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Smith and Merkley Neck-and-Neck for Ore. Senate Seat
Republican Sen. Gordon Smith was in a dead heat with challenger Democratic state House Speaker Jeff Merkley in his bid for re-election in this liberal-leaning state. Merkley is a dyed-in-the-wool liberal on all the social issues. Smith has a mixed record — voting for good judges and for pro-life measures, yet all too often also supporting the gay agenda.