Independents back Merkley in Ore. Senate race

Associated Press
July 31, 2008

SALEM, Ore. - Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Merkley will run also as the candidate of the Independent Party of Oregon in his bid to succeed Republican Senator Gordon Smith.

The Independent Party said Thursday it will nominate Merkley as its candidate because he is the "true independent" in the race.

By Oregon law, a candidate's name can appear only once on the ballot. So when voters get their ballots for the November election, Merkley will be listed as the Democratic contender.

Still, Merkley says he is gratified to receive the Independent Party's backing.

Posted August 1, 2008
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