GOP Senator Ties Himself To Obama in Oregon

Sen. Gordon Smith (R, left), Jeff Merkeley (D, right).

Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) has embraced Barack Obama in his bid for re-election, reflecting President Bush and John McCain’s low popularity in this state. (Washington Post) Obama appears in three of Smith’s ads, which also feature Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, against Democratic challenger Jeff Merkeley. Merkely has come from behind to take a lead in recent polls, challenging the incumbent Republican.