Oregon Senate: Merkley (D) 46% (+2) Smith (R) 41% (-1)

[WI_DEM]

Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley Benefits Slightly From Obama Coattail, Inches Further Ahead of Incumbent GOP Smith: In an election for United States Senator from Oregon today, 10/13/08, Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley edges Republican incumbent Gordon Smith, increasing the possibility that the GOP will lose the seat, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted for KATU-TV in Portland. Merkley leads today 46% to 41%. Compared to a SurveyUSA poll 3 weeks ago, Smith is down 1, Merkley is up 2. Constitution Party candidate Dave Brownlow is down 1 point, at 7%. During the same period when Merkley was gaining 3 points, Democrat Barack Obama, at the top of the ticket, was gaining 6 points in Oregon, increasing his lead from 11 to 17 points.
Smith and Merkley are effectively tied among men. Merkley's lead comes almost entirely from women, where he leads by 10. Smith is harmed by Brownlow, who gets 9% of the vote among Conservatives, 9% among Pro-Life voters, and 9% in Eastern Oregon. Support for 3rd-party candidates often shrinks as the election nears. Another 6% of likely voters in the Oregon Senate contest are undecided, making any outcome possible.

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=adc7a1ab-a122-4f0e-beed-c7820740f109

[Arugula Latte]

1. That is great news. And, Obama is sure to have coattails here.

I'm starting to let myself believe that Smith really will go down! :bounce:

[central scrutinizer]

2. great news - and no anti-gay red meat ballot initiatives this time

There are many offices where no repug is running in Oregon this year - let's hope this dispiritedness helps bounce Smith

[Mme. Defarge]

3. Voted for Merkley yesterday!

[hogwyld]

4. Same!

I can't wait for Smitty to go!

[saltpoint]

5. Hey you Oregon Democrats -- we love ya.

Keep the fire hot out there so the country doesn't have to put up with that weasel Gordon Smith any longer.

We'll send good vibes!