This year's election was not only a historic election nationally with the new President elect Barack Obama, but it was also a historic election right here in our state. Jeff Merkley built the largest grassroots campaign the state has ever seen. Merkley also managed to defeat an incumbent Senator which hasn't happened for forty years.

Now that the campaign is over, it's time to get to work! Senator elect Merkley is ready to take the fight to Washington DC to create good paying jobs, end the war in Iraq, jump-start a new energy economy and work in a bi-partisan fashion to address our looming national debt. Senator elect Merkley will work to serve all Oregonians, whether you live in rural Oregon, urban Oregon or the suburbs.

Thank you my fellow Oregonians for putting your trust and your faith in Senator elect Merkley. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he will work hard to better the lives of Oregonians all across our great state.

While the turnout for canvassers for Merkley and Obama was heartening, the numbers of people who have voted in Oregon is down from 2004. Back in 2004 by October 31st, 1,331,861 people cast their ballots compared to 1,506,060 who have cast their ballots in the 2008 election. We are a vote-by-mail state, so people still have plenty of time drop off their ballot. But, we need to make sure that they DO vote!

Volunteers aren't the only ones going door-to-door to GOTV, Senator Wyden and Oregon Senate candidate Jeff Merkley went canvassing in SE Portland. If these guys can hit the streets and knock on doors in the rain to help change our country, so can you!



Jeff Merkley along his wife Mary, and Senator Wyden went to the Multnomah County Elections office to cast their ballots today. The cameras were everywhere!

Here's a pic of Jeff and his wife and Senator Wyden after they had dropped off their ballots:

While most of the work I do is online for the campaign, I made sure to hit the streets and knock on doors to GOTV. There were so many people I encountered that had not turned in their ballots. Most of the people I met were Merkley supporters, (I only found one Smith supporter) but many had still not dropped off their ballots. They also did not know that time had run out to mail in their ballots. And, there were still undecided voters on the Oregon Senate race!

We have a real chance to replace Bush rubberstamp Republican Gordon Smith with Jeff Merkley, a strong, effective, progressive Democrat. To help strengthen the progressive wing of the Democratic party, we need to do everything we can to elect Jeff Merkley to the Senate.

GOTV

All across Oregon the Merkley campaign is organizing canvasses from now until election day. If you have a day off or even just a few hours, please help us GOTV. This is the home stretch folks and every single vote matters in this close election. Here is the list of Merkley campaign offices:

Portland Office
3016 SE Division
Portland, Oregon 97202
Phone: 503-274-4439

Eugene Office
1178 High St
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: 541-686-3504

Salem Office
250 Liberty Street SE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-566-8377

Oregon City Office
619 Madison Street
Suite 104
Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: 503-722-2954

Beaverton Office
14025 SW Farmington Rd
Beaverton, OR 97005
Phone: 503-619-7583

Medford Office
40 S. Central Ave.
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: 541-858-1050

Bend Office
709 NW Wall St.
Bend, OR 97709
Phone: 541-323-2425

Corvallis Office
116 SW 4th St
Corvallis, OR 97339
Phone: 541-504-6330

Medford Office
40 S. Central Avenue
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: 541-494-0114

Pendleton Office
21 SW Frazer
Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone: 541-278-7895

Astoria Office
375 11th St.
Astoria, OR 97103
503-325-9749

Gresham Office
1304 E. Powell Blvd
Gresham, OR 97030
503-328-8477

Head into a Forward Oregon office nearby today and help us reach voters by phone or by knocking on doors. We'll be getting out the vote until 9pm tonight and 8pm on election day. Help send Jeff Merkley to the Senate!!!

One last picture of Jeff and his wonderful wife Mary after they cast their ballots today...

Here's a pic of Jeff, his wife Mary and Senator Klobuchar:

Our first stop on the tour was a Women for Merkley meet and greet at the Broadway Market in Eugene, Oregon. Senator Klobuchar stressed how important it is to elect more Democrats like Merkley to the Senate so we could end the paralysis in the Senate:

“Ninety-four times we were blocked by a filibuster,” Klobuchar said, telling the crowd about times that Republicans stood in the way of passing legislation. “I was brand new in the Senate, and I just couldn’t believe what would happen when we tried to get something done.”

Jeff Merkley also chimed in about the importance of gaining more seats in the U.S. Senate:

“We know something about paralysis in this state,” Merkley said, referring to the Oregon State House before the Democratic takeover in 2006 and his tenure as House Speaker in 2007. “We have to elect a working majority in the U.S. Senate.”

After Democrats took back control of the Oregon House and unanimously elected Merkley as Speaker of the House, Jeff went on to lead the most productive, greenest and labor friendly session we've seen in thirty years. Wouldn't be nice if Congress could come together and pass legislation to help working families and invest in our children's future without being blocked every step of the way by the Republicans?

Our next stop on the road was at the Demoforum in Salem, Oregon. When we arrived at Kwans Restaurant, the place was packed with supporters wearing Obama and Merkley gear. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the financial struggles American families are facing these days. Wages are stagnant while the cost of everything from energy to college tuition has risen dramatically during the Bush years. She talked about how important it was to change the direction of our country and to do that, we needed to elect candidates like Jeff Merkley.

But, she cautioned, Jeff can't do this by himself:

“Jeff and his wife Mary did all this hard work, standing up when no one thought they had a chance,” Klobuchar told the crowd. “They’re 90 percent of the way there, but you need to get them the last 10 percent of the way.”

We have just five days to go until election day! Please consider hitting the streets for Merkley and making phonecalls. It's time to GOTV to get our country back on track!

Since yesterday, only 387,117 Oregonians have cast their ballots. That means, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians have not cast their ballot. WE HAVE A TON OF WORK TO DO. We have 10,000 volunteer shifts to fill. We have thousands of phonecalls to make and thousands of doors to knock on. And, we need to raise enough money to compete with Gordon Smith's war chest and the millions from Karl Rove's Freedoms Watch who is currently smearing Merkley.

The Senate race in Oregon is a crucial one. It's not just that we want to increase our numbers in the Senate, we also need to strengthen the progressive wing of the Democratic party. That is exactly why electing Merkley is so important. Merkley will never hesitate to protect our civil liberties. Merkley's work abroad and at the Pentagon as a national security analyst has given him the judgment to distinguish between real national security threats and manufactured threats. Merkley will fight for universal health care, he'll fight for FAIR TRADE, and a new energy economy.

Merkley isn't just a dependable progressive vote, he's a proven progressive leader. Back in 2006, Merkley engineered a Democratic takeover of the Oregon House and ended 16 years of Republican rule. After he was unanimously elected House Speaker by his colleagues, Jeff led the most productive, progressive, greenest and most labor friendly session we've seen in 30 years. That was with a one vote majority!

Here are some of the bills Jeff was able to push through.....

• Domestic partnerships
• Payday lending regulation
• Countless environmental bills making Oregon's 2007 session the greenest in the country
• The Rainy Day Fund, which is a savings account to protect important services in our state during future economic downturns
• A bill forcing insurance companies to cover contraceptives and ensuring that sexual assault victims have access to emergency contraceptives
• A bill lowering prescription drug prices
• Ethics reform
• Anti-discrimination legislation
• Expanded Head Start and increased public education funding by 18%
• The Card Check
• Doubled financial aid for college students
• A bill allowing families to use their paid sick leave for family leave if need be
• Expansion of Oregon's landmark bottle bill

Help Send a Strong Progressive to the Senate!

We need your voice. We need your energy. Please consider hitting the streets or making phonecalls for Merkley. If you live out of state but want to do your part to elect Merkley, you can make phonecalls using our portable phonebanking system. Contact Bridget at bridget@forwardoregon.org to find out more.

Here's a pic of Jeff hammering away....

When Jeff was hired to become the Executive Director of Habitat in Portland, Oregon, he had to overcome dangerous obstacles to make the launch of the Portland Headquarters successful. Here's a snippet from the Oregonian about Jeff's early experiences working at Habitat for Humanity

Eager to show off his activist side, Merkley folds his 6-foot 3-inch frame into the backseat of a Toyota Prius -- no easy task. He guides his driver to Northeast Killingsworth for a quick tour of his past.

When he and his wife, Mary Sorteberg, moved to Oregon in 1991 they chose to live "in the middle of the Bloods district," Merkley says. "I pulled a shotgun out of the bushes," he says. "We found baggies on the lawn."

Merkley says he could have lived in a different, safer, neighborhood. But he says he likes "having one foot in the world of what ordinary families face and one foot in the world where decisions are made and power is wielded."

He was hired to head the Portland branch of Habitat for Humanity in 1991. Early in his three-year tenure, he helped the group buy and renovate a building at Northeast 14th Avenue and Killingsworth Street, which remains Habitat's headquarters today.

The work gave him a front-row view to the Portland seen mainly by cops, gang members and drug dealers. One day, while he was with a group of neighborhood children on the front porch of the office, a car screeched to a halt in front of the building.

"A woman jumped out, action-levered a shotgun -- you know the sound it makes -- and laid it across the hood of the car," Merkley says. "I'm madly throwing kids inside the doors of Habitat." She eventually drove away without firing.

The biggest problem with the location, he says, was the constant stream of addicts driving up Northeast 14th to buy crack and other drugs. He called for a neighborhood meeting to request blocking the street at one end to discourage the trafficking.

"No one wanted to host a meeting because they were afraid they'd be shot at," Merkley says. But he pressed, and the city erected the barricade. Merkley points it out as the Prius pulls to the curb. With no easy access to the street, he says, drug dealing petered out.

Merkley says his success there is just one example of the way he handles problems. He brings people together, he says, works out a plan and takes action.

The race is still very close here in Oregon and we could definitely use your help. If you live in Oregon, or in nearby state, please consider volunteering. If you're out of state and want to see Jeff Merkley in the Senate, you can make phonecalls from anywhere! Contact Bridget at bridget@forwardoregon.org to find out more about our portable phonebanking system.

People may not know what Jeff Merkley accomplished in the Oregon House. When Jeff was elected as Minority Leader back in 2003, he led a band of progressives and engineered a takeover of the Oregon House. After which, he was unanimously elected Speaker by his colleagues. With just a one vote majority in the House, Merkley led the most progressive, productive, greenest and most labor friendly session we've seen in 30 years. Let's focus on Jeff's GREEN accomplishments in the House......

Under Jeff's leadership, the 2007 session in Oregon was the greenest in the country. Jeff led the fight to pass the following bills.....

Renewable Energy

As Oregon's House Speaker, Jeff helped push through the most expansive renewable energy package our state has ever seen. Here are some of the steps Jeff and the Oregon legislature made to make Oregon one of the leading states in the development and production of renewable energy:

• Established a renewable energy standard so that 25% of Oregon’s electrical power needs to be met by renewable energy sources by 2025.

• Established minimum efficiency standards for a number of home and commercial appliances.

• Provided public improvement contracts for construction or major renovations of public buildings appropriate at least 1.5% of the total contract price for solar energy technology.

• Expanded business energy tax credits available for renewable energy investments

• Expanded the residential energy tax credits available for renewable energy investments

• Established the renewable fuel standard and provided incentives for Oregon biofuel production

• Provided Oregon with a first ever "roadmap" for reducing and eliminating sources of toxic pollution in our rivers, streams and the Pacific Ocean.

• Passed one of the strongest global warming reduction measures in the nation by establishing a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 75% below 1990 levels by 2050.

• Created a global warming commission and climate change institute to develop the plan to reach the State’s new global warming goals.

• Referred to the ballot the historic Measure 49 to save Oregon’s unique land use system – by protecting Oregon's farms, forests, and groundwater. Measure 49 was overwhelmingly passed by voters.

• Expanded Oregon’s bottle bill for the first time since it’s passage in 1971 by adding water bottles and flavored beverages to those covered by the bill.

• Required the Department of Energy to reduce energy consumption in State buildings by 20% by 2015.

• Created one of the nation's strongest electronic recycling programs that allows Oregonians to recycle old computers and other electronics.

• Established new efficiency standards for home and commercial appliances.

• Dramatically reduce diesel air pollution by funding new engines for school buses, trucks and construction equipment.

• Passed new tough fees on Oregon's worst emitters of air pollution.

• Required DEQ to track the worst toxic pollutants dumped into Oregon's waterways and develop a comprehensive plan to reduce them over time.

Speaker Merkley was a strong leader who did not carry his ego on his sleeve. He listened carefully and always had an open door to the conservation community. He also cared a great deal about the cohesiveness of his caucus and was able to juggle the tricky balance between moving a conservation agenda forward while ensuring his caucus members agreed to the goals. Speaker Merkley deserves much of the credit for this successful environmental session.

If I had my choice I'd sit on the energy or environmental committee. I believe that our energy security is an important part of our national security and our economic security.

Recently a Merkley supporter had a recording of a robocall attacking Merkley by the rightwing group called, "FreedomsWatch." The supporter has since filed a complaint with the Oregon Attorney General's office.

This is ugly politics at its worst and it needs to stop. Voters on every side of the political spectrum, whether you're a Republican, Independent, non-affiliated or a Democrat, you deserve better than this kind of dirty politics.

If you do ever receive a phone call, whether it's a real person or automated voice on the other end attacking Merkley, DON'T HANG UP THE PHONE. Write everything you hear down, or if you have recorder handy, record the call. If the call is on your answering machine, make sure not to erase the call until you properly report it. You can call our office at 503-274-4439 to report the calls.

Jeff discussed how the right-wing group Freedom's Watch has spent millions smearing his record, various exchanges at the two debates, and how Gordon Smith dodged question after question. And, of course, how Jeff will be debating an empty podium at the Portland City Club this Friday, as Senator Smith declined the invitation.

To listen, click below:

To listen to the two segments, click below:

Russ Feingold on KPOJ

Russ Feingold on KEX

Additionally, please click below to view footage of Russ campaigning with Jeff, Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio, and Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy at the University of Oregon:

Senator Feingold traveled all the way to Oregon today to campaign for Oregon Senate candidate Jeff Merkley. Feingold spent the day in Portland, Oregon and then headed out to Eugene, Oregon to hold a rally for Merkley at the University of Oregon. Feingold was joined by none other than Rep. Peter Defazio and Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy. Follow me below the fold to find out more about today's event....

The weather couldn't be better here in Oregon for a nice drive on down to Eugene from Merkley Headquarters. When I arrived, the place was bustling with students and local residents who were excited to get a visit from Feingold, and of course, to cheer on their Oregon Senate candidate Jeff Merkley. Rep. Peter Defazio was the first up to speak.....

As many of you know, Rep. Peter Defazio was one of the leading members of Congress to oppose the recent Wall Street bailout. Defazio believed, just as Feingold and Merkley did, that they could have worked to pass a bill with real market reforms and protections for homeowners. Defazio didn't shy away from the subject, here's what he had to say.....

Last week we had a 700 billion dollar bailout, which did not target the underlying problems. I'm proud that Jeff opposed the bailout, it was not an easy position to take. Jeff also had the good sense to come out against the war. We need two Senators fighting for Oregon

Merkley and Feingold liked what they were hearing from Defazio...

Defazio also talked about what he believed was the worst vote of Gordon Smith's career. Defazio was appalled by Smith's support of the Budget Reconciliation Act of 2006. Defazio talked about how that Act supported extending tax cuts for wealthy investors. Bush, Gordon Smith and the Republicans paid for tax cuts for the wealthy by cutting funding for the poor, student aid and health care. Here's a snippet of what he had to say....

To say to those who are the most in need, kids who need health care, that you have to pay for the people who have already made it to the top. That's Gordon Smith, he's been on the wrong side of every issue.

Merkley spoke about his record as House Speaker and how under his leadership Oregon had the most progressive, most productive session in history. He's right btw! Merkley talked about some of the accomplishments they made....

Last session we passed domestic partnerships giving basic rights to same sex couples. We took on the payday lenders and the car title lenders, we invested in education by making Head Start available for any child who wants to go and we doubled financial aid for students. We led the effort to combat climate change and invest in a green economy. We passed green energy tax credits, encouraging the development of wind, solar, geothermal and wave energy. We updated Oregon's landmark bottle bill and saved the land-use system. It was thrilling to be part of it.

How far can Oregon go when our nation is so far off track? I'm not willing to give up on the United States of America, and that's why I'm running for U.S. Senate.

Feingold started out by praising Rep. Defazio and Senator Wyden for standing with him on issues like the Wall Street bailout to protecting our civil liberties. Feingold said that there were plenty of great local races happening in Wisconsin and that he usually doesn't venture out of state for campaigns but there was one reason why Feingold felt he needed to come all the way out to Oregon.....Jeff Merkley! Here's what he had to say...

I came here today because I want Merkley to be the next Senator from Oregon. There are a couple reasons, one, it's a numbers game. We need to be able to stop the Republican filibusters. Another reason is because of his record. Wyden told me about his leadership skills in the legislature. It's not just about his leadership skills, it's also about his positions....

Feingold went on to talk about how we need to make inroads in regards to public financing and that Jeff supports public financing. Feingold also said Merkley will protect a woman's right to choose and support Obama's judicial nominations. Jeff understands how our deficit and debt has become out of control. Jeff believes in pay-as-you-go rules, Smith opposes those rules. Feingold then went on to talk about the differences between Merkley and Smith on Iraq....

I was on the floor and I heard Smith's 2006 speech on the Iraq War. I thought, finally, this guy will help us to end the war. What did he do? He talked but when it came down to vote he voted to keep the war going. Merkley will never do that. He'll fight with me and Obama to end the war.

Here in Oregon, we have a real opportunity to send a Democrat to Washington who will stand alongside Feingold. I know what a difference Jeff's voice and leadership skills could make if elected. Feingold obviously realizes the opportunity we have here in Oregon too. Please, kossacks, help send a real progressive to the Senate. If you live in Oregon, we need you to knock on doors and make phone calls. Or, if you can spare a little change for Merkley, you can donate to Jeff via the Kossacks for Merkley Act Blue page. Ballots drop in Oregon this Friday, please do what you can and help send a voice that truly represents us to Washington.

Here are a few more pictures from the event today...enjoy!

Paul Evans, veteran who served in the Aghanistan War and Iraq Wars, wrote a letter calling on Oregonians to support Obama and Merkley. Here's his letter in full, which I have been given permission to post:

Fellow Veterans and Oregonians:

Six years ago this week, George Bush and his allies pushed the Iraq War Resolution through Congress.

It was a decision made in haste; with an eye toward the midterm elections, the Republican Party forced a vote for war.

Since 2002 our nation has been on a collision course with history. Our America is in crisis, and we need structural change to salvage it.

Barack Obama will bring that change. I believe Obama is the leader we need at the helm to change the course of our ship of state.

But a new president – no matter how talented – isn’t enough: we need a Congress that will help the new administration navigate the hazardous waters of change.

As a veteran of the Afghanistan War and the Iraq War, I believe Jeff Merkley is the U.S. Senator we need at this moment in history. Jeff is committed to fighting for us – and representing our interests.

We did not get into the situation we are in without collusion between the President and Congress. Our failures at home and abroad are the result of an arrogant, broken, and corrupt administration.

It was this administration and its allies in Congress that pushed wars abroad – and then failed to meet the needs of the men and women fighting those wars.

As a former Republican – and an often criticized Democrat – I am not writing this letter as a partisan; I write it because I am a veteran that loves America – a citizen that wants my country back.

I want a U.S. Government that governs responsibly; supports policies that promote a stable economy; leaders that fights wars of last resort – and a nation that supports its warriors.

2008 is about one thing: securing our future – securing a better tomorrow while repairing the damage done yesterday.

Since 2001 we have racked up an additional $4.5 Trillion in debt. With the recent emergency intervention in the markets, we will owe nearly $11.3 Trillion by the inauguration.

Our country has fought to maintain stalemate in two theaters of war at a cost of nearly 5,000 of our brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters.

Infrastructure around the country is crumbling; at times we have been unable to protect our neighbors from natural disasters that had been predicted for decades. And our economy is on the precipice – weaker than at any time since the Great Depression.

Ironically, the administration punished responsibility and rewarded unchecked speculation.

By any measure, the Bush Administration and its allies have failed us.

Anything that helps us restore our image abroad and strength at home is the “best” answer for each block on your ballot this fall.

Jeff Merkley will work hard to restore the America we all swore an oath to defend.

Here is the bottom line: Jeff Merkley supports full access to Veterans Health for all veterans; Jeff Merkley was a strong advocate for the new GI Bill; and Jeff Merkley will work with people of all philosophies to secure a future for military families and veterans.

Our past does not have to be prelude: we have the power to change our reality; we have the obligation to restore our honor.

Together we can accomplish this mission.

Paul Evans
Veteran

Many more veterans are calling out for change on election day and showing their support for Merkley:

I was proud to serve my country upon being called to duty. Making the decision to send our men and women to war is not an easy task, but when making this decision a leader should consider all options. Jeff will work to make sure all options are on the table before making the ultimate decision to send our men and women off to fight. This is why I support Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate," said Ben Hier, veteran, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.

"I am angry and frustrated that the supporters of military power again got us into a civil war in another country, for our own selfish purposes. Like Wayne Morse and Mark Hatfield who went before him, Jeff Merkley has the wisdom, judgment, and independence to keep us out of wars of ideology and pre-emption," said Gary Thompson, Vietnam Veteran.

Oregon Senate candidate Jeff Merkley is committed to ending the war in Iraq. Merkley signed on to the Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq and believes we need to begin redeploying our troops immediately. Merkley won't stop fighting for our veterans when the war ends in Iraq, he will fight to make sure our veterans are taken care of when they come home. Merkley has a long history of working to better veterans' lives. Merkley fought to pass a bill which provided college education to family members of the fallen which he has pledged to fight for at the federal level. He also pushed through a bill that provided additional financial aid to veterans and passed a personal tax exemption to more National Guards members. Merkley also passed a bill creating incentives for employers to hire veterans. Merkley passed tax incentives for health care providers who participate in the TRICARE program.

Merkley will always fight for our veterans, just as they have fought for us. If you'd like to learn more about Jeff and what he plans to do for veterans if elected to the Senate go here. We're less than a month away from election day, and it's never been a more important time to change course for our country. Our veterans deserve a President and Congress who will finally do right by them.