I'll see your rock band and raise you a former Senator

Its endorsement day in the race for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, and the supporter line-up is as different as the campaign styles.

Steve Novick released a list of several musicians who have signed on to support his campaign, including Portland artists Colin Meloy of The Decembrists and Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini. Speaker Jeff Merkley announced that Max Cleland, a former U.S. Senator from Georgia will be headed out to Oregon later this month to campaign for him.

"I think we need a new kind of progressive leader in the U.S. Senate who isn't afraid to take on the tough issues," said Meloy, who is also re-registering as a Democrat in order to vote for Novick. "Meeting with Steve, I was quite impressed with his command of the challenges we face and his candor about what it will take to turn this country around. I'm proud to give him my support."

Novick, who has run an unconventional campaign complete with its own beer, is also launching a fundraising program where supporters can receive tickers to an upcoming Pearl Jam performance by contributing.

Although Merkley supporters won’t be jamming out with Eddie Vedder, they will get to see Cleland on the stump.

"Jeff Merkley has dedicated his life to serving his country and fighting for hardworking families just like his own. He opposed the Iraq war from the very start. I look forward to coming to Oregon to address how Jeff Merkley will end this war and repay the debt we owe our veterans in a way that Gordon Smith never has and never will," said Cleland, who served one term in the Senate before losing to Republican Saxby Chambliss in 2002.

Apparently, however, Matt Canter, Merkley’s spokesman, isn’t a Pearl Jam fan.

“When a professional political consultant runs for office he can rollout endorsements from his high profile clients,” wrote Canter. “When a fighter like Merkley is campaigning to change the direction of our nation, America’s most distinguished war heroes come to help.”