Merkley Leading Smith in Latest Poll

Smith's Negative Campaign Can't Stop Merkley Momentum

Gordon Smith is running the most negative campaign in the country and Jeff Merkley is still winning. Jeff Merkley is leading Gordon Smith 43-41 percent in the latest poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports.

According to the poll, Merkley gained 5 points over the last 5 weeks among likely voters. Smith lost 6 points over the same period.

Internal polling for the Merkley campaign shows Merkley ahead by 11 points among voters who could rate both candidates (43% of Oregon voters).

The poll comes on the heels of Merkley's biggest fundraising quarter ever. Fundraising numbers released earlier this week show that Merkley's campaign for U.S. Senate outraised Smith from April 1st to June 30th. Merkley's team raised $1.42 million, including more than $420,000 online.

Smith is running the most negative campaign in the country, airing more negative ads than any other Republican up for re-election. Smith was the only Republican in the country airing negative ads until just last week when Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas began airing negative ads.

Bottom line: Smith's negative campaigning cannot hide Smith's record of voting with George Bush 90 percent of the time.

Grassroots donations continue to make the difference.

Over 3400 Oregonians have now donated, and over 70% of our donations this quarter were under $100. Make a donation today, and help Jeff surge ahead of Gordon Smith.

With your help, Smith's attack ads won't stop Jeff Merkley's momentum. Donate today.

Posted July 16, 2008
Press, Spotlight