As a politically moderate junior at the University and a lifelong Duck, I recognize the issues that are most significant to you and me. While everyone is (rightfully so) focused on the presidential contest, I am writing to remind my fellow Ducks of the importance of Oregon’s Senate race. The race features incumbent Sen. Gordon Smith against challenger and Speaker of the State House, Jeff Merkley.
I am writing in support of Smith because I know he is an intelligent, humble and independent- minded Oregonian who has successfully navigated the legislature in a bipartisan manner while producing results for all of Oregon. Given his record of accomplishment achieved through working across party lines, Smith is worthy and deserving of re-election on Nov. 4. Don’t take my word for it, though. Examine the facts and decide for yourself.
? Smith worked with Sen. Ted Kennedy to increase Pell Grants and G.I. assistance. This was the largest increase in education assistance since World War II (S.754, S. 572, P.L. 110-84).
? He became one of the first Republicans to take a stand against the ongoing war in Iraq. He has worked with Democratic Sens. Carl Levin and Jack Reed to bring our troops home (S.Amdt.2087, Vote 252).
? He is a leading advocate to expand federal hate crime laws to protect gay, lesbians and transgender Americans. Introduced legislation that would expand health care benefits to the domestic partners of federal workers (S.2521).
? Smith received the endorsement of all nine of Oregon’s Indian tribes, and championed Senate passage of legislation to increase funding for and improve Indian health care services (S.1200).
? He joined a bipartisan effort to ensure that all U.S. prisoners at Guantanamo Bay are treated humanely (Perspective from the Senate, NBC, 06/12/08).
? Smith supported the Lieberman-Warner Climate Change legislation, the first major piece of legislation aimed at addressing global warming (Vote 145, 110th Congress – Second Session).
An Oct. 14, 2008 article in the Bend Bulletin captures the essence of Smith’s core positions, proclaiming: “(Gordon Smith) has opposed drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He voted in June for a bill that would cap emissions to slow global warming. He has long supported higher mileage standards for cars and trucks (co-sponsoring the Fuel Economy Reform Act of 2006 with Senator Barack Obama). He has supported various incentives for alternative energy production. He sought to raise cigarette taxes to expand a federal health care program for children.”
If you want to learn more about Smith’s achievements I strongly encourage you to visit his Web site: www.gordonsmith.com. The one take-home point of this article (aside from making you aware of Smith’s bipartisan record of accomplishment) is to remind you that come election day, you should cast your vote based on the facts rather than empty political rhetoric. If you examine Smith’s record I am confident you will come to the conclusion that he is the right choice for all of Oregon.
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