2008 United States Senate election in Oregon

none related races 2008 United States Senate elections March 2026 December 2017 2008 United States Senate election in Oregon Oregon presidential no 2002 United States Senate election in Oregon 2002 2014 United States Senate election in Oregon 2014 November 4, 2008 File:Jeff Merkley (cropped).jpg 150x150px Jeff Merkley Democratic Party (United States) 864,392 48.90% File:Gordon Smith official portrait (cropped).jpg Gordon Smith Republican Party (United States) 805,159 45.55% 3x4.svg David Brownlow Constitution Party (United States) 92,565 5.24% 260px County results 260px Congressional district results 1 250px Merkley: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70%Smith: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% U.S. Senator Gordon Smith Republican Party (United States) Jeff Merkley Democratic Party (United States) The 2008 United States Senate election in Oregon was held on November 4, 2008, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Oregon. Democratic speaker of the house Jeff Merkley defeated Republican two-term incumbent Gordon Smith and David Brownlow of the Constitution Party of Oregon. Merkley won by a narrow margin, with Smith not conceding until two days after the election.http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2008/11/merkley_declares_victory_thurs.html Jeff Merkley plunges into his new job in the U.S. Senate November 6, 2008 Esteve Harry Crombie, Noelle The Oregonian Politics & Elections November 6, 2008 While Smith carried all but six counties, he could not overcome a 142,000-vote deficit in Multnomah County, home to Portland, more than double Merkley's overall margin of 58,200 votes. Merkley became the first Democrat to win this seat since 1960, and since Smith was the only Republican holding statewide office in Oregon at the time, this was the first time since 1860 that no Republicans won or held statewide office in Oregon. Merkley's inauguration marked the first time since 1967 that Democrats held both of Oregon's United States Senate seats. This was one of the most competitive races during the 2008 United States Senate elections,Phillips Kate G.O.P. Leader Maps Senate Elections The Caucus The New York Times June 13, 2008 http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/gop-leader-maps-senate-elections/#more-5357 Blog December 22, 2008 and the race was the most expensive in Oregon history. As of late October 2008, advertising related to the race exceeded $27 million, outstripping the $15 million spent on a 2007 tobacco tax ballot measure and the $14.7 million spent in the gubernatorial election of 2006. Outside interests snag airtime Jeff Mapes Local news The Oregonian October 23, 2008 http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ORGB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=124067F9641BAED0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=8CE642B8CA5C4083BE84A2539D6E1A73 December 22, 2008 Constitution Party candidate David Brownlow was seen by some as a spoiler, as his number of votes was more than the margin between Merkley and Smith. However, Brownlow drew votes away from opponents of the Iraq War, which Smith supported.https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/brownlow-could-be-spoiler-in-ore-senate-race/283-90445069 Brownlow could be spoiler in Ore. Senate race September 15, 2009 May 7, 2020 As of 2026, this is the last Oregon U.S. Senate race that was decided by a single-digit margin. Republican primary Candidates Nominee Gordon Smith, incumbent U.S. senator Eliminated in primary Gordon Leitch, ophthalmologist Results Republican primary results Gordon Smith (incumbent) Republican Party (United States) 296,330 85.41% Gordon Leitch Republican Party (United States) 48,560 14.00% Write-ins Republican Party (United States) 2,068 0.69% 309,943 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Jeff Merkley, speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives (2007–2009) from HD-47 (1999–2009) Eliminated in primary Steve Novick, attorney Candy Neville, real estate broker Roger Obrist, construction worker Pavel Goberman, perennial candidate David Loera, doctor Declined Earl Blumenauer, U.S. representative from OR-03 (1996–2025)Kosseff Jeff May 16, 2007 Blumenauer won't run for U.S. Senate http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/05/blumenauer_wont_run_for_us_sen.html https://web.archive.org/web/20070522091723/http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/05/blumenauer_wont_run_for_us_sen.html May 22, 2007 May 16, 2007 Oregon Live Bill Bradbury, Oregon secretary of state (1999–2009)May 2026 Peter DeFazio, U.S. representative from OR-04 (1987–2023)Kosseff Jeff April 20, 2007 DeFazio will not run for Senate http://blog.oregonlive.com/politics/2007/04/defazio_will_not_run_for_senat.html https://web.archive.org/web/20251005234904/https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2007/04/defazio_will_not_run_for_senat.html October 5, 2025 April 20, 2007 Oregon Live Darlene Hooley, U.S. representative from OR-05 (1997–2009)Hooley will not run for Senate http://blog.oregonlive.com/politics/2007/03/hooley_will_not_run_for_senate.html https://web.archive.org/web/20250123092855/https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2007/03/hooley_will_not_run_for_senate.html January 23, 2025 Oregon Live March 14, 2007 April 13, 2007 John Kitzhaber, former governor of Oregon (1995–2003)Julia Silverman Kitzhaber says he won't challenge Sen. Smith http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/12/25/c2.or.senaterace.1225.p1.php?section=nation_world Eugene Register-Guard 2007-04-03 Campaign In the Democratic primary, although Democrats held all statewide offices in Oregon, there was no clear Democratic challenger; former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber indicated early on that he was not interested. In January 2007, while the campaign was still in its infancy, Portland lawyer and political activist Steve Novick wrote a lengthy critique of Gordon Smith's record in the Portland Willamette Week.If I ran Novick Steve Steve Novick Cover story Willamette Week http://www.wweek.com/editorial/3312/8503/ January 31, 2007 May 6, 2007 Guest article https://web.archive.org/web/20070428001819/http://www.wweek.com/editorial/3312/8503/ April 28, 2007 dead mdy-all The article outlined a strategy to beat Smith, who Novick argued was actually more vulnerable than appeared. On April 18, 2007, Novick formally announced his candidacy for Senate.Chisholm Kari Kari Chisholm He's in: Steve Novick takes on Gordon Smith. Open Discussion BlueOregon April 18, 2007 http://www.blueoregon.com/2007/04/hes_in_steve_no.html Blog December 20, 2008 By the end of May, both Congressmen Earl Blumenauer and Peter DeFazio had announced they were not interested in entering the race, depleting what was considered by many the "first-tier" list of candidates for the position leaving Democrats searching for more candidates.Moore Scott Senate, Anyone? Democrats Search for a Candidate News: City The Portland Mercury May 24, 2007 http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=330275&category=22101 Article December 22, 2008 With no high-profile Democrats in the race, it was believed by that the most likely candidates would come from the state legislature. Since the legislature was still in session at the time it was considered unlikely that any prominent lawmakers would jump into the race until the end of June or later. Of those, Jeff Merkley, then Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives was considered to be the most likely to challenge Smith due to rumors that he had been in talks with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). The rumors that Merkley was being courted by the DSCC were confirmed when it was reported that he had travelled to the East Coast to discuss a possible run at the invitation of Senator Charles Schumer of New York, who as chairman of the DSCC was in charge of recruiting possible challengers to take on Smith. Cain Brad Oregon speaker looks at taking on GOP senator in 2008 The Associated Press KGW News June 29, 2007 http://www.kgw.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8Q26JEO0.html Article December 22, 2008 dead https://archive.today/20070623102336/http://www.kgw.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8Q26JEO0.html June 23, 2007 Around the same time, State Senator Alan Bates from Jackson County was reported to be contemplating running for the Democratic nomination. Eventually Bates decided against runningstaff Golden out of race Eugene Weekly August 23, 2007 http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2007/08/23/news.html Article December 22, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081014164109/http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2007/08/23/news.html October 14, 2008 dead mdy-all and on August 1, 2007, Merkley filed papers, officially entering the race.Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley Files to Run for United States Senate staff Jeff Merkley for Oregon August 1, 2007 http://www.jeffmerkley.com/2007/08/oregon_house_sp.php Press release December 21, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081127013047/http://www.jeffmerkley.com/2007/08/oregon_house_sp.php November 27, 2008 Merkley and Novick gave back-to-back speeches at the yearly summit of the Democratic Party of Oregon in Sunriver. There Novick threw a political jab, challenging Merkley's statements that he had been an opponent of the war from the start by pointing to his support of a Republican-drafted non-binding resolution in 2003, two days after the invasion began, that praised President Bush for the invasion of Iraq and the efforts of the troops and prayed for their safety. The critique drew noticeably negative reactions from the crowd and Merkley won a straw poll at the summit, 103 to 50 for Novick.Mapes Jeff Novick jabs at Merkley on Iraq vote Mapes on politics The Oregonian October 7, 2007 http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2007/10/novick_jabs_at_merkley_on_iraq.html Blog December 22, 2008 Merkley went on to dismiss the criticism, pointing out that Legislative resolutions carry no force of law and are only statements of principle, that a legislator could freely pick and choose which parts of the resolution to support, and that he made clear that "you stand up and clarify what parts you're supporting and what parts you're opposed to and I did that more clearly than any member on the floor of the House." By the end of November 2007, six Democratic candidates had filed papers to run for the seat: Novick, Merkley, real estate agent Candy Neville of Eugene, retired mental health counselor David Loera of Salem, retired construction worker Roger Obrist of Damascus, and perennial candidate Pavel Goberman of Beaverton.Esteve Harry U.S. Senate race: Democrats debate debates Politics & Elections The Oregonian November 26, 2007 http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2007/11/us_senate_race_democrats_debat.html Article December 22, 2008 Some pointed discussions ensued among the candidates over a debate schedule and formats. On January 22, 2008, four of the Democratic candidates had their first debate in Pendleton, Oregon hosted by the East Oregonian newspaper. Merkley went on to defeat Novick and the four other candidates in the Democratic primary on May 20, 2008.Walsh Edward Merkley scores chance to take on Smith The Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1211352909172240.xml&coll=7 May 21, 2008 May 21, 2008 May 30, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080530113042/http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1211352909172240.xml&coll=7 dead Results thumb|Results by county, Democratic primary: Jeff Merkley #7777ffff 50–55%#9999ffff 45–50%#afb0ffff 40–45%#cdcdffff 35–40%#e1e1ffff 30–35% Steve Novick #3cad3cff 50–55%#5bc75bff 45–50%#78e478ff 40–45% Democratic primary resultshttp://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Recordpdf/6873621 Content Manager WebDrawer - 2008 Primary Election Official Results October 11, 2019 October 11, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191011223539/http://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Recordpdf/6873621 dead Jeff Merkley Democratic Party (United States) 246,482 44.82% Steve Novick Democratic Party (United States) 230,889 41.98% Candy Neville Democratic Party (United States) 38,367 6.98% Roger S. Obrist Democratic Party (United States) 12,647 2.30% Pavel Goberman Democratic Party (United States) 12,056 2.19% David Loera Democratic Party (United States) 6,127 1.11% Write-ins Democratic Party (United States) 3,398 0.62% 549,966 100.00% Constitution primary Candidates Nominee David BrownlowJune 7, 2008 http://www.constitutionpartyoregon.net/ https://web.archive.org/web/20080627133743/http://www.constitutionpartyoregon.net/ June 27, 2008 2008 Slate of Candidates Constitution Party Constitution Party of Oregon September 25, 2008 General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report2008 Senate Race ratings for October 23, 2008 https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 The Cook Political Report April 1, 2021 June 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210625160336/https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 dead TossupOctober 23, 2008 CQ PoliticsRace Ratings Chart: Senate https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate October 28, 2010 CQ Politics TossupOctober 31, 2008 Rothenberg Political Report2008 Senate ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2008-senate-ratings Inside Elections April 1, 2021 Lean D FlipNovember 2, 2008 Real Clear Politics2008 RCP Averages & Senate Results https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/senate/election_2008_senate_races.html Real Clear Politics August 31, 2021 TossupOctober 30, 2008 Fundraising Campaign finance reports as of December 31, 2008CandidateRaisedSpentCash on handGordon Smith (R)$13,609,610$13,941,337$75,663Jeff Merkley (D)$6,512,231$6,501,315$11,226Source: Federal Election Commission2008 Election United States Senate - Oregon https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/senate/OR/2008/ Federal Election Commission May 16, 2026 Polling Aggregate polls Source of pollaggregationDatesadministeredDatesupdated GordonSmith (R) Jeff Merkley (D) Other/UndecidedCalculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.MarginRealClearPolitics2008 Oregon Senate https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/senate/general/2008/oregon/merkley-vs-smith https://web.archive.org/web/20240711024411/https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/senate/general/2008/oregon/merkley-vs-smith July 11, 2024 April 16, 2026 RealClearPoliticsOctober 23 – October 30, 2008October 30, 200842.5%47.8%9.7%Merkley +5.3%Rasmussen ReportsFebruary 13 – October 30, 2008October 30, 200846.0%47.0%7.0%Merkley +1.0%Average44.3%47.4%8.3%Merkley +3.1% Poll source Date(s)administered SamplesizeKey:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear "Key" Marginof error GordonSmith (R) JeffMerkley (D) DaveBrownlow (C) Other UndecidedRasmussen ReportsOctober 31, 2008 Merkley Leads Smith By Three in Oregon Senate Race http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20090227004831/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate February 27, 2009 April 15, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsOctober 30, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%46%49%–4%"Some other candidate" with 4%.1%Public Policy Polling (D)October 31, 2008 Obama winning big, bringing Merkley with him http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Oregon_1031452.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081031225414/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Oregon_1031452.pdf October 31, 2008 April 17, 2026 Public Policy PollingOctober 28–30, 20081,424 (LV)± 2.6%43%51%4%–2%Research 2000October 31, 2008 OR-Sen: Close to closing this one out http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/31/19225/561 https://web.archive.org/web/20081106073008/http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/31/19225/561 November 6, 2008 April 15, 2026 Daily KosOctober 27–29, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%42%48%–5%5%SurveyUSAOctober 27, 2008 In Oregon, Obama Pulls Away At the Finish, Dragging Merkley With Him https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=0b63ff1a-61f7-4ec0-bd56-38d157768f62&q=50229 https://web.archive.org/web/20110605162333/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=0b63ff1a-61f7-4ec0-bd56-38d157768f62&q=50229 June 5, 2011 April 15, 2026 SurveyUSAKOctober 25–26, 2008672 (LV)± 3.9%42%49%5%–4%Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall Inc.Law Steve October 28, 2008 Poll says Smith’s re-election odds are ‘slim’ http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=122515853055271000 https://web.archive.org/web/20081031230153/http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=122515853055271000 October 31, 2008 April 15, 2026 Portland TribuneOctober 23–25, 2008500 (LV)± 4.4%40%45%3%–12%Riley Research & AssociationOctober 22, 2008 THE RILEY REPORT OREGON Registered Voter Survey Cross Tabulations https://rileyresearch.com/polls/2008_10_23_Riley_Report.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081029033940/https://rileyresearch.com/polls/2008_10_23_Riley_Report.pdf October 29, 2008 April 16, 2026 Riley Research & AssociationOctober 10–20, 2008499 (RV)± 4.4%35%36%4%–25%Research 2000October 17, 2008 OR-Sen: Holding lead http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/17/631556/-OR-Sen-Holding-lead https://web.archive.org/web/20120606005546/http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/17/631556/-OR-Sen-Holding-lead June 6, 2012 April 16, 2026 Daily KosOctober 14–15, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%41%47%–6%6%Rasmussen ReportsOctober 14, 2008––47%47%––6%SurveyUSAOctober 13, 2008 Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley Benefits Slightly From Obama Coattail, Inches Further Ahead of Incumbent GOP Smith https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=adc7a1ab-a122-4f0e-beed-c7820740f109 https://web.archive.org/web/20081018133746/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=adc7a1ab-a122-4f0e-beed-c7820740f109 October 18, 2008 April 15, 2026 SurveyUSAKOctober 11–12, 2008584 (LV)± 4.1%41%46%7%–6%Research 2000September 25, 2008 OR-Sen, Pres Polling: Good News All Around https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/25/194636/939 https://web.archive.org/web/20080926033212/https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/25/194636/939 September 26, 2008 April 16, 2026 Daily KosSeptember 22–24, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%40%45%–6%9%SurveyUSASeptember 24, 2008 Oregon Men Take A 2nd Look At Merkley, Who Catches Smith In Bid To Capture US Senate Seat For Democrats https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=2587d5be-1ce6-48a3-ad0d-3245a66a7a00 https://web.archive.org/web/20080927011918/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=2587d5be-1ce6-48a3-ad0d-3245a66a7a00 September 27, 2008 April 15, 2026 SurveyUSAPoll sponsored by KATU-TV Portland and Roll Call Newspaper, Capital HillSeptember 22–23, 2008708 (LV)± 3.8%42%44%8%–6%Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 17, 2008 Oregon Senate Race Back To A Dead Heat http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20080918045426/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate September 18, 2008 April 15, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 15, 2008700 (LV)± 4.0%46%45%––9%Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall Inc.Law Steve September 18, 2008 Contentious Senate race could be a tossup http://portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=122168667234765200 https://web.archive.org/web/20090107002249/http://portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=122168667234765200 January 7, 2009 April 15, 2026 Portland TribunePoll sponsored by KATU-TV Portland and FOX 12September 11–14, 2008500 (LV)± 4.4%42%39%––19%Benenson Strategy Group (D)James L. September 11, 2008 OR-Sen: Merkley Pulls Ahead in New Internal Poll http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3016 https://web.archive.org/web/20081009173403mp_/http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3016 October 9, 2008 May 24, 2026 Swing State ProjectMerkley Poll sponsored by Merkley's campaignSeptember 7–9, 2008702 (LV)± 3.7%41%43%6%–10%Benenson Strategy Group (D)2008 Oregon Senate Election: Smith vs. Merkley http://www.pollster.com/polls/or/08-or-sen-ge-svm.php https://web.archive.org/web/20100131062452/http://www.pollster.com/polls/or/08-or-sen-ge-svm.php January 31, 2010 May 24, 2026 Pollster.comMerkleyAugust 15, 2008– (LV)–47%38%4%–11%Rasmussen ReportsAugust 7, 2008 Oregon Senate: Incumbent Smith Regains Lead, Still Receives Under 50% Support http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20080811205602/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate August 11, 2008 April 16, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsAugust 7, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%47%39%–5%9%50%Leaners included44%–1%6%SurveyUSAAugust 5, 2008 3 Months to Election, Incumbent Smith 12 Atop Merkley in Bid to Hold US Senate Seat for GOP https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=bae17f79-860b-4401-a25b-bf872ed6db69 https://web.archive.org/web/20080808211516/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=bae17f79-860b-4401-a25b-bf872ed6db69 August 8, 2008 April 16, 2026 SurveyUSAK Poll sponsored by KATU-TV PortlandAugust 2–4, 2008629 (LV)± 4.0%49%37%8%–6%Rasmussen ReportsJuly 16, 2008 Oregon Senate: Merkley tops Smith for first time 43% to 41% http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20080718174259/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate July 18, 2008 April 16, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsJuly 15, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%41%43%–4%11%Benenson Strategy Group (D)MerkleyJune 15, 2008– (LV)–48%38%4%–9%Rasmussen ReportsJune 13, 2008 Oregon Senate: Incumbent Smith Still Below 50% Support http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20080617113209/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate June 17, 2008 April 16, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsJune 11, 2008500 (LV)± 4.0%47%38%–8%7%U.S. Chamber of Commerce (R)Mapes Jeff June 26, 2008 Chamber poll shows Gordon Smith vulnerable http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/06/chamber_poll_shows_gordon_smit.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080919211333mp_/http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/06/chamber_poll_shows_gordon_smit.html September 19, 2008 Oregon Live May 24, 2026May 27–29, 2008300 (LV)–38%34%–11%Frohnmayer with 11%16%Feldman Group (D)Miller Matthew May 21, 2008 Smith Gambles And Loses, As New Poll Shows Negative Attacks Against Merkley Drive Smith's Job Approval Down To 29% http://www.dscc.org/news_item?press_release_KEY=614 https://web.archive.org/web/20080918174536mp_/http://www.dscc.org/news_item?press_release_KEY=614 September 18, 2008 May 24, 2026 DSCCD Poll sponsored by the DSCCMay 12–16, 2008800 (LV)–45%42%––14%Rasmussen ReportsMay 10, 2008 Oregon Senate: Smith Still Below 50% in Re-election Bid http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/oregon_senate_smith_still_below_50_in_re_election_bid https://web.archive.org/web/20080617203233/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/oregon_senate_smith_still_below_50_in_re_election_bid June 17, 2008 April 16, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsMay 7, 2008500 (LV)± 4.0%45%42%–4%9%Rasmussen ReportsMarch 25, 2008500 (LV)–47%34%––19%Rasmussen ReportsFebruary 19, 2008 Oregon Senate: Smith 48% Merkley 30%; Smith 48% Novick 35% http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/oregon_senate_smith_still_below_50_in_re_election_bid https://web.archive.org/web/20080325194817/https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/oregon/election_2008_oregon_senate March 25, 2008 April 16, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsFebruary 13, 2008500 (LV)–48%30%––22%Riley Research AssociatesDecember 2007 Statewide Voter Survey Cross Tabulations December 2007 http://www.indparty.com/files/polls2007.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080919074219/http://www.indparty.com/files/polls2007.pdf September 19, 2008 April 16, 2026 Riley Research AssociatesNovember 30–December 12, 2007401 (LV)± 4.9%39%12%–14%Independent John Frohnmayer with 14%35%SurveyUSANovember 5, 2007 Republican Incumbent Smith Narrowly Defeats Either Democratic Challenger Today https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=06aa1b0b-5912-4d62-9a21-19cf3318a1c0 https://web.archive.org/web/20071118170507/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=06aa1b0b-5912-4d62-9a21-19cf3318a1c0 November 18, 2007 April 16, 2026 SurveyUSAROctober 24–30, 2007641 (RV)± 4.0%48%39%––13%Riley Research & AssociatesAugust 20, 2007 THE RILEY REPORT Oregon Likely Voter Survey Analysis & Cross Tabulation http://www.rileyresearch.com/polls/2007_08_20_riley_report.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20070927080200/https://rileyresearch.com/polls/2007_08_20_riley_report.pdf September 27, 2007 April 16, 2026 Riley Research AssociatesAugust 10–15, 2007406 (LV)± 4.9%38%19%–7%Independent John Frohnmayer with 7%36% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); Gordon Smith vs. Peter DeFazio Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error GordonSmith (R) PeterDeFazio (D) UndecidedGrove Insight (D)Daily Kos Staff March 26, 2007 OR-Sen: DeFazio beats Smith -- DSCC poll http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/03/26/316255/-OR-Sen-DeFazio-beats-Smith-DSCC-poll https://web.archive.org/web/20121017023529/http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/03/26/316255/-OR-Sen-DeFazio-beats-Smith-DSCC-poll October 17, 2012 May 23, 2026 Daily KosDFebruary 2007– (LV)± 4.0%38%42%20% Gordon Smith vs. Steve Novick Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error GordonSmith (R) SteveNovick (D) Other UndecidedRasmussen ReportsMay 7, 2008500 (LV)± 4.0%47%41%4%9%Rasmussen ReportsFebruary 13, 2008500 (LV)–48%35%–22%SurveyUSAR Poll sponsored by Roll Call Newspaper and Capitol HillOctober 24–30, 2007641 (RV)± 4.0%45%39%–16%Lake Research Partners (D)Blake Aaron July 25, 2007 Poll: Smith leads Novick by 23 points http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/poll-smith-leads-novick-by-23-points-2007-07-25.html https://web.archive.org/web/20081122001933mp_/http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/poll-smith-leads-novick-by-23-points-2007-07-25.html November 22, 2008 May 24, 2026 The HillPoll sponsored by Novick's campaignJuly 7–11, 2007500 (LV)–50%27%–23% Results 2008 United States Senate election in OregonBradbury Bill Bill Bradbury November 4, 2008, General Election Abstracts of Votes United States Senator https://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Record/6873598/File/document https://web.archive.org/web/20191011223926/https://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/Record/6873598/File/document October 11, 2019 May 16, 2026 Oregon Secretary of State Democratic Party (United States) Jeff Merkley 864,392 48.90% +9.30% Republican Party (United States) Gordon Smith (incumbent) 805,159 45.55% -10.66% Constitution Party (United States) David Brownlow 92,565 5.24% +3.52% 5,388 0.30% +0.19% 1,767,504 100.00% N/A Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) By county thumb|Merkley supporters at a campaign rally thumb|Brownlow's performance by county: #893BC9 8-9%#9950D5 7-8%#A967E0 6-7%#B97FE9 5-6%#C998F1 4-5% #D9B4F7 3-4% County Jeff MerkleyDemocratic Gordon SmithRepublican David BrownlowConstitution Various candidatesOther parties Margin Total # % # % # % # % # % Baker2,20325.82%5,66266.37%6527.64%140.16%-3,459-40.55%8,531 Benton24,91155.89%17,93340.23%1,5673.52%1630.37%6,97815.66%44,574 Clackamas83,55845.00%92,78049.97%8,8514.77%4790.26%-9,222-4.97%185,668 Clatsop8,79549.28%7,93944.48%1,0625.95%520.29%8654.80%17,848 Columbia11,16646.46%10,67944.44%2,0918.70%950.40%4872.02%24,031 Coos12,62142.29%14,83849.72%2,3197.77%670.22%-2,217-7.43%29,845 Crook2,73527.33%6,43664.31%8048.03%320.32%-3701-36.98%10,007 Curry4,41036.88%6,67955.86%8437.05%250.21%-2,269-18.98%11,957 Deschutes31,02440.59%41,10853.78%4,1135.38%1970.26%-10,084-13.19%76,442 Douglas17,38734.02%29,96958.63%3,6267.09%1300.25%-12,582-24.61%51,112 Gilliam30227.94%69964.66%787.22%20.19%-397-36.72%1,081 Grant74819.65%2,82174.12%2326.10%50.13%-2,073-54.47%3,806 Harney75521.11%2,57471.98%2426.77%50.14%-1,819-50.87%3,576 Hood River5,04552.90%4,07042.68%4234.23%180.19%97510.22%9,536 Jackson41,82842.94%49,22550.53%6,0716.23%2960.30%-7,397-7.59%97,420 Jefferson2,70533.48%4,78859.26%5646.98%220.27%-2083-25.78%8,079 Josephine14,15334.97%22,79056.30%3,4098.42%1250.31%-8,637-21.33%40,477 Klamath7,00524.58%19,24167.51%2,1527.55%1040.36%-12,236-42.93%28,502 Lake2,69774.79%66818.52%2346.49%70.19%-2,029-56.27%3,606 Lane103,63158.09%66,93637.52%7,3934.14%4490.25%36,69520.57%178,409 Lincoln12,09752.13%9,46440.78%1,5986.89%470.20%2,63311.35%23,206 Linn18,40336.94%27,04754.29%4,1808.39%1920.39%-8,644-17.35%49,822 Malheur2,21822.08%7,35573.21%4694.67%50.05%-5,137-51.13%10,047 Marion49,62641.02%62,56051.71%8,3596.91%4410.36%-12,934-10.69%120,098 Morrow98824.63%2,75168.57%2666.63%70.17%-1,763-43.94%4,012 Multnomah242,51868.87%95,95027.25%12,4103.52%1,2840.36%146,56841.62%352,162 Polk13,90639.77%18,71853.53%2,1956.28%1470.42%-4,812-13.76%34,966 Sherman27727.08%68566.96%545.28%70.68%-408-39.88%1,023 Tillamook5,54042.89%6,51650.44%8266.39%360.28%-976-7.55%12,918 Umatilla5,94823.80%17,93371.14%1,0684.27%470.19%-11,985-47.34%24,996 Union3,32927.15%8,23067.13%6765.51%250.20%-4,901-39.98%12,260 Wallowa94021.62%3,22674.20%1774.07%50.11%-2,286-52.58%4,348 Wasco4,58641.36%5,76251.96%7186.47%230.21%-1,176-10.60%11,089 Washington111,36748.84%106,11446.53%9,8864.34%6780,30%5,2532.31%228,045 Wheeler21226.80%50964.35%688.60%20.25%-297-37.55%701 Yamhill16,78739.66%22,47553.10%2,9096.87%1550.37%-5,688-13.44%42,326Totals864,39248.90%805,15945.55%92,5655.24%5,3880.30%592333.35%1,767,504 Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Clatsop (largest city: Astoria) Columbia (largest city: St. Helens) Hood River (largest city: Hood River) Lane (largest city: Eugene) Lincoln (largest city: Newport) Benton (largest city: Corvallis) Washington (largest city: Hillsboro) See also List of United States senators from Oregon 2008 United States Senate elections 2008 Oregon legislative election 2008 United States presidential election in Oregon Notes Partisan clients References External links Elections Division from the Oregon Secretary of State U.S. Congress candidates for Oregon at Project Vote Smart Oregon U.S. Senate race from Congress.org Oregon U.S. Senate race from CQ Politics Oregon U.S. Senate race from The Green Papers Oregon U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com Oregon U.S. Senate race from 2008 Race Tracker Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Smith (R-i) vs Merkley (D) graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com Official campaign websites (archived) Jeff Merkley (D) for Senate Gordon Smith (R) for Senate Dave Brownlow (CST) for Senate 2008 Oregon United States Senate