August 18, 2008 - 6:27pm
News
OR-5: Smith says ‘Mike's got some special issues'
By Britten Chase, PolitickerOR.com ReporterU.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) avoided answering a question as to whether he was going to endorse congressional candidate Mike Erickson (R-Lake Oswego), the day after allegations surfaced that the 5th Congressional Distruct candidate lied about a trip to Cuba, calling it a humanitarian mission, while the trip organizer told The Oregonian it was more of a vacation.
Erickson had spent Monday defending himself against the "smear tactics" he said The Oregonian used in writing the story about his 2004 trip, and he urged voters and the media to return to issues facing voters. But Smith, the state's junior U.S. senator, did not defend Erickson.
"Mike's got some special issues," Smith said Monday as he was leaving a meeting with ranchers during a campaign stop in John Day.
Asked whether he'd endorse or offer any further support for Erickson's campaign against state Sen. Kurt Schrader (D-Canby), Smith did not jump to support the Republican candidate looking to capture the open 5th district seat.
"I need to focus on my re-election," Smith said. "And he needs to focus on his campaign."
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"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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Sad
This is so sad. I cannot wait for November to vote to replace him.
The comment of the day should be ...
Desari Strader also abstained, criticizing Wingard for a 2002 misdemeanor conviction for striking his son.
"I'm a child advocate," Strader said. "I can't afford to support you."
Or at least...
Andy Duyck's cousin, Jeff Duyck, was forced from the neighboring House District 29 race after the state ruled him ineligible in July because he lives in District 26. Duyck, who was eligible for the District 26 seat, declined to seek the appointment.
"Frankly, a lot of folks were hoping Jeff would put his name in the hat," Brian said.
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