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Jon Justesen, who is running an exploratory campaign for Oregon governor, as seen in a photo from his campaign.

Jon Justesen, the Sherman County rancher who is looking at seeking the Republican nomination for governor, on Tuesday

that would eliminate income taxes for all but well-to-do Oregonians.

Justesen's plan looks less like a standard Republican approach and more like something that would be proposed by someone from the left side of the political spectrum. He said he wants to use proceeds from a 5 percent sales tax on goods and services to eliminate state income taxes for individuals earning less than $100,000 a year and joint filers earning less than $150,000.

Meanwhile, those with taxable income above that would pay the same in income taxes as they do now in addition to also shouldering a sales tax.

In addition, Justesen proposes to provide a property-tax break for homeowners or owners of rental housing who make building improvements. And he says he wants to provide a sales-tax holiday in March, which he says would stimulate economic activity during a slow time of the year. Justesen said he also wants his plan to go to voters for their approval.

Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, is the only firm candidate in the GOP gubernatorial primary race. Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat, announced last week that he'll seek a record fourth term.

Justesen said he plans to decide in January for sure if he will also seek the Republican nomination. "The more I consider it," he said, "the more responsible I feel to try it."

Justesen's proposed sales-tax plan is quite different than one

. That proposal would cut income-tax rates across the board and exempt the first $50,000 of home value from property taxes.

Justesen said he doesn't see any reason to reduce income taxes for well-to-do Oregonians,

.

"I think it's time to quit coddling the rich," he said, adding that "it's a wonderful way to serve our country" and less onerous than "serving in a war."

Richard Burke, a political consultant working with Justesen, said they haven't yet studied the revenue impact of the plan and will likely have to adjust its parameters. Justesen said he thinks the state needs to raise more revenue to provide enough money for schools and other services.

-- Jeff Mapes