KATU: Poll Shows Reese Would Enter Mayoral Race Near Top Of Field

A new poll shows that Portland Police Bureau Chief Mike Reese, who is considering entering the mayoral race, would fare well against the top three declared candidates. KATU first reported the results of the SurveyUSA poll, available here.

The telephone survey of 537 likely Portland voters commenced the morning after WW broke the news of Reese's interest in the race and wrapped up today. It shows Reese would enter the race in a statistical tie with New Seasons Market co-founder Eileen Brady. But it's still early, and most voters remain undecided.

Reese, Portland's police chief since 2010, would attract self-proclaimed conservatives in ways the three declared candidates do not, the poll shows. Conservatives are a minority of the Portland electorate, but their support in the May primary could be enough to put Reese into a runoff with Brady, former City Commissioner Charlie Hales or State Rep. Jefferson Smith (D-East Portland).

KATU will have more to say about the poll on its 6 pm newscast tonight.

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