No more cozy relationship between Wyden and Smith

Incumbent Republican Senator Gordon Smith repeatedly ran a television ad this month bragging of his close relationship with Democratic colleague Senator Ron Wyden, much to the dismay of both Wyden and Smith's opponent Jeff Merkley.  Well, speculation is now rampant that the strong relationship between the Smith and Wyden offices has disintegrated and the warm and fuzzy joint town halls they are both famous for are likely history no matter what the outcome in six days. 

Wyden remained quietly in the background in 2002 when Smith faced Democrat challenger Bill Bradbury and according to some insiders he was planning the same strategy this election cycle until furniture became an issue.  Earlier in the race Smith attacked Merkley for purchasing new furniture for the Oregon legislature with taxpayer dollars, yet it was an action approved by Smith's own State Director Kerry Tymchuk who, as a member of the Public Commission on the Legislature involved in the process, approved of the furniture buys and stated the purchases were "realistic and idealistic." This began to irritate Wyden and his office, but the actual push to get involved in actively supporting Merkley this cycle was an alleged call from New York Senator Chuck Schumer, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.  Schumer told Wyden of the strong support the DSCC was prepared to provide for Merkley and how critical Wyden's support would be in what Schumer then-predicted to be a close race.

Since Wyden's involvement in supporting Merkley began this month with a television ad and a few campaign stumps, the relationship between the Wyden and Smith offices has chilled.  Should Smith win re-election in a few days there will be some much needed peace making sessions between the two offices before any new joint town hall tours begin again.