Merkley campaign releases new ad tying Smith to Bush on economy

U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Merkley released a new ad Monday accusing U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) of voting with oil companies and big oil interests, as well as touting Merkley’s record of helping the middle class.

The ad pictures Smith next to President Bush before accusing Smith of giving “billions and billions in tax breaks for big oil and corporations that ship jobs overseas.”

It then launches into Merkley’s work in the Oregon House, touting his efforts to create Oregon’s Rainy Day fund and balance the state budget.

"Under Smith and Bush, big oil and Wall Street CEOs have gotten top billing," Merkley said. “I will change that by ending the giveaways and cutting taxes and creating jobs for middle class families."

The ad also tells Oregonians that Merkley has plans to cut taxes for the middle class. Merkley says his plan will reduce taxes 95 percent of Americans.

This is the second ad released Monday on behalf of the Oregon House Speaker. An earlier ad released by the DSCC urged Oregonians to make a change in Washington, D.C., by electing a new Senator. But Smith’s campaign spokeswoman Lindsay Gilbride cautioned that Smith had a record of forging his own path on these issues, while Merkley did not. She also hinted that Merkley may be a new leader but he may not be the best leader for the Beaver State.

“Gordon Smith has a proven track record of bipartisan accomplishment, political independence and bridging the rural-urban divide,” Smith spokeswoman Lindsay Gilbride said. “Jeff Mekrley has none. That's what's at stake for Oregonians in this election.”