Smith defends record on easing ‘pain at the pump’

U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith: Getty Images PhotoDemocrat Jeff Merkley's U.S. Senate issued a "Flip Flop Alert" for Republican opponent Gordon Smith.

This is not to suggest that any flip flop has happened, but it is a "warning" that he might. In particular that Smith "may switch his position on tax giveaways to big oil and a windfall profits tax on oil companies. Smith will likely adopt Merkley's plans to end bailouts for big oil and provide relief to families when the Senate considers energy legislation today."

The statement was referring to the Consumer-First Energy Act (S. 3044), which Republicans successfully blocked passage of yesterday in the Senate.

In an email to PolitickerOR.com, Smith's spokesperson, Lindsay Gilbride said: "Senator Smith has a long history of fighting to ease pain at the pump for Oregon families and fighting for the consumer over big oil – promoting renewable energies, voting to end excessive tax breaks for big oil, working with Senator Obama to increase fuel efficiency. Yesterday, Smith once again crossed party lines to vote for a bill which contained provisions similar to legislation he is working on with Senator Cantwell aimed at banning gas price gouging."

Gordan Smith and state House Speaker Jeff Merkley (D- Portland) are battling in one of the most watched senate races of 2008.