It was 2010 and Allen Alley, who had run for State Treasurer in 2008, was looking to become the first Republican to win a statewide campaign since 2002.
That would have made him the first Republican governor in Oregon since Vic Atiyeh left office in 1987.
Alley, unfortunately, ran into the formidable Chris Dudley, former Portland Trailblazer star with tremendous name recognition.
Find out what's happening in Lake Oswegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Alley lost to Dudley who went on to lose to John Kitzhaber.
On Monday, Alley announced he is going to try again.
Find out what's happening in Lake Oswegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
With one day to go before the filing deadline, Alley announced he will seek the Republican nomination.
And, he's already looking beyond the May 17 primary.
He is focused on Governor Kate Brown who, after taking over when Kitzhaber resigned, is running for her first full term.
"The political class in Salem has let us down," Alley said Monday.
He will, though, have to get by Bud Pierce, an oncologist in Salem who has been running since last summer.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.