It's too bad that state Sen. Frank Morse has decided against running for governor next year. He would make a good one. But his reasoning is sound.

He has demonstrated he does not live for politics or power. In 2002 he ran for the Senate thinking he might be able to help right some things in the state government, but he got into office just as the Republicans lost their majority in the Senate, which was followed by losing control of the House.

Because of that, his sensible ideas for tax reform never got a full hearing. And a bruising primary and general election campaign for governor is more than he wants to bear.

Oregon does need men like Morse, people with sound business sense and carefully considered, moderate views on everything else.

The trouble is that men of Morse's caliber don't need the intrusions on their lives that running for high office demands. (hh)