Press Room
Smith can't buy a new voting record
DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith had this to say about Senator Smith's fund raising announcement.
“Gordon Smith can’t buy a new voting record with all his campaign cash. No flashy TV ads or websites will hide the fact he votes with President Bush 90 percent of the time, nor close the gap between his Oregon quotes and his Washington, DC votes.”
Discuss: Smith can't buy a new voting record
Posted July 13, 2007 in Press Room, Who Loves Gordon? - 0 comments
Smith’s Picks Too Dangerous for Oregon
Smith backs ardent war senator for President.
United States Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) just can’t get enough of war presidents.
After nearly seven violent, disastrous years under President Bush, Smith is pushing for four more under U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
McCain, who along with Bush is the most unyielding proponent of staying in Iraq, is Smith’s choice for president.
A web video released today by the Democratic Party of Oregon asks where Smith and McCain want to take us next.
To view the video, click into www.StopGordonSmith.com.
Read more and discuss: Smith’s Picks Too Dangerous for Oregon
Posted July 11, 2007 in Press Room - 0 comments
DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith’s statement on U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) hypocritical suggestion today that he backs Iraq withdrawal by spring 2008
“Wait two months and Gordon Smith will flip again. Smith has proven he can’t be trusted on this issue. His version of getting us out of Iraq is to publicly claim to oppose the war, but vote more than 20 times to authorize, prolong and fund it, including multiple yes votes after he said in December he could no longer support the war. Oregon needs a senator who has the courage to do the right thing every year, not just in an election year.
Again, Gordon Smith simply can’t be trusted on this issue. Look at who he endorses to lead our country, John McCain. The number one proponent for staying in Iraq is Smith’s number one choice for president. Smith’s actions speak louder than his words, and his actions and endorsements keep us in Iraq.”
Posted July 10, 2007 in Press Room - 1 comments
Stop Gordon Smith Campaign expands its online effort
The Stop Gordon Smith Campaign is inviting all Oregonians to click in, search through and blog on www.StopGordonSmith.com, the revamped interactive home for the Stop Gordon Smith Campaign.
“If you want to find out about Gordon Smith’s more than 20 votes for the Iraq War, the gap between his votes and his quotes, or why he votes with President Bush 90 percent of the time, it’s all here,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “Click in, search through, and blog on. We will frequently update the site with the latest information on Smith and his voting record.”
The website is the interactive home for the Stop Gordon Smith Campaign. After launching the site in April and drawing more than 700 members in one week, the Stop Gordon Smith Campaign is expanding its online presence.
Read more and discuss: Stop Gordon Smith Campaign expands its online effort
Posted July 9, 2007 in Press Room - 0 comments
Smith Tees Up Lobbyist Cash, Ignores Constituents
Gordon Smith will swing for money this weekend while he leaves Oregonians swinging in the wind on Iraq, alternative energy and other crucial issues.
No matter how well he plays on the golf course this weekend, United States Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) will be missing the ball on his real job – listening to and representing Oregonians.
As Smith joins donors and lobbyists at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort this Saturday for a fundraiser, he will be talking more about the greens than his record.
Read more and discuss: Smith Tees Up Lobbyist Cash, Ignores Constituents
Posted June 29, 2007 in Press Room, Who Loves Gordon? - 0 comments
Gordon Smith = Vulnerable Incumbent
Nearly three months after the words “Gordon Smith” and “vulnerable” started appearing together, the vulnerable tag still applies.
Vulnerable.
That’s the term that has dogged U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) the past three months as his re-election campaign morphs into an un-election slog.
Politicians, editors and pundits have noticed that as Oregonians learn more about Smith’s consistent support for the Iraq War, firm backing of President Bush’s policies and rigid opposition to protecting a woman’s right to choose and preserving the environment, his re-election chances wilt.
Read more and discuss: Gordon Smith = Vulnerable Incumbent
Posted June 27, 2007 in Press Room, Smith is Vulnerable - 0 comments
Smith chooses Big Oil over Alternative Energy – Twice!
Twice this week, Smith voted against collecting billions from Big Oil companies to fund alternative energy.
With his votes this week on alternative energy legislation, United States Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) told Oregon families, drivers and environmentalists whose side he’s on.
Big oil.
For the second time this week, Smith voted to let big oil companies – who are already reaping record profits – keep billions of dollars of excess profits rather than using that money to expand incentives for alternative energy development. A bipartisan group came forward and decided that alternative energy sources for Americans was more important than the big profits for big oil, but Smith stuck with his big oil friends. It’s no surprise, given the more than $250,000 Smith has gladly taken from the oil and gas industry.
Read more and discuss: Smith chooses Big Oil over Alternative Energy – Twice!
Posted June 21, 2007 in Environment, Press Room - 0 comments
Smith’s Disapproval Numbers Soar
Smith’s approval and disapproval numbers are now in a statistical dead heat. His approval rating slides as Oregonians learn more about his consistent support for the Iraq War and his pro Bush, anti-choice, anti-environment record.
The more Oregonians get to know U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) votes, the more they disapprove of his performance.
The number of Oregonians who disapprove of Smith’s record has risen to 45 percent, according to a new poll from SurveyUSA. That’s a six point jump from the May poll and a 15 point jump from January.
Read more and discuss: Smith’s Disapproval Numbers Soar
Posted June 19, 2007 in Press Room, Smith is Vulnerable - 0 comments
Gordon Smith’s Hypocritical Media Campaign – Take Two
After consistently voting to fund and authorize the Iraq War, Gordon Smith tries to fool Oregonians - Again
United States Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) is at it again.
Despite voting more than 20 times from 2002 through 2007 to fund and authorize the Iraq War, Smith wants to convince Oregonians he opposes the conflict. In a Sunday column by conservative writer George Will of the Washington Post, Smith declared his opposition to the war.
“I remember the last time Gordon Smith pulled this stunt,” DPO Executive Director Trent Lutz said. “Last December, after telling as many reporters as he could find that he opposed the war, Senator Smith retreated to the Senate chamber and continued voting for the conflict. By consistently voting for the war while telling the public he opposes it, he has lost all credibility with Oregonians. Who is going to believe him now?”
Read more and discuss: Gordon Smith’s Hypocritical Media Campaign – Take Two
Posted June 18, 2007 in Iraq, Press Room, Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments
Two Iraq War Supporters And Campaign Cash
Smith brings in fellow Iraq War supporter to raise money for his campaign
Voting to continue funding the Iraq War last month was not enough of a slap in the face to Oregonians for U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR).
Now he’s bringing in a fellow Bush loyalist and ardent Iraq War supporter to bolster his campaign coffers.
United States Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will raise campaign funds for Smith on a cruise tomorrow evening on the Willamette River.
Read more and discuss: Two Iraq War Supporters And Campaign Cash
Posted June 15, 2007 in Iraq, Press Room, Who Loves Gordon? - 1 comments
Smith on Iraq
Smith Voted For Troop Escalation Before He Voted Against It.In early February, Smith essentially voted in support of President Bush’s plan to send more than 21,000 additional U.S. troops to Iraq by refusing to even allow debate on a resolution blocking the President’s plan. Less than two weeks later and under intense political pressure, Smith flipped and voted against the escalation.[Vote 43, 2/5/07; Vote 51, 2/17/07]
- Editorial: "Follow the Bouncing Senator." In an editorial written between the first and second Smith votes on escalation, the Oregonian opined that Smith has "been here, there, everywhere on the war, on a Senate resolution opposing President Bush's troop escalation, even on the question of debating the issue in the Senate." They concluded, "Gordon Smith needs to explain himself on Iraq." [Oregonian, 2/10/07]
Read more and discuss: Smith on Iraq
Posted June 15, 2007 in Iraq, Press Room - 0 comments
"Gordon Smith is not, and never has been, pro-choice"
NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon blasts Smith’s anti-choice, anti-Oregon record
As the 2008 election nears and U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) tries to run away from his right wing record, his votes are catching up with him.
Michelle Stranger-Hunter, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, set Oregonians straight today on Smith’s anti-choice record.
In a comprehensive review of his votes posted on BlueOregon, Stranger-Hunter explained that Smith is no moderate. In fact, he’s a longstanding, ardent opponent of womens' right to choose.
Key column excerpts:
“With a Senate voting record that dates back to 1997, Senator Smith has voted with his anti-choice allies at least 80 percent of the time... and usually more. In nearly half of his years served, he scored a 0% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America.”
Read more and discuss: "Gordon Smith is not, and never has been, pro-choice"
Posted June 11, 2007 in Choice, Press Room - 0 comments
Smith Below 50 – Again!
Smith’s approval rating drops as Oregonians learn more about his record.
For the second time in five months, President Bush’s Personal U.S. Senator’s approval rating has dipped to a lackluster 48 percent, according to SurveyUSA. United States Sen. Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) approval rating has dropped 10 percent since January.
The same poll shows his disapproval number climbing to 39 percent. That is a nine point increase since January.
“Gordon Smith’s determination to stand with President Bush and against Oregonians’ interests is eroding his support,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “Oregonians will not stand for a representative who votes with President Bush 90 percent of the time. Oregonians will not stand for a representative who earns a 15 percent score from pro-choice advocates and a 14 percent score from environmental advocates.”
Discuss: Smith Below 50 – Again!
Posted May 24, 2007 in Press Room, Smith is Vulnerable - 0 comments
Strong Quotes, Weak Votes
Smith takes ineffectiveness and cowardice to a new level this week on two important issues.
The gap between U.S. Senator Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) votes and his quotes grew this week as Smith turned two opportunities to show leadership into a clinic on senatorial cowardice.
ALBERTO GONZALES
Despite tough talk, Smith blew an opportunity to stand up to President Bush and stand for Oregonians by not supporting a no confidence vote on U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Read more and discuss: Strong Quotes, Weak Votes
Posted May 23, 2007 in Press Room, Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments
Smith Is All Talk, No Action on Iraq
Gordon Smith says he opposes the war, but votes to prolong it.
The gap between U.S. Senator Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) votes and his quotes grew again today as Smith decided to talk about helping the troops, but voted to extend their stay in Iraq.
“Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., voted against bringing to a vote an amendment that would remove most troops from Iraq by March 31. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wisc., failed in a 29-67 vote. It needed 60 votes to be brought for an up-or-down vote. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., voted for the amendment.”
(The Oregonian, 5-16-07)
“If Gordon Smith were an action figure, he would never sell,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “When it comes to Oregon’s interests, Gordon Smith is a man of talk, not action. He will talk to reporters night and day about his reversal on the Iraq War, and then go to the Senate chamber and vote to prolong the conflict.”
Read more and discuss: Smith Is All Talk, No Action on Iraq
Posted May 16, 2007 in Iraq, Press Room - 0 comments
Will Gordon Smith Answer on Gay Rights?
President of DPO’s GLBT Caucus challenges Smith on his anti-gay record.
Before U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) touts his support for the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, voters should know where President Bush’s Personal U.S. Senator stands on other important equality issues affecting Oregon.
This week Governor Ted Kulongoski is expected to sign historic anti-discrimination and gay equality bills, Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007. As Oregon moves forward, Frank Dixon, head of the DPO’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus, challenged the senator on his support for pushing Oregon backward.
Questions for Senator Smith:
1. In 2004 you supported ballot Measure 36 which changed the Oregon constitution to ban gay marriage. In June of 2006 you voted for a constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage. Why do you feel gays deserve less rights than straight people?
2. Although a United States Senator, you have often taken public positions on issues before the state legislature. So, if you were in the state legislature, would you vote for HB 2007 or SB 2?
If not, why not?
3. You are supporting U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for president. Do you pledge to withdraw your support if Senator McCain does not vote for the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act?
Discuss: Will Gordon Smith Answer on Gay Rights?
Posted May 8, 2007 in Civil Rights, Press Room - 1 comments
Vulnerable Smith Appeals For Conservative Cash
Conservatives raise campaign cash to support President Bush’s Personal U.S. Senator
While Oregon editorial pages, politicians and pundits proclaim U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) vulnerability, loyal conservatives in Washington, DC and around the country are fighting for his re-election.
United States Senator John Ensign (R-NV) is rallying conservative Republican activists throughout the country to fund Smith’s campaign.
“Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said he expects to put together as many as 30 joint fundraising events around the country for the four most vulnerable senators of 2008: Sens. Norm Coleman of Minnesota, Susan Collins of Maine, Gordon Smith of Oregon and John Sununu of New Hampshire.”
(The Politico, 4-25-07)
Read more and discuss: Vulnerable Smith Appeals For Conservative Cash
Posted May 1, 2007 in Press Room, Smith is Vulnerable, Who Loves Gordon? - 0 comments
President Bush’s Personal U.S. Senator is Vulnerable
Politicians, editors and pundits agree, U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) is a vulnerable candidate
What happens when Oregon voters send you to the U.S. Senate, but you choose to represent the White House instead?
You become vulnerable.
That is what has happened to Gordon Smith, President Bush’s personal U.S. Senator. His consistent support of Bush’s policies has made him an attractive electoral target.
"’In politics, there are very few times when you feel confident you can take on an incumbent and win. This is one such time for Democrats to think that,’ [Ronald Tammen, director of the Mark O. Hatfield school of government at Portland State University] said.”
(AP, 4-21-07)
“The Senate Democratic Campaign Committee regards Sen. Gordon Smith as among the most vulnerable Republicans in 2008.”
(The Register-Guard Editorial, 4-22-07)
“Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski said Friday that Smith is vulnerable, but warned that he is a tough campaigner whose aggressive style belies his nice-guy image.”
(AP, 4-21-07)
Read more and discuss: President Bush’s Personal U.S. Senator is Vulnerable
Posted April 25, 2007 in Press Room, Smith + Bush, Smith is Vulnerable - 0 comments
DPO Launches www.StopGordonSmith.com Campaign
Grassroots campaign and website will hold Smith accountable for his right wing record
The Democratic Party of Oregon launched www.stopgordonsmith.com today to hold President Bush’s personal U.S. Senator accountable for his right wing record.
As U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) attempts to moderate his right wing history, this new campaign will make sure Oregon voters understand his true record in the United States Senate.
Read more and discuss: DPO Launches www.StopGordonSmith.com Campaign
Posted April 17, 2007 in Press Room, Smith is Vulnerable - 0 comments
DPO calls on Smith to call off Karl Rove
U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) should stand for Oregonians by standing up to Bush’s top henchman, Karl Rove.
Will U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) side with Bush’s Brain or Oregon’s interests?
Although Smith consistently votes with President Bush and proudly campaigns with him and for him, he has an opportunity this week to show rare independence from the White House.
Read more and discuss: DPO calls on Smith to call off Karl Rove
Posted April 11, 2007 in Press Room, Smith + Bush - 0 comments
