Oregon Public Broadcasting

Senator Ron Wyden is again asking Gordon Smith to quit running ads in which Wyden  praises his Republican colleague. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Here’s the part of one ad that Wyden doesn’t like.

Ad: “Democrat Ron Wyden, Republican Gordon Smith:  it’s a question of finding common ground and Senator Smith, my friend, my partner, always meets me halfway. Working together for the economy, for healthcare. The Statesman Journal calls them a role model for Congress....”

Wyden’s chief of staff says their office is being bombarded with angry callers who think the senator made the ad for Smith. But Smith’s office isn’t about to pull it.

Spokeswoman, Lindsay Gilbride says Oregonians understand the Smith-Wyden partnership began 12 years ago, long before this election. And that the ad accurately reflects the relationship.

Smith needs the votes of both Democrats and Independents, who outnumber Republican voters in Oregon.