It seems as Gordon Smith will stop at nothing in order to keep his seat in Oregon. The Second term Senator has made for some interesting water cooler talk for those of us in this, the thirty third state in the Union. Smith's campaign ads have featured Democrats giving their reasons for supporting him. We have had ads about Labor bosses twisting our arms for a vote, 4 million in tax increases for Seniors, an ad which seems like a breaking news story, and then there was the credenza.
But now we are going to be forced to tolerate a new ad about some sex offender that will likely be released early because of Jeff Merkley not being tough enough on criminals. The ad tells of Merkelys so called lax stance on statutes of limitations. The ad does make a point that the man in question has yet to be released, but it has the same vibe and tones of the infamous Willie Horton ad that derailed Dukakis. Smith has twisted the truth time and time again. I mean what's next, a Swift Boat ad. Smith may be vulnerable, but his ads are relentless. I fear that there may be some that could be swayed by the onslaught.
This being a year for Independents, Smiths ads have tried to make him look like Oregon's very own "Maverick". The strategy for this years Republican candidates seems to be don't associate yourself with the GOP. Which, in my opinion, seems to say a lot about the state of the Republican Party. The only time the GOP has had any stirring was after Wonder Girl Palin hit the scene. But as shaky as Smiths seat is, some Oregonians have yet to warm up to Jeff. Portland and the more Metro areas will pull it out for him, but Jeff Merkley is going to have to do a whole bunch more in order to win over the likes of those in rural Orygun.
And I expect that Smith knows that. Which is why I am inundated with negative ads. I know the lies will keep coming. But come November fourth, Oregon will have two Dems in the Senate.