Jeff Merkley: I'm running for the U.S. Senate.
Speaker Jeff Merkley announced this morning that he's running for the U.S. Senate. From JeffMerkley.com:
This morning I took the first step on an exciting journey for a better future for Oregon. I filed papers with the Secretary of the Senate to formally begin my campaign for the United States Senate.I'm running for U.S. Senate because I believe we need to make some big changes in our country. And I believe George Bush and Gordon Smith are leading us in the wrong direction.
He immediately took aim at Gordon Smith:
Oregon needs a new U.S. Senator who will bring a real passion to the job. A passion for tax fairness, public education and for helping ordinary, everyday Oregonians achieve their aspirations and make their dreams come true.I believe we can put the public interest before the special interests in our nation's capital again. I've spent my career in Oregon fighting for what matters for regular working families. Now, I'm ready to continue that fight in the U.S. Senate.
Gordon Smith is part of the problem in Washington. He promised to be our Senator, but he's working for big corporations and wealthy lobbyists instead. And make no mistake: Gordon Smith and his special-interest friends will raise millions of dollars to hide his record and confuse Oregon voters.
But I will fight for ordinary working families, not multi-millionaires. I will run a grassroots campaign with the participation of thousands of Oregonians. I hope you'll join us. Make a small donation to get us started, volunteer for the campaign, and sign up for my campaign updates.
Read the rest at Jeff Merkley for Oregon.
Discuss.
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August 1, 2007 |
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Posted by: Jeff Alworth | Aug 1, 2007 9:03:57 AM
Excellent!
Posted by: John D | Aug 1, 2007 9:10:36 AM
Bates out, Merkley in, Golden probably going to announce within a week or two (and my bet is he'll also NOT run). Merkley has good Metro ID, he has SoOR Rural roots, he has statewide rep as House Leader, and I expect solid backing from the National level. Gordo might be in for a lot more than he was expecting, particularly as the Klamath Fish hearings get going...
Posted by: Joaquin Obrero | Aug 1, 2007 9:12:50 AM
I like this line:
"While still in grade school, my dad got a job as a heavy equipment mechanic in Portland."
That's one hell of a dad! Too bad today's grade schoolers lack that kind of work ethic.
Posted by: pdxskip | Aug 1, 2007 9:17:34 AM
Well...this should be interesting. I hope the party unites around this guy. Novick is not electable for a US Senate seat. Merkely might be, although it's going to be an uphill battle. This election was a near automatic win for Kitzhaber.
I just don't understand his reluctance.
Oh well. If we don't win we can do a lot worse that having Gordy in Washington for another 6 years. He's more moderate than most Repubs and will take care of Oregon's interests for the most part.
Good luck Jeff!!! Campaign hard and keep an eye out for rogue swift boats. The Gresham Dems are behind you!
Posted by: Wesley Charles | Aug 1, 2007 9:28:39 AM
Now that Merkley is running for U.S. Senate, the next local question is who will MultCo Dems nominate for his replacement in House D47, and of those, who will the MultCo commissioners select?
Is this the chance of a lifetime for Jesse Cornett? Who else lives out there in that East Portland district?
- Wes
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | Aug 1, 2007 9:29:19 AM
He's more moderate than most Repubs and will take care of Oregon's interests for the most part.
Don't fall for it.
Posted by: Deborah Barnes | Aug 1, 2007 9:33:27 AM
This is exciting news on many fronts. Not only am I happy to hear about Jeff's decision, I am looking forward to what this means for Dave Hunt in the Legislature!
Posted by: Logan Gilles | Aug 1, 2007 9:37:59 AM
I think Novick wins this primary easily.
Posted by: Pat Ryan | Aug 1, 2007 9:52:59 AM
Welp,
Jeff's gotta hella team lined up, with Isaacs and Trummer in the two key positions.
Best of luck to the crew on their effort.
It'll put a real burden on Hunt, Buckley and Rosenbaum (elected) and Rossolo (staff) to keep FuturePAC on track.
Hopefully John will be able to offer a hand from time to time.........
Anyhow......Go Jeff.......!!!!!
Posted by: Sue Hagmeier | Aug 1, 2007 9:56:19 AM
Wes:
"Now that Merkley is running for U.S. Senate, the next local question is who will MultCo Dems nominate for his replacement in House D47, and of those, who will the MultCo commissioners select?"
Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. I didn't see anything about Merkley resigning from his house seat. He just can't run for two things at once, so he's out for next time. The question is, who might like to run for his house seat in '08?
Posted by: Neal Patel | Aug 1, 2007 9:58:17 AM
I have a feeling that Kitzhaber does not like the Washington DC environment.
In 2002- Gordon Smith's first re-election campaign. Kitzhaber- who then was a popular outgoing two term Governor decided not to challenge a freshman US Senator that was narrowly elected a first time against a political novice- Tom Bruggere.
looking at the OR US House Delegation. DeFazio and Bluemanaur are credible statewide candidates. I doubt Wu can win and Hooley is too old to run for a competitive campaign. DeFazio could have ran in 1996 when it was an open seat. and 2002. Bluemenaur could have ran in 2002.
The statewide elected officials like Bill Bradbury and Randall Edwards are more interested in running for Governor in 2010.
Looking at state legislators that unseated incumbent US Senators.
1)John Tester(MT)
2)Russ Feingold(WI)
Posted by: Pdxskip | Aug 1, 2007 10:03:58 AM
I'd be stunned if Novick beat Merkley. If he did then Smith is a lock to win another term. Can we really be that stupid?
Jeff better get ready for a good old fashion street fight. He needs to wage a rugged "anything goes" campaign against Novick. Scratch and claw like hell!
I'm getting exctited! This is like the Dem primaries in the 60's before everyone decided they had to play nice and the result was to nominate the nicest, caring, warm and fuzzy candidate to run against a not too nice Republican.
That sometimes brought UGLY results in November.
Time to get downright mean and aggressive Jeff! Take Novick on like there's no tomorrow and you'll also have any other potential candidates settling for Oregon legislature seats.
Posted by: Michael | Aug 1, 2007 10:13:08 AM
I think Novick wins this primary easily.
HAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHA
!!!
!!!!!1111!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA
No, but seriously, Merkley has already raised $6200 on ActBlue in two hours ( http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/18219 ). Novick is in for a fight (if he even stays in).
Posted by: Stephanie V | Aug 1, 2007 10:20:33 AM
hey pdxskip - you have a perfect right to prefer Merkley, but I think it is an illusion to believe today that he is in some way more "electable" than Novick.
Either of them will have to work very hard to defeat Smith, but either of them can do it. Their styles are different, for sure.
Posted by: John D | Aug 1, 2007 10:24:44 AM
The fundraising will be an interesting indicator...
Novick's Act Blue Totals as of 10:15 am:
Raised across ActBlue: 515 donors, $105,791
Steve's been at it for how long?
Merkley's ActBlue Totals as of 10:15am (2 hours and 2 minutes since I got his announcement email):
Raised across ActBlue: 47 donors, $6,235
I don't think Jeff is gonna get to the $100k mark by the end of the day, but I do think he is gonna crack $10k in a day... which is a sign that he will hit $100 in a less than a month? This will be a level playing ground very soon, and then Novick will be looking at the race from the second position.
Merit may or may not tip to Novick - what he had going for him up to this point was he had announced as a Dem against Smith in a year when a lot of Dems in and out of Oregon want Smith gone. Now he's not alone, and the person who has joined him has a lot more experience being a candidate, raising money, and actually serving in legislative office.
Posted by: Jesse Cornett | Aug 1, 2007 10:44:31 AM
Wesley,
There will be great candidates running for Merkley's seat and I will enthusiastically support the one who I think is best poised to make sure the seat stays in Democratic hands. A job that I enjoy and a move to Irvington this spring will preclude me from running.
Thanks for the mention and I also do not believe that Merkley needs to resign in order to wage an effective campaign.
(and now back to the post at hand...)
Posted by: David English | Aug 1, 2007 10:46:19 AM
I wouldn't be so fast to knock on Steve, win or lose he should stay in it for the duration and talk about the issues.
I'm glad to see Merkley get in the race and he certainly seems like a dynamic guy. [For the record I haven't decided who I'm supporting, but I'm sure I will by the end of the month]
However, it is early in the race and ANY candidate has a long road to beat Smith however vurnable he maybe. Things like money, name recognition and campaign organization are still in the early stages. Obviously building a base of support in Southern, Central and Eastern Oregon will be critical so that whomever the nominee is doesn't depend on the Willamette Valley and Portland Area.
To blindly state one person is more electable then another at this point is really all spin.
Posted by: Jake Weigler - Novick for Senate | Aug 1, 2007 10:57:09 AM
Hi folks. We're looking forward to a spirited primary. Here is the statement that Steve released today following Jeff's announcement:
"I commend Jeff's decision to follow me in taking on Gordon Smith. Oregon voters deserve better than Gordon Smith. We deserve a Senator who works for all of us, not just for the rich and powerful. We deserve a Senator who takes issues like health care, global warming and the national debt seriously.
"I look forward to an inspired primary where each of us makes our case for why we must replace Gordon Smith and presents our respective visions for Oregon and America. And I propose a series of joint appearances across the state with Jeff and any other candidates that enter the primary to let voters make up their minds.
"Oregonians are looking for a new kind of leader, someone who will give them a straight answer and take on their fights as his or her own. Over the next ten months, I plan to travel the state – listening to voters' concerns and sharing my vision. It would be my great pleasure to have Jeff join me in that journey."
Posted by: BlueNote | Aug 1, 2007 10:57:44 AM
Would it be fair at this point to identify Merkley with the "centrist" branch of the Dems, and to identify Novick with the "liberal" branch of the Dems?
This is not a troll, I am just asking. I think I saw something earlier that Merkley was recruited by Schumer / DSCC. I assume that indicates Merkley is more centrist. However, I don't know much about Novick other than his history as a litigator on some environmental cases, which may or may not indicate his political leanings.
Posted by: Portland Dem | Aug 1, 2007 11:02:14 AM
I think Jeff and Steve will be great to watch run against Gordo. At the very least, no matter who wins this one, the issues are gonna be discussed and Oregonians will hear in detail the truth of who Smith is.
It's gonna be a heck of a fight! Hopefully the slamming (verbal taunts) of Merkley and Novick will stay on this site and not in debate and the general public (ie. those who see daylight).
Posted by: Neal Patel | Aug 1, 2007 11:11:33 AM
My earlier comment on upchuck Schumer/DSCC supporting Merkley has nothing to do with ideology. Merkley could have a progressive ideology like Novick. But the rational for supporting Merkley is that Merkley has electoral experience. Merkley is less likely to be a loose cannon. see Dean scream in 2004.
Posted by: Jesse Cornett | Aug 1, 2007 11:15:00 AM
One more thing... I think the best suited person to win Merkley's seat is Jefferson Smith. I have encouraged him to run, think he will run, and hope that he does. As someone who canvassed every corner of that district (and won Merkley's half in last year's senate primary), I can think of no better person to replace Merkley.
(okay, enough almost on-topic comments from me. Hey, at least I am keeping them short!).
Posted by: Pdxskip | Aug 1, 2007 11:17:55 AM
Steph!
I don't think the electability issue is an illusion. Novick has never been elected to anything in his life except maybe some HS student government position.
Merkley has been elected to the Oregon legislature and has proven to be an energetic campaigner.
Sigh....I still think we'd be better off with Kitz running, but you go to war with what you have.
Hmmmmmm....that phrase sounds familiar.
Posted by: tootie | Aug 1, 2007 11:21:59 AM
As much as I like and respect Jeff Merkley, I'm disappointed that he has decided to abandon the Oregon House in favor of a questionable run against Gordon Smith.
If he had stayed where he is, the Ds would have had a great chance to build on their majority, and with it the ability to move major policy issues the Repubs have been able to stop until now. With Merkley's departure, coupled with the likely exit of several others attempting to move to the Oregon Senate, the House majority is again in question. The work of regaining the majority in the House is not done until the Ds can move their major initiatives (let us not forget the Repubs ability to stop bills like enactment of Healthy Kids and the corporate minimum). The House Ds need continuity in their leadership to not only retain their slim majority, but build on it as they must.
I am also disappointed because I am a huge fan of Steve Novick and his candidacy. It will take someone like Steve to beat Smith - someone different. The things that make Steve different from the standard cookie-cutter candidate, are exactly the things that we need if our candidate is going to beat Smith. He speaks truth to power in ways that people understand and support, and he represents real change.
The next election will be about real change, or it will be about no change - not about doing it just a little better. Our candidate must be very different from Smith if we hope voters will abandon him. Why should voters that will never take the time to see the real differences between them, choose Merkley over Smith? They look the same, they will talk the same, and you can bet Smith will do everything he can to act the same during the next 15 months. In a state like Oregon, the simple fact that he is a Republican that until recently supported the President, is not enough to unseat him.
Novick's brilliance is the perfect foil to Smith's manufactured persona, and voters will look beyond Novick's obvious "shortcomings" if we can convince them to reach for a return to integrity and government of the people. If not, we get Smith.
It takes nothing away from Merkley for me to say that if we really want the world to be a better place and we think our national government should represent our values, it is the time to abandon our conventional and cautious approach to politics and support candidates like Steve Novick.
Our future would be brighter with Jeff Merkley as Speaker of the Oregon House, and Steve Novick in the U.S. Senate.
Posted by: Wesley Charles | Aug 1, 2007 11:35:44 AM
Jesse:
I believe discussing Merkley's likely House replacement is not so far off topic to be taboo in this thread. Jeff's U.S. Senate candidacy will not occur in a vaccum; it has repercussions for Oregon Democrats, including those in his House district and beyond.
My earlier reference to the MultCo commissioners was based on my assumption that Jeff will resign and pave the way for an appointee to have a leg up on any chalengers, within and without the party.
I also realize that is a delicate topic with discussions behind several sets of closed doors. I would be stunned that Jeff, his crew and MultCo Dem's have not considered his likely replacement. Or maybe they don't want to favor one person over another and let them duke it out in a May 2008 primary, knowing the winner will take the Democratic district in November.
Yes, this thread is about Jeff Merkley's announcement of his new candidacy - which will start several dominoes tumbling.
- Wes
Posted by: Stephanie V | Aug 1, 2007 11:35:48 AM
I think any ideological differences between Novick and Merkley are unlikely to be significant to voters. But as tootie says, they do exhibit very noticeable stylistic and personality differences, which no doubt explains the DSCC's preference for Merkley (who is after all a far more conventional candidate than Steve).
Today's Statesman Journal editorial blog has an interesting perspective that speaks directly to the "electability" issue. It says in part:
Smith likely is unbeatable unless something very bizarre happens, such as a major scandal involving him, which I don't expect. But if anybody can defeat him, it might be Novick, not Merkley. Novick is a classic underdog, so don't count him out.
Posted by: Steve Bucknum | Aug 1, 2007 11:36:09 AM
Of all the candidates in the race or talked about for the race, only one has been to Crook County to meet with local Democrats.
And now he's in the race - good job Jeff!
Besides such a display of wisdom, I think Jeff will make a great US Senator.
Posted by: spicey | Aug 1, 2007 11:37:08 AM
yeah, but isn't Merkley an atheist?
jus kidding - welcome aboard, Jeff! Best of luck!
Posted by: sadie | Aug 1, 2007 11:41:02 AM
Yay Democrats - we have real primaries in this state now!
I hate Presidential election years, usually, because by the time they get to us we have nothing left to vote for, really. This year we will!
I'm also very happy to hear that Merkley is going to run. I know I've said it before, but in my corner of Washington County I think he has a really good shot at pulling big numbers against Smith - should he get that opportunity.
Posted by: Miles | Aug 1, 2007 12:09:32 PM
Maybe?
As a Novick supporter, I'm pretty stunned by the vitriol already being expressed by some on this board. Please, support your candidate, be passionate, but let's leave the abuse out of it.
Stephanie V. raises a good point about electability. Unlike most around here, I don't think Smith is easily beatable. I think he is a moderate on a lot of issues, and his stand on the war reflects the evolving position of a majority of Americans.
Even given that, it's still not contradictory to say that Oregon and the country would be better off if Smith was replaced by a Democrat. So who will be able to replace a strong incumbent? A "traditional" candidate like Merkley, or a maverick candidate like Novick? It's a little counterintuitive, but if you start from the position that Smith is weak, then Merkley's probably your guy. But if you start from the position that Smith is still an odd-on favorite to win reelection, then it will take someone different -- someone like Novick -- to unseat him.
Either way, both will be stronger having faced off in the primary.
Posted by: Jesse Cornett | Aug 1, 2007 12:17:48 PM
Wesley,
Indeed, it's not far off and that was a comment about me veering into a comment about myself and later Jefferson -- your comment was right on topic.
I've heard only two names of folks in the district that are interested in running and potentially viable. Both of those folks are not running. I'm sure others will crop up. Ah, yes, I love the dominoes.
Cheers,
Posted by: Anon | Aug 1, 2007 12:21:31 PM
Smith likely is unbeatable unless something very bizarre happens, such as a major scandal involving him, which I don't expect.
Typical newspaper pablum. Safe. High weasel-word content. BORING. And wrong.
Posted by: lestatdelc | Aug 1, 2007 12:22:07 PM
Posted by: Stephanie V | Aug 1, 2007 10:20:33 AMhey pdxskip - you have a perfect right to prefer Merkley, but I think it is an illusion to believe today that he is in some way more "electable" than Novick.
Either of them will have to work very hard to defeat Smith, but either of them can do it. Their styles are different, for sure.
Well said. The Novick-bashers are off the mark. Unseating Smith will be a tough fight no matter who ran against him (Senate seats, like most elected seats) have a very high incumbency win rate. That said, as you point out, Novick or Merkley can and will take the fight to Smith, and either would make outstanding Senators and would represent the State well.
Posted by: lestatdelc | Aug 1, 2007 12:26:40 PM
Posted by: John D | Aug 1, 2007 10:24:44 AM
You raise interesting points, however Novick had a flood of contributions after he announced (about the same as what Merkley is tracking) in the first 48 hours. There is usually an initial spike when the announcement is made. The time-horizon we need to look at will be how things look and the rate of contributions over the next month or two before we can have a clear indication about traction and contribution levels. It is a mistake to extrapolate the first day or two's contributions out at the same level beyond that.
Posted by: John D | Aug 1, 2007 12:27:57 PM
Hrm..Major Scandals... where could we possibly find a political machination involving Gordon Smith, the least popular Vice President ever and 100's of 1000's of DEAD FISH?
I have no idea.
Posted by: lestatdelc | Aug 1, 2007 12:29:24 PM
Posted by: Neal Patel | Aug 1, 2007 11:11:33 AM...see Dean scream in 2004.
Dean scream?
Well now I know not to put much value in your commentary Lars.. er.. Rush.. er... Neal.
Posted by: John D | Aug 1, 2007 12:32:20 PM
Re: Lestatdelc's note just above:
You are very right... and since I posted that reference, Jeff's numbers have not moved a whit now in the subsequent 2 hours. The initial surge was likely due to the wave that received the email from the Merkley campaign... I think my post over on dKos generated 4 donors and about $80. There's one more diary over there now rapidly falling down the recent list, but it's not doing a thing.
Course, those people are all prolly travelling to Chicago to engage in vicious hate and such... just ask BillO.
Posted by: John D | Aug 1, 2007 12:38:26 PM
And now we are up to $8000, total donors up another 18, and one more via my page (to a tune of $200, thanks).
Just so it's clear, I will work my tail off for a nominated Steve Novick, raising money, blogging, door-knocking, etc... but for today and until our primary ballots have been counted, I am gonna be working to get Jeff the nomination. I figure it'll go well either way and Gordo will be spending more time with his family.
Posted by: torridjoe | Aug 1, 2007 12:39:42 PM
Smith likely is unbeatable unless something very bizarre happens, such as a major scandal involving him, which I don't expect. But if anybody can defeat him, it might be Novick, not Merkley. Novick is a classic underdog, so don't count him out.
They've been saying that at SSJ for a while now, and to me it shows a lack of dilligence in reviewing the race. You always give weight to the incumbent, and presume a victory unless there's scandal. But you really have to be politically tone deaf to say he's unbeatable in the environment he's in, and the numbers that consistently show he is in fact classically vulnerable--under 50% in approval, winning initial head-to-head matchups against named opponents with only 50% or less. Whether it pans out or not, the CW on that kind of profile is always "vulnerable," not "unbeatable."
I have to agree that the primary will likely be decided on style, not ideology. Jeff and Steve are pretty close on politics. My personal perspective is that after watching the GOP rule with a corrupted fist, and hoping for much from the Democrats after 2006 but not getting as much as they wanted, primary voters will be seeking something fresh, direct, and starkly clear about the choices.
Posted by: Ben Hubbird | Aug 1, 2007 12:53:04 PM
pdxskip said:
Time to get downright mean and aggressive Jeff! Take Novick on like there's no tomorrow and you'll also have any other potential candidates settling for Oregon legislature seats.
Wrong. People don't like negative campaigning. It makes sense (from an amoral perspective) if you can put a dent in your opponent's numbers larger that the dent you put in your own, but by going negative in a primary, especially against someone like Steve, you'll turn off voters without hitting the real target (Gordo) at all.
I sure hope Jeff takes Steve up on the offer to tour the state together. Let's get some bands on the bill, too -- make it a party!
then pdxskip said:
Oh well. If we don't win we can do a lot worse that having Gordy in Washington for another 6 years. He's more moderate than most Repubs and will take care of Oregon's interests for the most part.
and Neal Patel said:
Merkley is less likely to be a loose cannon. see Dean scream in 2004.
Seriously, guys, what's up with parroting right-wing talking points?
Posted by: John D | Aug 1, 2007 1:03:24 PM
The US House 2nd District Dems toured together last go-'round and it was a good thing (tm) - I will encourage a Merkley / Novick road-show, aimed at highlighting the failings of Smith, the importance of adding a Dem to the Senate, and allowing them a way to distinguishing themselves from one another without a blood-letting.
Posted by: verasoie | Aug 1, 2007 1:05:39 PM
John D,
You're very welcome, I'm very excited by Merkley's candidacy and equally committed to helping elect him with lots of on-the-ground canvassing. Back in 2004, I and 2 friend personally registered 1100 new Kerry voters in the PDX burbs, and know that we can duplicate that effort and moreso this time. In a word, low-income, suburban apartment complexes are a goldmine of voters sympathetic with Democratic causes/candidates, and they often are not registered to vote because they move so often. I would not suggest starting until the summer before the election because of the likelihood that so many will move again, even waiting until the fall is better, and toss that registration list out the window.
Smith is going down in the Portland suburbs, to Merkley or Novick!
Posted by: Jesse B. | Aug 1, 2007 1:33:51 PM
We finally got ourselves a primary!
There's no doubt that whoever comes out of this primary on top is going to have a legitimate shot at defeating Gordon Smith. Let's be thankful we have a competitive primary to increase the name ID of all those involved.
Posted by: BlueNote | Aug 1, 2007 3:23:19 PM
What a beautiful day. I am looking out my office window down at the river. The reflections of the buildings on the water are fantastic. I want to be there.
Back to the topic. I would like to give money to the most liberal candidate. I would like to do that in the next half hour. Who is it?
All the above talk about "two wonderful candidates" is starting to turn my stomach. Politics is about winning, not playing nice. Candidates who play nice in the primary get kicked in the ass in the general election.
Thanks,
BN
Posted by: SavvyStudent | Aug 1, 2007 3:28:04 PM
Jesse Cornett says:
One more thing... I think the best suited person to win Merkley's seat is Jefferson Smith. I have encouraged him to run, think he will run, and hope that he does.
I'm confused.
I heard that Jefferson Smith just recently moved out of his family's Irvington home into Jackie Dingfelder's district to make a bid for her seat. If he's gonna get interested in Merkley's district, doesn't that mean he'll have to move again?
Posted by: verasoie | Aug 1, 2007 3:48:49 PM
Bluenote,
Even as a meager student, I gave $200 to Merkley this morning because I believe he has the best chance to beat Smith, and I am happy with his liberal credentials (with all due respect to Novick, whom I do respect).
This is coming from someone who so far has resisted registering as a Dem because I didn't find that the party represented my interests well enough (I'm more of a pragmatic Green politically), despite being a loyal voter and supporter of them. This year I finally have reason to register with a competitive primary, and am looking forward to it.
Posted by: stevefan | Aug 1, 2007 3:54:29 PM
I am a big Novick fan but am really excited about the news today.
This is going to be a great primary!
Posted by: Becky | Aug 1, 2007 4:04:34 PM
This one really looks like a potential winner to me. I'm very impressed with his resume and he's got the look of a senator, too (sadly, that matters). Smith can't be too happy about this announcement.
Post a comment
Posted by: Neal Patel | Aug 1, 2007 8:34:19 AM
Up Chuck Schumer is pretty happy.
Democrats have a candidate (Jeff Merkley).that can make the OR US Senate Race competitive in a neutral year and possible defeat the Republican incumbent Gordon Smith in a upset.
Steve Novick lacks electoral experience- He will have a tough time unseating Smith unless their is a big Democratic wave- The big question with Novick is can he win in neutral environment. Because 2008 is going to be a great year for Democrats- A Smith defeat is likely to occur.