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Pacific Green Party candidate shakes hands with Gov. John Kitzhaber on Monday after crashing a debate before the editorial boards of Pamplin Media Group and EO Media Group.

(YouTube)

A debate between Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber and his Republican challenger, Rep. Dennis Richardson, was under way Monday when Pacific Green Party candidate Jason Levin strode in.

Kitzhaber and Richardson looked up in surprise as Levin, in a dark suit and tie, introduced himself at the event before the editorial boards of Pamplin Media Group and EO Media Group at Pamplin offices in Milwaukie. He then took a seat at the table, next to Richardson.

The moderator tried to explain that the debate was planned only for the Democratic and Republican nominees, and that there was no time for a third candidate to answer questions. He said Levin could answer questions later.

"You don't have time for a legitimate candidate who's on the ballot to participate in a forum like this?," Levin shot back. "I think we've established that separate but equal is not equal."

Levin then shook hands with Richardson and Kitzhaber, who agreed he could stay. Then the debate went on. In the YouTube video, Levin arrives at the 8:49 mark.

Levin got into the event in the first place simply by showing up and telling the receptionist he was there for the debate, according to an OPB report.

-- Michelle Brence