September 3, 2008 - 11:46am
News
Alexander says McCain helps Smith in Dem-leaning Beaver State
By Alex Isenstadt, Politicker.com ReporterST. PAUL, Minn. – U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) is in a position to win re-election in part because of the relative popularity of Republican presidential candidate John McCain in the Beaver State, Senate Republican Conference Chair Lamar Alexander said today.
“That’s a Democratic-leaning state,” Alexander said at a Wednesday morning breakfast panel sponsored by National Journal.
But, Alexander went on to say, McCain has been running strongly in the state and his strength could give Smith coattails in his campaign against Democrat Jeff Merkley.
An Aug. 7 Rasmussen survey found Smith leading Merkley by a 50 percent to 44 percent margin. The same poll found Barack Obama leading McCain by a 52 percent to 42 percent margin.
Smith, 56, is running for a third term against Merkley, the Oregon House Speaker.
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Who will run for the Republican nomination for governor in 2010?
Gordon Smith
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Greg Walden
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20%
Ted Ferrioli
0%
Mike Erickson
20%
Allen Alley
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Quote of the Day
November 18, 2008
"I am interested in the seat and have been encouraged to look at it." - State House candidate Toby Forsberg (D) on his interest in the state Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Representative-elect Kurt Schrader (D).
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Gordon Smith
What the hell does Lamar Alexander know about Oregon? I can't remember the last time that Oregon supported a Republican candidate for President. Smith WON'T even admit he is a Republican let alone ride "the coat tails of McCain." Alexander needs to understand that the US as a whole is tired of his party's leadership and will send an almost veto-proof Senate to Washington for the 111th Session. He'll have to get use to sitting in the background in the minority party and I just hope that my state doesn't fall for this hog-wash. Smith needs to find his way BACK to Pendleton.
BTW, tell Senator Alexander that I said so! I vote in Oregon - -
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