Numbers are in Merkley's Favor

A New York Times article insinuates that if every Democrat and Republican in Oregon were to vote for their respective candidates, Merkley would come out on top.

"At the end of last year, Oregon had about 756,000 registered Democrats and 686,000 Republicans. There are now about 894,000 Democrats and 677,000 Republicans, with much of the increase in Democrats driven by voters wanting to support Mr. Obama in the presidential primary in May."

The article illustrates Sen. Smith as the most extreme defector from the Republican party in an election that has seen a number of Republican incumbents distancing themselves from their party. However, it is not certain how many voters from either party will switch sides or if Smith's attempt to run to the center will appeal to independents.

Smith Attempts to Saw Merkely's Timber Record

Additional - arguably, nongermane - provisions in the second bailout bill pursuaded many reluctant congressmen and congresswomen to vote for the controversial bill. One such provision was $740 million worth of federal relief to Oregon rural areas that can no longer rely on the timber industry to pay for roads, schools, jails, and policing.

By voting for the bailout bill, Sen. Smith has sought to attack Jeff Merkley (who was against the bailout) for not being on the side of those affected by economic shifts due to disruptions in the timber industry. Smith argued,

"What I didn't do, with calls running 10-1 against, was what Mr. Merkley did, which was to stick his finger in the air and see which way the wind was blowing."

Merkely, however, has clarified that he has always supported timber payments but that he was against the bailout bill because Merkley believed the bill would only protect Wall Street and not those Oregonians on Main Street.

Smith Receives Several Agricultural Endorsements

The Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregonians for Food and Shelter and Oregon AG-PAC all endorse Smith for his reelection bid for the U.S. Senate. The Farm Bureau argues that Smith best represents family farmers, ranchers, and the natural resources community.

A likely reason for these organizations support comes from Smiths previous private sector work in the frozen food industry. Before assuming office, Smith was the director of Smith Frozen Foods. Another reason may be these organizations' ideological affiliation with the Republican party. All three organizations also endorse John McCain for President. Limited governance and lower taxes are shared ideas among the groups.

Sununu Warms Up the Senior Vote

On Friday, Sununu met with members of the New Hampshire Association of Senior Centers and explained how the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income seniors pay their heating bills.

“The colder weather is already here, and this historic level of heating aid will give low-income seniors and families across the state added security in knowing that help is available to pay expensive heating bills."

Sununu also attempted to cull together senior votes by touting his long support of the program. According to Sununu,

"Since coming to Congress in 1997, I have strongly backed LIHEAP and citizens across New Hampshire can be assured that I remain committed to helping them.”

Sununu Supports Bipartisan Student Health Care Law

In 2005, Michelle Morse, a then Plymouth State full-time college student lost her battle with colon cancer in part because her health insurance provider would not cover serious illnesses. With the signing of Michelle's Law, the policy under these circumstances is no longer permissible under federal law.

In Sununu's own words, Michelle's Law “allows full-time college students covered by federally regulated health plans to keep their coverage during a serious illness."

Sununu Sees Timber as a Renewable Industry

Few people, if pressed, would first think of wood as a renewable energy. Sununu argues, however, that the timber industry deserves rewards for its purported environmentalist efforts. He states,

“[N]ew federal renewable energy tax incentives, including my 10 percent tax credit for the purchase of energy-efficient wood pellet stoves, will foster job growth in our state’s biomass industries, making it even more important to preserve access to timber.

Combatting environmentalist criticism, Sununu holds that Henniker’s HHP, Inc. is a model sustainable industry that is mindful of conservation. According to Sununu,

"Because the mill purchases timber from the White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire’s long-standing ‘multiple use’ approach to forest and timber management, which balances production and conservation, is essential to its operation."

Sununu Annouces that New Hampshire a Disaster and Eligible for Aid

The summer months posed ecological havoc on the farms of New Hampshire. Floods, rain, winds and hail caused so much damage to the region that the United Sates Department of Agriculture declared the state a disaster area. After the decision, Sununu with Sen. Gregg stated,

“New Hampshire’s agricultural resources suffered significant losses following this summer’s severe weather...This disaster declaration opens the doors for critical low-interest loans to farmers across the state that is in need of this valuable assistance.”

Farm operators across the state are eligible for low-interest emergency loans.

Cornyn Critical of the Release of Chinese Muslims from Guantanamo

“The district court’s decision is outrageous and irresponsible," reacted Cornyn after the release of 17 Uighurs held at Guantanamo. Indignant, he argued that the federal judiciary lacked compentence in matters of diplomacy and national security.

Basing his stance on President Bush, Cornyn argues that the prisoners received military training from the Taliban in Afghanistan. It has yet to be determined, however, whether the Chinese nationals have committed any crimes or what specific threats they pose to national security.

Cornyn: Commits to Doing More to Help Ike Victims

It has been almost a month since Hurricance Ike swept across the Houston vacinity and Cornyn cites that many people have returned home and many businesses have reopened. On Tuesday, Cornyn pledged to do more,

"I sent a letter with Sen. Hutchison to FEMA Administrator Paulison, calling on him to expedite the delivery of critically needed temporary housing units for Texans who remain displaced. We also reiterated the need to honor Governor Perry’s request for a 60-day extension of the 100 percent reimbursement for debris removal."

Though pleased with present relief initiatives, Cornyn urged that more must be done,

"While we’ve had success in securing a significant amount of funding and tax relief measures that will directly help hurricane victims recover, I’m still pushing for additional relief, especially in regards to temporary housing and clean-up reimbursements. ”

Cornyn Pledges Growth by Economic and Energy Means

On Wednesday, Sen. John Cornyn went to Victoria to met with Victoria business leaders. Cornyn promises that the economy will grow if the federal government lowered taxes. Cornyn stated,

"The city is poised for significant growth. I met with many of Victoria’s business and community leaders today and assured them I will continue to do my part on the federal level to lower taxes and spur further economic growth.”

Cornyn went on to argue that a new nuclear power plant would also stimulate the economy while at the same time put America one step further towards energy independence.

“I support Exelon’s proposed nuclear power project in Victoria, which has the potential to create local jobs, generate revenue for the community, and yield significant amounts of clean energy."

Nuclear energy has been lauded for its relative efficiency and criticized for its safety risks.