In addition, a three-person race creates the possibility that none of the candidates will get a majority on the first ballot, and lawmakers can sometimes shift their allegiances on a second ballot.

Former Governor John Kitzhaber, a Democrat, won the party's nomination in a three-person race.

He finally became Governor with only 39 percent of the vote in a three-person race, an election that had the lowest level of voter participation in 44 years.

"It's a reflection of the enormous amount of money that has been spent and the peculiar dynamics of this three-person race," he said.

"In a three-person race, we need 33 1/3 percent, a little more, figure 34," he said.

"We're now pulling into a three-person race, and there's still almost four weeks to go until the election."

Mr. Kindler, Ms. Katen, and Mr. Shedlarz were all named vice chairs in February 2005, setting up the three-person race for the top job.

In 1998, she ran for mayor of Milwaukie, and won a three-person race by 2-1 margin over her closest competitor.

"And in a three-person race, 40 wins going away."

"This guy has at least a 20-25 percent core vote out there in a three-person race," Mr. Jordan said.