protection of our natural resources. Her leadership on these and other issues will be missed,” Clinton said.

Roberts, who earlier was considered for a position in the Clinton Administration, said she had not been contacted recently for any such job.

“I don’t know what I want to do next,” she said.

Roberts’ announcement led to speculation that Secretary of State Phil Keisling, an ally of Roberts, might enter the Democratic governor’s race. He declined comment.

Roberts’ term has been a difficult one: She faced three recall efforts and legislative opposition. She also has had to contend with a $1-billion budget shortfall resulting from a property tax limit passed by voters in 1990.