SALEM (AP) — Democratic State Rep. Brian Clem is considering a run for governor.

The former Coos Bay man recently obtained a $500,000 loan from his mother-in-law, and said he will use the money to meet voters and raise additional funds for a potential bid for governor.

Clem of Salem said he would likely step aside and support John Kitzhaber if the former Democratic governor decides to enter the race. Gov. Ted Kulongoski has served two consecutive terms and is barred by the Oregon Constitution from seeking a third.

Elected to his post in 2006, Clem grew up in Coos Bay and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1990. He went to work for Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in 1994, working consistently for him for about five years.