Smith vs. Smith

Where in the World Has Gordon Smith Been?

Smith's Travel Outside Oregon Stands in Stark Contrast to Visits to Beaver State

Portland - Gordon Smith has become a fixture on the jet-set scene since he joined the U.S. Senate. While Ron Wyden has visited every county every year, Smith is more likely to be seen in Switzerland than Sherman County.

"Senator Smith goes through customs more often than he travels through rural Oregon," DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. "Oregonians deserve two senators that will give them the time of day. While Ron Wyden is listening to citizens, Gordon Smith is hitting the European links."

Ron Wyden visited nearly twice as many counties in January 2004 than Smith visited the entire year. In January 2004 Ron Wyden visited 23 counties. In all of 2004, Smith visited 12 counties. Incredibly, public records indicate that in 2005, Smith traveled to more locations outside Oregon than counties in Oregon.

Smith Says He Travels Oregon As Much As He Can

What is Smith's explanation for operating under the same senate schedule as Wyden, but matching just a fraction of Wyden's in state travel?

His spokeswoman, Lindsay Gilbride said "He visits as many counties and as many communities and meets with as many constituents as the Senate schedule allows." (The Bulletin, 10-7-08)

The Real Record

A full accounting of Smith's travels over the last four years shows that he spends much of his time hopping from European capitals to resort destinations in the U.S.

"We've asked Gordon Smith to release his schedule to show Oregonians exactly how often he travels our state and he has refused," Wood Smith said. "With this new information, it's clear that he doesn't want voters to look too closely at his trips outside the state."

Two weeks ago, Smith claimed on two occasions that he has visited every county every year. When the DPO challenged Smith on his absurdly false claim, it was quickly corrected by his office and soon after disproven by publicly available records.

Despite all the attention on Smith's limited travel, he still hasn't accepted Jeff Merkley's challenge to visit every Oregon county, every year.

Smith's Recent Foreign Travel

2007: Smith Visited 4 Foreign Countries. According to the Senate public records, in 2007 Smith made 4 trips to foreign countries. Smith visited Greece, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Jordan. [Senate Public Records]

2006: Smith Visited 12 Destinations Outside Oregon. According to the Senate public records, in 2006 Smith made 12 trips either to foreign countries or privately funded trips in the United States. Smith's 2006 trips included Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Egypt, United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Coral Gables, FL, Orlando, FL and Seattle, WA. [Senate Public Records]

2005: Smith Visited 18 Destinations Outside Oregon, But Only Visited 17 Counties. According to the Senate public records, Smith took 18 foreign and U.S. trips while only visiting 16 Oregon counties in 2005. Smith's foreign travel in 2005 included trips to Slovenia, Italy, Morocco, Denmark, Norway, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan and Jordan. Smith's trips in the United States in 2005 included trips to Miami, FL and Pinehurst, NC, home to one of the world's most famous golf courses. [Senate Public Records]

2004: Smith Made 7 Foreign Or Privately-Funded Visits Outside Oregon - Wyden Visited Nearly Twice As Many Counties In One Month Than Smith Did In The Entire Year. According to Senate public records, Smith made 7 foreign or privately-funded visits outside Oregon including France, New Zealand, Switzerland, Australia, Germany and privately-funded trips to New York City and Miami, Florida. [Senate Public Records]

Discuss: Where in the World Has Gordon Smith Been?

Posted October 16, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 1 comments

Wanted: Scheduler For Smith Campaign

Applicant must ensure Smith shows up for publicized appearances. Applicant must also disclose proof of Smith’s travel throughout the state better than Democratic Party of Oregon.

If Republican U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith showed up everywhere he said he would, he would at least be closer to reaching 36 counties a year.

For the second time in two days, newspapers reported that Smith would not be showing up at previously publicized appearances. These reports follow Smith’s Monday disclosure that he does not travel to all of Oregon’s 36 counties every year – as Smith twice claimed on Friday.

“Maybe Gordon Smith would not exaggerate how often he travels throughout Oregon if he actually made it to scheduled appearances,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “Frankly, I’m not surprised by Smith’s antics. By voting with President Bush 90 percent of the time, sending Oregon jobs overseas and opposing a woman’s right to choose, Smith never shows up for Oregon in the U.S. Senate. Why would he show up back home? Whether it’s fighting for Oregon’s interests in Washington, D.C. or reaching out to constituents back home, Smith is just a no-show.”

TWO CANCELLED APPEARANCES IN TWO DAYS

Just yesterday we learned Smith won’t speak at Cascade AIDS Project’s annual AIDS Walk Portland.

“It's busy back in D.C. right now with the budget crisis and all, and there was a miscommunication out of Smith's office. Although it was CAP's intention to have Smith speak, his schedulers had never actually put it on his calendar. Oops. So Smith is going to be a no-show.”
(Willamette Week Online, 10-7-08)

Today, Smith reached all the way to his hometown to brush off a publicized appearance.

“Sen. Gordon Smith not to appear”
(East Oregonian Headline, 10-8-08)

“Sen. Gordon Smith was mistakenly listed among the attendees at this evening's Day of Culture celebration at Pendleton Center for the Arts due to a miscommunication.”
(East Oregonian, 10-8-08)

SCHEDULE PROBLEMS FOLLOWED SMITH’S UNTRUTHFUL CLAIM

These mishaps followed Smith’s admission on Monday that he doesn’t visit each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. On Friday, unprompted and in two separate interviews, Smith claimed he visits each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year.

DPO’S RESEARCH REPORT ON SMITH’S INFREQUENT TRAVEL

After the DPO challenged Smith on his blatantly false claim, he quickly backed down, but still asserted he frequently travels the state.

According to this examination of Smith’s public documents, Smith doesn’t even come close to annually visiting most of Oregon’s counties. And the DPO still has not seen documentation from Smith that refutes the DPO’s research.

Discuss: Wanted: Scheduler For Smith Campaign

Posted October 8, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Did Smith Mislead The Oregonian, The Bulletin?

According to Public Records, Smith Ignores Half the State

HERE ARE THE PUBLIC RECORDS USED. IF SMITH DISAGREES WITH THESE RECORDS, HE SHOULD SUPPLY HIS OWN.

HERE IS THE COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF COUNTIES THESE RECORDS INDICATE SMITH VISITED.
After further research, we have updated this attachment with three new counties in 2004, Hood River, Wasco and Union and one in 2006, Jefferson. The below press release and chart does not reflect these minor changes.

Yesterday, after U.S. Senator Gordon Smith admitted that he is an Absentee Senator who does not visit each of Oregon's 36 counties every year, he told The Oregonian and The Bulletin that he visited more than 20 counties each of the last three years. While Smith refused to provide any documentation for his claim, a review of Smith’s own public records show that he may have made another “mistake”.

Smith’s own public records show that Smith visited only 9 counties in 2007; 16 counties in 2006; and 15 counties in 2005. If Smith wants to dispute these totals, he must provide records of his own.

“Gordon Smith has turned into Pinocchio four weeks before election day. The truth is that unless you are a CEO with a campaign contribution in your hand, Gordon Smith does not have much time for you,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “While Ron Wyden has visited every county every year, Gordon Smith is Oregon’s Absentee Senator. Oregonians deserve two senators who reach out to their constituents.”

Using the most complete public records available to Oregonians, here is Smith's travel to each of Oregon's counties:

Year	# of counties visited	# of counties NOT visited
2007	9	                                     27
2006	16	                                     20
2005	15	                                     21
2004	8	                                     28
2003	11	                                     25
2002	22	                                     14
Average	13.5	                                     22.5

According to these public records, the Absentee Senator visits less than 14 counties in an average year – fewer than half of Oregon's 36 counties. According to these records, the only year Smith visited even half of Oregon's counties, in 2002, was a year in which he was up for reelection.

Smith's opponent, House Speaker Jeff Merkley, has pledged to hold a public forum in every county every year if he is elected to the U.S. Senate; U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has held a town meeting in every county, every year since his election in 1996.

Discuss: Did Smith Mislead The Oregonian, The Bulletin?

Posted October 7, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 1 comments

Smith Should Release His Senate Schedules

It’s Laughable – Smith Claims To Visit Every County Every Year – Should Release His 2002 - 2008 Public Schedules By Noon On Tuesday.

The Democratic Party of Oregon is calling on Republican U.S. Senator Gordon Smith to release his public schedules from 2002-2008 to verify his suspect claim that he visits every county every year.

The senator told his whopper in Douglas County Friday when responding to Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Merkley’s challenge to hold a public forum in every county, every year.

“Now I’m in the midst of a tough campaign. Mr. Merkley is challenging me to go to all of Oregon’s counties once a year. Well I do that.”
(Video From The News-Review, 10-3-08, At about the 3:35 mark)

But, many Oregonians haven’t seen Smith in their community for years.

“U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, for the first time in several years, made a visit to Ashland on Thursday shortly after two prominent Ashland residents announced they are considering challenging him in the 2008 election.”
(Ashland Daily Tidings, 7-6-07)

The only way for Smith to prove he’s telling the truth is for him to release his public schedules to Oregon’s media. His schedules are part of the public record and should be available to every Oregonian.

“Smith’s claim that he visits every county every year isn’t backed up by the facts,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “The closer we get to election day, the more Gordon Smith exaggerates. Smith should release his 2002 through 2008 public schedules to the AP, The Oregonian and other Oregon media outlets by noon on Tuesday to prove his claim. If he can’t provide that public record by noon on Tuesday, well that’s all the proof we need.”

THE TEXT OF DPO CHAIR MEREDITH WOOD SMITH’S LETTER TO REPUBLICAN U.S. SENATOR GORDON SMITH:

Monday, October 6, 2008

Dear Senator Smith,

I fear that as the campaign grows longer, your tales grow taller.

Your statement on Friday in Douglas County that you visit every county every year surprised me and I’m sure many other Oregonians.

After all, the media has chronicled your sparse travel throughout the state.

“U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, for the first time in several years, made a visit to Ashland on Thursday shortly after two prominent Ashland residents announced they are considering challenging him in the 2008 election.”
(Ashland Daily Tidings, 7-6-07)

Senator, I simply don’t believe that you’ve visited every county every year. And I’m sure many other Oregonians who haven’t seen you nor heard from you in years are equally skeptical.

So, please prove it.

Release your public schedules from 2002 to 2008 to Oregon’s media by noon on Tuesday. Highlight on those schedules the 36 counties you’ve visited every year. It’s the only way for you to prove to skeptical Oregonians you are telling the truth.

Your schedules are part of the public record and should be available to every Oregonian.

Release your schedules by noon on Tuesday to the AP, The Oregonian and other Oregon media outlets to prove your claim

If you can’t prove it, well that’s also an answer.

Sincerely,

Meredith Wood Smith
Chair
Democratic Party of Oregon

Discuss: Smith Should Release His Senate Schedules

Posted October 6, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Rep. Blumenauer Responds To Smith's Misleading Ad

Watch Rep. Earl Blumenauer respond to Gordon Smith's misleading advertisement, and the claim that Smith was "one of the first" to stand up to the war.

Discuss: Rep. Blumenauer Responds To Smith's Misleading Ad

Posted June 25, 2008 in Iraq, Smith Videos, Smith vs. Smith, static - 1 comments

DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith’s Statement On U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s Cancelled Annual Golf Fundraiser

“Talk about an election year flip flop. After teeing up and cashing in with the special interests for a full senate term, Gordon Smith has cancelled his seventh annual special interest celebration at Bandon Dunes with lobbyists and donors.

How fast is Gordon Smith running away from his special interest voting record? Next thing you know he’ll be rejecting special interest checks, selling his million dollar golf clubs and actually voting to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and raise the minimum wage.

The real question is, is he still going to cash in those $5,000 checks from the scheduled attendees?”

For the background on Smith’s Bandon Dunes event, click here and here.

Discuss: DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith’s Statement On U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s Cancelled Annual Golf Fundraiser

Posted June 23, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Oregon Delegation Corrects Smith Inaccuracies

From the Desks of US Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, Darlene Hooley and David Wu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008

Oregon House Members Response to Gordon Smith Television Ad “Guts and Independence”

“After watching Gordon Smith's new television ad featuring Elizabeth Furse and Avel Gordly we feel compelled to respond and to help set the record straight: Gordon Smith was not one of the first to speak out against the war. It was only after the resounding rejection of the failed Bush agenda at the ballot box in 2006 that Gordon Smith revealed that he harbored second thoughts about the war. Any previous consternation, on his part, was concealed from his constituents and those of us that were fighting to change this disastrous policy.

To this day, he has turned a blind eye to the other abuses: Halliburton; independent contractors; torture. The list on the war alone is as extensive as it is troubling.

We welcome Senator Smith's change of heart. We hope that it extends past just the war, to deal with all the assorted disasters and outrages associated with it.

We know that our friend and former colleague Elizabeth Furse has been gone from Congress for a long time. Had she still been in office, she would have opposed the war with us from the beginning rather than wait years for Senator Smith to speak out.”

Watch the coverage:

Discuss: Oregon Delegation Corrects Smith Inaccuracies

Posted June 19, 2008 in Iraq, Smith vs. Smith - 4 comments

New Ad Raises Old Controversy And New Questions For Smith

Gordon Smith’s latest attempt at hiding his 90 percent voting record with President Bush has revived some of Smith’s documented problems with race, sensitivity and clarity.

Smith’s new TV ad includes an endorsement from State Sen. Avel Gordly. The last time Smith boasted about her endorsement, The Oregonian recorded how Smith’s words offended the African American community, when Smith said that African Americans are “‘God’s children too.’”
(The Oregonian, 3-30-02)

African American leaders took offense.

“Williams said he has heard from several African American colleagues of both parties who said they took offense at the statement.”
(The Oregonian, 3-30-02)

Questions For Smith:

1.Has Smith ever apologized for his 2002 remarks either publicly or privately?

2.After his 2002 remarks and his controversial 2007 comments regarding Trent Lott, will Smith pledge to be more respectful and considerate in the future?

The Oregonian’s article documenting Smith’s 2002 controversy is included below.

Black Caucus Finds Smith Comment Insulting
The Oregonian
March 30, 2002
By Harry Esteve

The chairman of the black caucus of the Oregon Democratic Party said Friday he and other members of the caucus took offense to a statement by U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith to a radio reporter that African-Americans are "God's children, too."

"It was a demeaning statement," said Robert Williams, who also is chairman of next week's convention of the Oregon Assembly for Black Affairs. "What would we be other than God's children?"

A Smith aide said Williams was making too much of an innocuous statement by the senator, who is Republican and up for re-election.
"They're looking to pick a fight where there is none to pick," said Kerry Tymchuk, who works in Smith's Portland office.

The statement was made to a reporter Thursday after Smith announced he'd received the endorsement of state Sen. Avel Gordly, a prominent African American Democrat from Portland.

In a comment that was recorded and aired on Oregon Public Broadcasting, Smith said, "It's very meaningful to me to have African Americans support me, because I view them as God's children, too. And I value their support."

He then referred to himself as an "Abraham Lincoln Republican, someone who wants to open the party, and to make sure that our society is open to all people."

Tymchuk said Smith simply meant that he values support from all Oregonians. Democrats, upset with Gordly's endorsement, wanted to "diminish the moment," he said.

Gordly could not be reached for comment.

Williams said he has heard from several African American colleagues of both parties who said they took offense at the statement. "It smacked of racism to me," he said.

Bruce Broussard, who is Republican, African American and a Smith supporter, said he, too, was perplexed by the statement. And he said he expects other African American supporters to question Smith's choice of words.

"It rings a sensitivity," said Broussard, who hosts a cable access TV show on politics. He said he hopes to talk to Smith to get a better idea of what he meant.

You can reach Harry Esteve at 503-221-8226 or by e-mail at harryesteve@news.oregonian.com.

Discuss: New Ad Raises Old Controversy And New Questions For Smith

Posted June 13, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

It's Not The Campaign Year Flip. It’s The Senate Term Flop.

“But here's the thing: once Gordon Smith flips on an issue, we can't count on him to stay flipped. As soon as the election is over, he's going flop right back. He's not becoming a moderate -- he's pretending to be a moderate.”
(Kari Chisholm, Blue Oregon, 6-10-08)

That’s Democratic political consultant Kari Chisholm posting today on Blue Oregon.

Chisholm backs up his post with examples from Smith’s previous campaigns.

“Remember 2002? He didn't just say that he opposed drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He actually ran millions in TV commercials promising Oregonians that he would stand up to the Bush Administration on drilling in the Wildlife Refuge.

But once he was re-elected, what did he do? He flopped the other way and did exactly what Big Oil and Dubya wanted him to do. In 2005, he voted to drill for oil in the Wildlife Refuge - and in 2006, he voted again to drill in the Wildlife Refuge.”
(Kari Chisholm, Blue Oregon, 6-10-08)

Read the whole post here.

Click here for other examples of Smith’s flip flops, contradictions and inaccuracies.

Discuss: It's Not The Campaign Year Flip. It’s The Senate Term Flop.

Posted June 10, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Trust?

In Gordon Smith’s latest email to supporters he claims that -

“Gordon Smith has a record of independent minded leadership Oregonians have come to know, respect and trust.”

But after 12 years in office, Oregonians have learned they can’t trust Smith – especially in an election year.

Example One:

During his 2002 campaign Smith ran TV ads claiming his opposition to drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Smith earned re-election and voted to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Example Two:

After boasting about his coordination with Dick Cheney and the White House during his 2002 campaign – including running TV ads on the subject – Gordon Smith backtracked in 2007 on his coordination with the White House on diverting Klamath River water that decimated coastal fishing economies.

“Does Gordon Smith regret campaigning on false promises and misleading statements in 2002, or does he plan on making similar disingenuous claims in 2008?” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith asked. “Oregon's newspapers have already cited Gordon Smith for contradictions and fact bending. His own supporters have publicly doubted his credibility. Gordon Smith can pledge to reverse course and campaign honestly in 2008, or he can continue his deceptive 2002 behavior. Which will it be?"

Click here for quotes from Smith’s own supporters who do not trust him, and examples of Smith’s contradictions, fact bending and inaccuracies.

Discuss: Trust?

Posted May 29, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

DPO Executive Director Trent Lutz’s Statement On U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) Hypocritical Salmon Declaration

“Criticizing Gordon Smith’s honesty problems is like shooting fish in a barrel.

Before he starts boasting about declarations, he should apologize to coastal communities for abusing them to get re-elected in 2002.

First, he worked with Vice President Dick Cheney and the White House in 2002 to divert Klamath River water to help him get re-elected. That water diversion ended up destroying Oregon’s coastal fishing communities.

Then, he denied his coordination with Cheney and the White House. Even though he had boasted about working with Cheney and run TV ads on his coordination with the White House.

Now, he wants to take credit for helping the communities he devastated in 2002.

I repeat, before Smith starts boasting about declarations, he should apologize to coastal communities for abusing them to get re-elected in 2002.

Is there any limit to what Gordon Smith will say to Oregonians or do to our natural resources to help him get elected? Apparently not.”

Discuss: DPO Executive Director Trent Lutz’s Statement On U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) Hypocritical Salmon Declaration

Posted May 1, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Smith Unites Oregonians – In Distrusting Him

Gordon Smith, Oregonians aren’t buying your ad.

After watching you Say Anything for more than a decade, they don’t trust the ad, or you.

Smith’s positive ad has turned into an internet negative as bloggers from both right and left excoriate him for his Say Anything behavior.

A sample of the commentary from conservative blog Oregon Catalyst:

“Gordon Smith is a shameless example of a politician without core principles, a true politician who says anything that is expedient for reelection.”

“He has been no less partisan than his party, which is quite partisan indeed. Here, Smith proves himself your standard pandering politician who will say anything to be elected. Anything.”

And from progressive blog Blue Oregon:

“By the way, did Gordon Smith ‘independently’ conclude he should vote with Bush 90% of the time.”

Discuss: Smith Unites Oregonians – In Distrusting Him

Posted April 30, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 1 comments

National Blog Challenges Say Anything Senator

The Say Anything Senator may have topped himself with his latest contradiction.

Open Left documents how Gordon Smith won’t support the Responsible Plan to End The War In Iraq, a plan that Oregon’s leading Democratic U.S. Senate candidates support.

No surprise as that position dovetails with Smith’s five votes in 2007 to continue the war. Five votes that cancelled out Democratic U.S. Senator Ron Wyden’s votes.

But, the Say Anything Senator, rather than standing by his opposition to the Responsible Plan and standing by his voting record to continue the war, takes hypocrisy to a new level by seeking credit for authoring the plan.

Open Left pinpoints the hypocrisy.

“That Gordon Smith is literally arguing he authored a plan to remove all troops from Iraq without endorsing that plan should give you a sense for how precarious the Republican position really is.”
(Matt Stoller, Open Left, 4-8-08)

“With his latest contradiction, the Say Anything Senator has made two things clear,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “One, unlike the leading Democratic U.S. Senate candidates, Gordon Smith does not support a Responsible Plan To End The War In Iraq. Two, he will say anything to get re-elected.”

Discuss: National Blog Challenges Say Anything Senator

Posted April 9, 2008 in Iraq, Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Salmon Season In Jeopardy. Will Gordon Smith Finally Fess Up?

Oregon’s salmon season – a vital source of income for Oregon’s economy – may be dead for 2008.

It was only six years ago that Gordon Smith coordinated with the White House to divert the water that destroyed coastal fishing economies.

He even ran TV ads about his coordination.

Their campaign maneuver resulted in the biggest fish kill in memory.

Now that the salmon industry is on the edge of collapse, will Smith finally take this opportunity to accept some responsibility for the massive fish kill that destroyed coastal economies?

Or will he tell more fishing stories to Oregon newspapers that editors and even his allies say are full of holes?

Discuss: Salmon Season In Jeopardy. Will Gordon Smith Finally Fess Up?

Posted March 18, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Common What?

Gordon Smith rolled out his re-election platform over the weekend.

Is it a pledge to stop raking in special interest cash, stand up to the special interest agenda and start voting in Oregonians’ interests?

No.

Is it a pledge to start speaking honestly with Oregonians? After all, Oregon newspapers and the Say Anything Senator’s own supporters and allies have complained about Smith’s contradictions, fact bending and inaccuracies.

No.

What Gordon Smith said was:

"’If you check the record,’ he said, ‘you will find that I have found common ground for the common good.’"
(The Oregonian, 3-2-08)

So, let’s take Smith at his word and check his record.

Common Ground:

On the important issues facing Oregon, Smith cancels out Oregon’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden’s vote. On Iraq, climate change, health care, and a host of other issues, Smith pushes Wyden and Oregon backward.

Although Oregon went Blue in both 2000 and 2004, Gordon Smith consistently votes with President Bush.

Oregon’s most prominent political pundit noticed that Smith tries to paint himself as more moderate than his voting record indicates. Not much common ground there.

Smith finds more common ground with the special interests who contribute millions to his campaign and control his votes than with Oregon families.

Common Good:

Other than reminding special interests that Oregon has a Republican U.S. Senator who accepts their checks, what has Gordon Smith achieved for Oregon?

Let’s ask the columnists and editors who cover him closely:

“The larger question is what Smith has done with his appointment with history. While Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden has authored a tax bill and a health care reform bill, Smith has turned in no work product of that heft and weight. It has been a largely cosmetic performance. That has caused us on prior occasions to wonder why Smith bothers to serve. At this point in the life of the nation, a senator from Oregon ought to be offering serious solutions to major problems.”
(The Daily Astorian Editorial, 4-10-07)

“Give Smith credit: He just illustrated the dramatic difference between sitting in that seat and actually filling it… Gordon Smith? He sat on his hands when it mattered.”
(Steve Duin Column, The Oregonian, 12-12-06)

“By contrast, Sen. Smith has little accomplishment to show for his two terms. He clearly lacks the legislative gene, which causes me to wonder why he serves, except for the prestige of the job.”
(Steve Forrester Column, The Daily Astorian, 10-3-07)

“Gordon Smith’s campaign platform is about as credible as the Say Anything Senator’s word,” DPO Executive Director Trent Lutz said. “The only Common Good Gordon Smith supports is what’s good for the special interests. The only Common Ground he’s found is uniting newspaper editors, his supporters and opponents in distrusting his statements.”

Discuss: Common What?

Posted March 3, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 1 comments

Gordon Smith In Seaside This Weekend. Will He Bring The Truth With Him?

This Saturday afternoon in Seaside, Gordon Smith has his chance.

As the Say Anything Senator speaks at the conservative Dorchester Conference, he can work to regain Oregonians' trust by telling the truth about the Klamath River water diversion that destroyed coastal fishing communities.

He can tell his constituents he’s sorry for bending the facts on Klamath River.

He can admit to coordinating with Vice President Dick Cheney and the White House when they made a political decision to abuse environmental and commercial resources to get him re-elected in 2002. After all, in 2001, Smith demonstrated clear and direct knowledge of Cheney’s involvement and ran TV ads touting his relationship with the White House.

And he can apologize to the coastal fishing communities whose economies he devastated.

“Gordon Smith will visit the coast this weekend, but will he bring the truth with him?” DPO Communications Director Marc Siegel asked. “Will Gordon Smith continue to bend facts and distort his Klamath River record? Or will he finally admit to his coordination with Dick Cheney and to the damage they caused coastal fishing communities?”

Discuss: Gordon Smith In Seaside This Weekend. Will He Bring The Truth With Him?

Posted February 27, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

A Little Gordon Smith Polish

Gordon Smith never misses an election year opportunity to gloss over his record.

The Say Anything Senator has cast vote after vote denying crucial health services to Indian Country.

Now, after years of digging a health care hole for Oregon tribes, he wants election year credit for helping them climb out of it.

Smith’s Quotes:

Today, Smith applauded the U.S. Senate’s update to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

“With this bill, we are working to end the deepening health care disparities this community has faced and to give tribes a chance at a healthy future.”
(U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) Press Release, 2-26-08)

Smith’s Votes:

In previous years – when he wasn’t up for re-election - Smith has repeatedly voted to deny funding for Indian Country’s critical health care needs.

Smith Has Voted Against Increased Funding for Indian Health Services At Least Four Times. In Each Of The Below Votes, Smith Cancelled The Yes Vote Of Oregon’s Other U.S. Senator, Democrat Ron Wyden.
In 2004, Smith voted against creating a reserve fund to allow up to $3.4 billion in additional spending for Indian Health Service clinical services. In 2003, Smith voted against increasing funding for the Indian Health Service, including clinical services, three times. The Portland Area Indian Health Service provides access to health care for an estimated 158,000 Indian residents of 42 Tribes located in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
[Vote 52, 3/11/04; Vote 362, 9/23/03; Vote 356, 9/23/03; Vote 87, 3/25/03; Portland IHS]

“Where were the press releases and self congratulatory pats on the back in 2003 and 2004 when Gordon Smith denied health care funding to Indian Country?” DPO Communications Director Marc Siegel asked. “In 2003, Smith voted three times against funding for the health care needs of our Indian population. In 2004, Smith again opposed funding critical health care services for Indian Country. Now, nine months before election day, he’s suddenly concerned. Gordon Smith's credibility has become a casualty in his re-election bid. His quotes simply don’t match his votes.”

Discuss: A Little Gordon Smith Polish

Posted February 26, 2008 in Health Care, Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Smith Contradicts Himself On Health Care

How can you tell Gordon Smith is running for re-election?

Because he runs from his record.

Smith’s Quotes:

Although the Say Anything Senator has voted several times against funding for Indian Health Services, he complained yesterday about the lack of funding for such critical services.

“I urge Congress to take a needed and significant step in updating current law to end the health care disparities that Native Americans face.”
(U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) Press Release, 2-14-08)

The Say Anything Senator does have guts. Even though Smith has repeatedly voted against funding for Indian Health Services, he still thinks it’s appropriate to go on the floor of the U.S. Senate, before C-Span, before his constituents, and in direct contradiction to his voting record, and complain about the lack of such funding.

Smith’s Votes:

In previous years – when he wasn’t up for re-election - Smith has repeatedly voted to deny funding for Indian Country’s critical health care needs.

Smith Has Voted Against Increased Funding for Indian Health Services At Least Four Times. In Each Of The Below Votes, Smith Cancelled The Yes Vote Of Oregon’s Other U.S. Senator, Democrat Ron Wyden.

In 2004, Smith voted against creating a reserve fund to allow up to $3.4 billion in additional spending for Indian Health Service clinical services. In 2003, Smith voted against increasing funding for the Indian Health Service, including clinical services, three times. The Portland Area Indian Health Service provides access to health care for an estimated 158,000 Indian residents of 42 Tribes located in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
[Vote 52, 3/11/04; Vote 362, 9/23/03; Vote 356, 9/23/03; Vote 87, 3/25/03; Portland IHS]

“In 2003, Smith voted three times against funding for the health care needs of our Indian population. In 2004, Smith again opposed funding critical health care services for Indian Country. Now, nine months before election day, he’s suddenly concerned,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “Just look at the Say Anything Senator’s votes against funding health services for Indian Country. His quotes don’t match his votes.”

Discuss: Smith Contradicts Himself On Health Care

Posted February 15, 2008 in Health Care, Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Bob Saget? More like Mitt Romney

How did comedian Bob Saget get dragged into the Stop Gordon Smith Campaign's discussion about Gordon Smith's record of contradictions, fact bending and inaccuracies?

Let's let the Gordon Smith Campaign explain.

Smith Campaign Invokes Bob Saget To Make Light of Smith Tracking Operation

While trying to distance the Gordon Smith campaign from news that a Republican Party operative is using aliases when trying to get information on Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Merkley’s campaign events, Smith’s spokesman R.C. Hammond joked about why the DPO would track Gordon Smith.

“Asked about Lussier’s deep-cover espionage tactics, Hammond said: ‘Our experience with trackers during this campaign has come from watching the Democrats and their effort to catch the Bob Saget moment of Gordon Smith somewhere running around Oregon.’”
(The Register-Guard, 1-20-08)

Why The DPO Tracks Gordon Smith

“The Say Anything Senator’s contradictions, fact bending and inaccuracies may be amusing to his staff, but they are no joke to Oregonians,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “We’re tracking Smith for the same reason editorial writers, Smith’s supporters and political activists throughout the state have criticized him. He will say anything to win re-election.”

Here’s just a few examples of why it’s necessary to closely track Smith’s comments. Note that even his allies have groused about his authenticity and accuracy:

1.Smith told Oregonians during his 2002 campaign he would oppose drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He got elected, and then ended up voting to drill in ANWR.

“Smith has been running spots in Portland that emphasize...his opposition to oil drilling in the arctic wilderness.”
(The Oregonian, 10-10-02)

2.After boasting about his coordination with Dick Cheney and the White house during his 2002 campaign – including running TV ads on the subject – Gordon Smith backtracked in 2007 on his coordination with the White House on diverting Klamath River water that decimated coastal fishing economies.

3.Last month, The Oregonian questioned Smith’s contradictions on U.S. Sen. Trent Lott and segregation.

“The senator's tribute to the GOP leader could have been more clearly, and less contradictorily, expressed.”
(The Oregonian Editorial, 12-20-07)

4.Early this year, former Portland area television host and 2006 Constitution Party gubernatorial candidate Mary Starrett questioned if Smith is “genuine in his opposition to the war.”
(Mapes on politics, The Oregonian, 1-3-08)

5.In November, a loyal Smith supporter, Bend Republican Dave Eaton, said Smith “doesn’t stand for anything other than his own re-election.”
(The Bulletin, 11-27-07)

6.An August editorial by The Register-Guard criticized Smith for bending and omitting key facts when discussing the Klamath River water diversion that decimated coastal fishing economies.

7.Earlier in August, Smith’s own allies said they did not believe Smith’s version of events regarding the Klamath River water diversions.

“Commercial fishing advocate Glenn Spain said Smith has been an ally over the years. But after reading the senator's comments, Spain said Smith's version of those events in 2002 did not square with his own.”
(The Register-Guard, 8-11-07)

“Let’s leave Bob Saget out of this debate,” Wood Smith said. “Mitt Romney, who has taken flip flopping, backtracking and contradiction to new heights during his presidential campaign is a more apt comparison for Gordon Smith. Both Mitt Romney and Gordon Smith will say anything to get elected.”

Discuss: Bob Saget? More like Mitt Romney

Posted January 23, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 2 comments

Smith Stretches Gap Between His Votes And His Quotes

Gordon Smith extended the gap between his votes and his quotes today.

The senator released a statement today asking for less partisanship and more partnership among U.S. Senators. But, why does Gordon Smith ask something of his colleagues that he doesn’t do himself?

Smith’s record as a partisan Republican is well documented:

-One of Oregon’s leading non-partisan political pundits explained that Smith tries to gloss over his conservative voting record with a moderate veneer.

-When it suits him, Smith proudly declares he’s a conservative.

-Smith has failed to deliver on getting Republican U.S. Senators to support legislation for Oregon.

Last June, Smith brought U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to Oregon for a fundraiser and a discussion on timber payments for Oregon.

They must have only cared about campaign fundraising and not passing legislation because in the end, Smith’s own party, led by McConnell, dropped timber payments from the recently passed energy bill.

-Smith has praised his own Republican party leader for obstructing progress in the U.S. Senate.

-Smith votes with President Bush 90 percent of the time.

“If it’s election season, Gordon Smith must be posing as a bi-partisan senator,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “Gordon Smith should take his own advice. If he truly believes common ground is the key to producing results, he should stop voting with President Bush 90 percent of the time and stop praising his own party for obstruction. This is just another example of Smith’s votes not matching his quotes.”

Discuss: Smith Stretches Gap Between His Votes And His Quotes

Posted January 11, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Another Oregonian Questions Smith's Authenticity - Does Anyone Trust "Say Anything" Senator?

While the country is buzzing over the Iowa Caucus, Gordon Smith has lost the trust primary in Oregon.

Yet another Oregonian has gone on record questioning Smith’s authenticity.

All different kinds of Oregonians – from Republican, Constitution and Democratic parties, editorial writers, folks from Smith's hometown in Pendleton – have cited Smith for his honesty problem.

“Is there anyone left in Oregon who trusts Gordon Smith? Every time he speaks, Oregonians question the "Say Anything" Senator’s authenticity or accuracy,” DPO Executive Director Trent Lutz said. “Oregonians have lost trust in Smith and for good reason. He speaks without regard for the truth.”

OREGONIANS THROUGHOUT THE STATE DON'T BELIEVE SMITH

Yesterday, former Portland area television host and 2006 Constitution Party gubernatorial candidate Mary Starrett questioned if Smith is “genuine in his opposition to the war.”
(Mapes on politics, The Oregonian, 1-3-08)

Starrett’s comments follow a string of editorials and comments – some by Smith’s own supporters - questioning Smith’s veracity.

Last month, The Oregonian questioned Smith’s contradictions on U.S. Sen. Trent Lott and segregation.

“The senator's tribute to the GOP leader could have been more clearly, and less contradictorily, expressed.”
(The Oregonian Editorial, 12-20-07)

Earlier in December, Democratic activist Ben Talley of Pendleton – Smith’s hometown – worked with the Stop Gordon Smith Campaign to organize a protest of Smith’s willingness to say anything to win re-election.

“Talley criticized Smith, describing the senator as a political opportunist who won't stand up for Oregon when it counts.”
(The East Oregonian, 12-6-07)

SMITH'S OWN ALLIES DON'T BELIEVE HIM

In November, a loyal Smith supporter, Bend Republican Dave Eaton, said Smith “doesn’t stand for anything other than his own re-election.”
(The Bulletin, 11-27-07)

The winter flurry of criticism followed a rough August for Smith.

An editorial by The Register-Guard criticized Smith for bending and omitting key facts when discussing the Klamath River water diversion that decimated coastal fishing economies.

And on that same issue, Smith’s own allies said they did not believe Smith’s version of events.

“Sen. Gordon Smith's explanation this week of how the 2002 diversion of Klamath Lake water for irrigation related to a massive salmon die-off has fish advocates questioning the accuracy of his account.”
(The Register-Guard, 8-11-07)

“Commercial fishing advocate Glenn Spain said Smith has been an ally over the years. But after reading the senator's comments, Spain said Smith's version of those events in 2002 did not square with his own.”
(The Register-Guard, 8-11-07)

“There should be a warning label on future Gordon Smith comments," Lutz said. "Warning, the content of this Senator's comments are volatile, may not be truthful and can change quickly.”

Discuss: Another Oregonian Questions Smith's Authenticity - Does Anyone Trust "Say Anything" Senator?

Posted January 4, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

New Year – New Smith or Same Say Anything Senator?

The new year brought back old concerns for Gordon Smith.

Progressive blogger and political consultant Kari Chisholm asked if Smith’s New Year’s resolutions include honesty, accuracy, standing up to President Bush and voting to get our troops home:

“Will he resolve to campaign honestly this year, unlike he did in 2002?

Will he stop contradicting himself and bending the facts? (In the last six months, both of Oregon's largest newspapers (the O and the R-G) have criticized Smith for trying to bamboozle Oregonians.)

Will he stop voting 90 percent of the time with President Bush?

Will he actually work to get our troops out of Iraq? We're now more than one year after Smith said he would oppose the war. Yet, unlike Ron Wyden, Smith continues voting to keep troops in Iraq and prolong the Iraq War.”
(Kari Chisholm, Blue Oregon, 1-1-08)

Do you think the Say Anything Senator will follow any of these resolutions in the new year?

Or, will Smith continue to contradict himself, bend facts, support Bush and keep troops in Iraq?

Discuss: New Year – New Smith or Same Say Anything Senator?

Posted January 3, 2008 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

The Oregonian Catches Say Anything Senator

Gordon Smith spoke without care, without consistency and with too much contradiction when praising Trent Lott.

That’s how Oregon’s largest newspaper, The Oregonian, summarized Smith’s Tuesday comments in their editorial this morning.

“But on issues carrying as much emotional freight as race -- and there aren't many -- a U.S. senator needs to speak with care and consistency.”
(The Oregonian Editorial, 12-20-07)

“The senator's tribute to the GOP leader could have been more clearly, and less contradictorily, expressed.”
(The Oregonian Editorial, 12-20-07)

You can read the full editorial here.

The Oregonian’s remarks were just part of a second wave of coverage on Smith.

Senior political reporter Jeff Mapes of The Oregonian took time off from his vacation to weigh in on Smith’s inconsistent statements.

PolitickerOR is running a new poll on whether Smith’s praise of Lott will hurt Smith’s re-election efforts.

And Blue Oregon has a stream of posts on the coverage and in-depth analysis of Smith's honesty.

“Gordon Smith is learning that he can’t speak without regard for the truth and get away with it,” DPO Communications Director Marc Siegel said. “There should be a warning label on future Gordon Smith comments. Warning, the content of this Senator's comments are volatile, may not be truthful and can change quickly.”

Discuss: The Oregonian Catches Say Anything Senator

Posted December 20, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 1 comments

Say Anything Senator Gets Caught – Changes Answer Again

No one can argue that Gordon Smith doesn’t believe in evolution.

He practices it with every answer he gives to the media.

As print, broadcast and internet outlets throughout Oregon and Washington, DC reported on Gordon Smith’s surprising defense yesterday of U.S. Sen. Trent Lott’s 2002 segregationist comments, Smith tried to explain it all away.

"'I said then what I said today and what I say now,' Smith said. 'What Trent Lott said was wrong.'"
(The Oregonian, 12-19-07)

But, video from C-Span and independent reports from journalists show Smith did not say Lott was wrong yesterday.

In fact, he praised Lott’s leadership and blamed the media for Lott’s ouster in 2002.

"'I watched over international news as his words were misconstrued, words which we had heard him utter many times, in his big warm-heartedness, trying to make one of our colleagues, Strom Thurmond, feel good at 100 years old,’ Smith said. ‘We knew what he meant. But the wolf pack of the press circled around him, sensed blood in the water, and the exigencies of politics caused a great injustice to be done to him and to Tricia,’ Lott's wife.”
(The Oregonian, 12-19-07)

As the video shows, Smith also called Lott’s ouster a “wrong,” a wrong that had since been “righted.”

So, let’s put this in perspective.

On Tuesday morning Smith defended Lott’s 2002 segregationist comments, blamed the media for Lott resigning his leadership position in 2002 and said Lott had been wronged.

Later on Tuesday, just hours after getting off the senate floor, Smith told reporters he hadn’t defended those comments, even though video from C-Span and news reports from Oregon and Washington, DC proved that he had.

And remember, his 2007 defense of Lott and condemnation of the media was a flip flop from 2002 when Smith, along with many colleagues, condemned Lott’s comments.

“Has Gordon Smith not heard of C-Span?,” DPO Communications Director Marc Siegel asked. “Does Gordon Smith really think reporters and voters are going to believe his answers on a Tuesday afternoon that directly contradict his Tuesday morning statements on the senate floor? There should be a warning label on future Gordon Smith comments. Warning, the content of this Senator's comments are volatile, may not be truthful and can change quickly.”

Discuss: Say Anything Senator Gets Caught – Changes Answer Again

Posted December 19, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Say Anything Senator Strikes Again - Flip Flops On Trent Lott's Comments

From Washington, DC to Oregon, folks are noticing that Gordon Smith will say anything.

Today, Talking Points Memo has exposed Smith for changing his story on fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Trent Lott’s segregationist comments.

In 2002, Smith condemned Lott’s words.

Today, he defended Lott and condemned the press for pouncing on Lott's comments, according to The Huffington Post.

Which Gordon Smith should we believe?

The 2007 version who blames the media for Lott's ouster and defends Lott's comments?

Or the 2002 version who joined his President, George Bush, and many of his colleagues in condemning Lott?

Discuss: Say Anything Senator Strikes Again - Flip Flops On Trent Lott's Comments

Posted December 18, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 1 comments

Say Anything Senator Double Talks on Obstruction

Does Gordon Smith think nobody is paying attention to what he says?

Shouldn’t he know he can’t praise the GOP for obstruction in the U.S. Senate one day, then criticize the U.S. Senate for too much obstruction the next day and get away with it?

As the DSCC points out, Smith chose to praise rather than criticize, Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s efforts to obstruct progress in Washington, DC in an interview with The Politico.

And after oddly praising McConnell for obstruction - most people view obstruction as a negative - he then complained to the International Herald Tribune about all the obstruction in the U.S. Senate.

"’I am not seeing much common ground, meeting in the center,’ said Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon, a Republican who is seeking a third term. ‘And if we don't find that, the Senate will fail in its governing responsibilities.
The thing that's important to remember is that the Senate was structured to govern from the center, to find the common sense. There is little sense about this place right now.’"
(International Herald Tribune, 12-12-07)

“Just a day after Gordon Smith praised his party's senate leader for obstruction, he complained to the press about obstruction in Washington, DC,” DPO Executive Director Trent Lutz said. “Does it make any sense for him to shred his own credibility like that? This is a first in politics. Smith has launched a preemptive strike against his own credibility. What’s his next move? Telling people not to vote for him?”

Smith is learning he can’t just say anything this election season – as he has in previous cycles – and get away with it.

Just yesterday we discussed how Smith was criticized by his own campaign supporter, folks from his hometown, and an Oregonian columnist for his transparent election season conversions.

As Smith keeps talking, we’ll be there to hold him accountable.

Discuss: Say Anything Senator Double Talks on Obstruction

Posted December 14, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Say Anything Senator Faces Criticism From A Loyal Supporter, His Hometown And A Columnist For Oregon’s Largest Newspaper – All In Just Two Weeks

It’s been a rough few weeks for Gordon Smith.

A loyal supporter in Bend criticized him for only caring about re-election.

A columnist for Oregon’s largest newspaper mocked him for election season conversions.

And last week residents of his Pendleton hometown - along with protesters in Bend, Eugene, Medford and Portland - protested his willingness to say anything to win re-election.

The East Oregonian, Smith’s hometown newspaper, splashed the protest across its front page.

In Pendleton, Ben Talley, who organized the local protest, criticized Smith as a political opportunist.

“Talley criticized Smith, describing the senator as a political opportunist who won't stand up for Oregon when it counts.”
(The East Oregonian, 12-6-07)

A few days earlier, columnist David Sarasohn of The Oregonian said Smith is “heading to the center like a gyroscope” as he prepares for re-election.
(David Sarasohn Column, The Oregonian, 12-2-07)

In late November in Bend, Republican Dave Eaton said Oregon’s junior U.S. Senator only cares about electoral preservation.

“It’s the concern that he doesn’t really stand for anything other than his own re-election.”
(The Bulletin, 11-27-07)

Eaton said that unlike 2002, he will not volunteer for Smith or donate money to him. He will vote for him.

None of these comments should come as a surprise. Smith has a long record of saying anything to win re-election.

And as The Register-Guard noticed, he doesn’t let the truth get in the way of making his political points.

Discuss: Say Anything Senator Faces Criticism From A Loyal Supporter, His Hometown And A Columnist For Oregon’s Largest Newspaper – All In Just Two Weeks

Posted December 12, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Even Smith’s Supporters Don't Believe Him

This says it all.

Here’s what Gordon Smith supporter and Bend Republican Dave Eaton said about our junior U.S. Senator:

“It’s the concern that he doesn’t really stand for anything other than his own re-election.”
(The Bulletin, 11-27-07)

What do you think Eaton is referring to?

1. Fact: Smith told Oregonians during his 2002 campaign he would oppose drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He got elected, and then ended up voting to drill in ANWR.

“Smith has been running spots in Portland that emphasize...his opposition to oil drilling in the arctic wilderness.”
(The Oregonian, 10-10-02)

2. Fact: Smith has proven he can’t be trusted on the Iraq War. After all, he said he would oppose the Iraq War only after the landslide 2006 elections, and after polls showed Americans no longer supported Republicans or the Iraq War. Until the elections that swept his party out of power, he staunchly defended the war and President Bush’s handling of the war.

And even after he said he could not support the Iraq War, he’s voted four times in 2007 to keep troops in Iraq and prolong the war. The Oregonian, in their February 10, 2007 editorial, said Smith has been “here, there, everywhere” on the war.

3. Fact: Oregon’s second largest newspaper noted this year that Smith is “willing to bend and selectively omit the facts to justify ideologically driven political positions.”

Discuss: Even Smith’s Supporters Don't Believe Him

Posted November 28, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 1 comments

Red Senator In A Blue State

In less than 10 minutes, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury declares why Oregonians should not be fooled by Gordon Smith’s campaign rhetoric.

Smith has a history of campaigning as Blue in Oregon, but voting Red in Washington, DC, Bradbury says.

Bradbury ran against Smith in 2002. He says Smith’s 2008 campaign conversions remind him of their 2002 contest.

In this October 5, 2007 speech at the DPO’s Oregon Summit in Sunriver, Bradbury addressed Smith’s:

-opposition to pulling troops out of Iraq
-dangerous environmental record supporting drilling in ANWR, opposing alternative energy and earning atrocious grades from environmental interests
-40 percent score from Disabled American Veterans
-90 percent voting record with President Bush

Discuss: Red Senator In A Blue State

Posted October 17, 2007 in Smith Videos, Smith vs. Smith - 5 comments

New Attitude for Smith?

Is Gordon Smith finally ready to start speaking honestly about the Klamath Basin or will he continue to dig a truth hole for himself?

As he works on new Klamath Basin legislation, will he stop bending and selectively omitting facts to justify ideologically driven political positions as The Register-Guard exposed him for?

Will he finally come clean on his documented political coordination with Vice President Dick Cheney to abuse environmental and commercial resources to get him re-elected in 2002?

And will he stop contradicting himself in interviews with Oregon newspapers?

Gordon Smith has about one year before ballots are mailed to Oregon voters.

He can use that time to speak honestly with voters on the issues facing Oregon – or mislead them.

Discuss: New Attitude for Smith?

Posted October 3, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Smith Wades Back Into Klamath River Controversy – Snags Larry Craig

So, Gordon Smith wants more opportunities to “bend” and “omit” facts?

He wants another crack at destroying Oregon’s coastal fishing economies?

Smith boasted to Oregon media outlets yesterday that he will try to handle some of the work vacated by disgraced Republican U.S. Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho, now that Craig is on his way out.

Read more and discuss: Smith Wades Back Into Klamath River Controversy – Snags Larry Craig

Posted September 5, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Veterans Hammer Smith’s Veteran Voting Record

Gordon Smith is learning that he can’t outrun his voting record.

His votes against veterans caught up to him yesterday as Veterans In Action criticized him for his atrocious voting record and asked him to change course.

Smith has earned a 40 percent score from Disabled American Veterans. That rating placed him in the bottom 25 percent of the U.S. Senate - lower than more than 25 U.S. Senate Republicans and every Democrat and Independent serving at that time in the chamber.

Why do you think Smith has earned a failing grade from Disabled American Veterans?

Why do you think Smith has consistently voted against veterans’ causes?

Does he not know how his votes damage veterans?

Or does he not care?

Discuss: Veterans Hammer Smith’s Veteran Voting Record

Posted August 29, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith, Veterans - 9 comments

More Whoppers From Smith

Gordon Smith contradicts himself – twice – in an interview with The Bulletin.

Oops, Smith did it again.

In the same week The Register-Guard criticizes U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) for not being honest about the Klamath River water diversion, he contradicts himself – twice – in an interview with The Bulletin.

“Does Gordon Smith think people will just believe anything he says, no matter how contradictory or untruthful?” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith asked. “In the same month that he tells The Register-Guard there is no connection between the low water and the fish kill, he tells The Bulletin he never claimed there was no connection. Six years after publicly providing clear knowledge of Vice President Cheney’s direct intervention on Klamath, he says he was unaware that Cheney was directly involved. Time and time again Gordon Smith has let the truth become a casualty in his re-election bid. He continues to break the trust of Oregonians.”

Read the contradictions on the jump.

Read more and discuss: More Whoppers From Smith

Posted August 20, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 1 comments

The Register-Guard Criticizes Smith For His Willingness To “bend and selectively omit the facts”

Oregon’s second largest newspaper has catalogued Gordon Smith’s fact avoidance policy in a critical Tuesday, August 14, 2007 editorial.

Some key excerpts from the editorial:

-“It's that he's willing to bend and selectively omit the facts to justify ideologically driven political positions.”
-“Smith has shown a willingness to overlook inconvenient facts before.”
-“Smith's version of Klamath Basin history conveniently omitted some key facts.”

As Meredith Wood-Smith, chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon has said -

“Gordon Smith has let the truth become a casualty in his re-election bid. His disregard for the truth is troubling and a disservice to Oregonians.”

Read the editorial from The Register-Guard in Eugene, on the jump. And then, write a letter to the editor - and encourage the rest of the state's media to join The Register-Guard in calling out Gordon Smith.

Read more and discuss: The Register-Guard Criticizes Smith For His Willingness To “bend and selectively omit the facts”

Posted August 15, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 2 comments

Does Smith think 40 percent is a passing grade?

Will Gordon Smith discuss his real record with veterans or will he continue to grow the gap between his votes and his quotes?

As Smith is scheduled to appear before veterans in Bend today (Editor's Note: Smith ended up being unable to attend this event due to personal reasons) he will have to try and talk his way out of his failing, 40 percent score from Disabled American Veterans.

He will have to explain why he represents the same Oregon veterans as U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, but Wyden’s 80 percent score from DAV doubles Smith’s.

Smith will have to explain why his rating was lower than more than 25 U.S. Senate Republicans and every Democrat and Independent serving at that time in the U.S. Senate.

Will he discuss his real voting record and be honest with veterans? Or will he continue to grow the gap between his votes and his quotes?

Look at Smith's record on the jump.

Read more and discuss: Does Smith think 40 percent is a passing grade?

Posted August 14, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith, Veterans - 0 comments

Smith Hits a Truth Wall in August

Does the truth matter to Gordon Smith?

Apparently not, but it certainly does to the people examining his record. Including his allies.

Take your pick on how journalists, political observers, environmental experts and even Smith’s allies are tearing apart the holes in his stories about his relationship with Vice President Dick Cheney, his “understanding” of the Klamath Basin and his pattern of doublespeak and deception.

-Even Smith's allies don't believe his Klamath River explanations
-The Oregonian gets Smith to admit his earlier timeline explanation is off – by a year!
-Senate 2008 Guru compiles Smith’s week of dodges and distortions on Iraq, his health care record and his relationship with Cheney
-Smith’s 2007 answer contradicts his 2001 quotes

Discuss: Smith Hits a Truth Wall in August

Posted August 13, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Smith Rewrites History On Iraq

From the DSCC

Oregonians Won’t Buy Smith’s Election Year Conversion

In an appearance in Roseburg this week, Gordon Smith claimed America had achieved everything it could in Iraq by the time Bush delivered his now infamous ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech in May 2003. But Smith’s ongoing attempt to rewrite his position on the war ignores a key fact – he continued to vocally support the president’s policy for three and a half years after Bush’s aircraft carrier address, and did not begin claiming he supports a new policy until after the 2006 midterm elections.

“If Smith really believed the mission was fully accomplished in 2003, than why did he spend the next three and a half years rubberstamping George Bush’s failed Iraq policy?” DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller said. “Gordon Smith can try to rewrite history, but the record is plain for all Oregonians to see, and they won’t be fooled by his election year change in rhetoric.”

Read the quotes on the jump:

Read more and discuss: Smith Rewrites History On Iraq

Posted August 10, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Smith Tells a Whopper to The Register-Guard

Gordon Smith fails honesty test in editorial board interview in Eugene. His 2007 answer contradicts his 2001 quotes.

Uh Gordon, do you want to try that again?

United States Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) tried to convince The Register-Guard editorial board Tuesday that he barely worked with Vice President Dick Cheney and the White House when they made a political decision to abuse environmental and commercial resources to get him re-elected in 2002. The 2002 Klamath River water diversion ended up destroying coastal fishing communities.

“Smith downplayed his connection to Cheney in that chapter. He said he did not recall speaking with the vice president, but did lobby President Bush during a flight on Air Force One to allow some of the basin's water dedicated for imperiled sucker fish to be diverted to withering croplands and pastures.

‘I was not familiar with all the things the vice president was doing,’ Smith said, referring to the Washington Post's account.’”
(The Register-Guard, 8-8-07)

Yet, in 2001, Smith demonstrated clear and direct knowledge of Cheney’s involvement.

“‘Dick Cheney stopped that order from coming down,’ Smith said. ‘He ordered the biologists back to Washington’ to see if there were some way to get around the conclusion that all available water must go to protect endangered suckers in Upper Klamath Lake and threatened coho salmon in the lower Klamath River.”
(Herald and News, 4-9-01)

Smith even ran TV ads touting his coordination with the White House.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2WkhoGut6E

“Where is the honesty from Gordon Smith?” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith asked. “In 2001 he couldn’t stop talking about his coordination with Vice President Cheney and the White House. Now, he says he barely worked with them. Gordon Smith has let the truth become a casualty in his re-election bid. His disregard for the truth is troubling and a disservice to Oregonians.”

Multiple choice quiz on the jump.

Read more and discuss: Smith Tells a Whopper to The Register-Guard

Posted August 9, 2007 in Smith + Bush, Smith vs. Smith - 5 comments

Smith Will Be Silent On His Real Senior Health Care Record

What will U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) hide from his audience today?

That he’s voted against their best interests.

As Smith touts his health care record at a health conference for seniors in Eugene today, don’t expect him to expound on his votes against low-income drug subsidies for seniors, against “fallback” plans to make drug coverage more available and against Medicare price negotiation.

“For Gordon Smith to boast about his record on senior health care is like President Bush bragging about his record on Katrina,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “Smith’s votes don’t match his quotes.”

Read the facts on the jump.

Read more and discuss: Smith Will Be Silent On His Real Senior Health Care Record

Posted August 8, 2007 in Health Care, Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Smith Declares He’s A Conservative

Gordon Smith boasts about supporting hard right
U.S. Supreme Court Justices and his conservative philosophy.

On his campaign website and in his recent statements to reporters, U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) has declared his conservatism, and asked other Oregon conservatives to join him.

Smith has owned up to a conservative philosophy that includes supporting U.S. Supreme Court Justices who have lurched the court to the right, voting with President Bush 90 percent of the time, and earning a 15 percent score from pro-choice advocates and a 14 percent score from environmental advocates.

“Gordon Smith has finally owned up to what his voting record makes clear,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “He is on the conservative right, outside the mainstream, and not in touch with the issues of everyday Oregonians.”

Read the facts on the jump.

Read more and discuss: Smith Declares He’s A Conservative

Posted August 6, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

What do you see in the crystal ball?

Peer into the future and what do you see?

A candidate trying to run as fast as he can from his record.

Just as the Crystal Ball confirms earlier stories on Gordon Smith’s vulnerability, Smith claims he's long supported tobacco tax increases to insure children.

But, his voting record says otherwise.

Smith has repeatedly opposed taxing cigarettes to provide health insurance to children.

So, as 2008 nears, his aversion to insuring children wanes.

As Smith converts more and more positions to win votes, he gets dogged by more and more questions about trust.

Do you trust him?

If not, why not?

Discuss: What do you see in the crystal ball?

Posted July 20, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Two positions for the price of one!

What’s wider than Crater Lake and taller than Mt. Hood?

The gap between Gordon Smith’s votes and his quotes.

Smith loves to say he is for something and then vote against it.

His knack for that deceptive ploy is only rivaled by his habit of saying he is against something and then voting for it.

Read more and discuss: Two positions for the price of one!

Posted July 1, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 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, Smith + McCain, Smith vs. Smith - 0 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, Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments

Smith: Votes vs. Quotes

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Smith Flip-Flopped on Drilling in the Arctic, Voting to Allow it After Pledging Opposition in 2002. During his 2002 campaign, Smith sided with environmentalists and opposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and, since then, he has occasionally voted against drilling in the refuge. But in 2005 and 2006, Smith voted for Republican budget packages that contained provisions to allow drilling. [Oregonian, 8/22/06; Vote 303, 11/3/05; Vote 81, 3/17/05 ; Vote 364, 12/21/05; Los Angeles Times, 11/4/05; New York Times, 11/4/05; Vote 74, 3/16/06; Washington Post, 3/18/06; Anchorage Daily News, 3/17/06; Los Angeles Times, 3/17/06]

Read more and discuss: Smith: Votes vs. Quotes

Posted June 1, 2007 in Smith vs. Smith - 3 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 Smith + Bush, Smith vs. Smith - 0 comments