Is there such a thing as too much good news? Because I don't know if I can maintain this state of bliss without exploding into a billion tiny pieces.

Glad I called all my family members in that great state and encouraged them to vote for Merkley. This really is an all-in struggle where no politics are local.

Smith was certainly no Senator Hatfield.

IS

EXCELLENT

NEWS

As an Oregonian, who knows both Smith and Merkley, I couldn't be happier. Smith is slick; he voted like a repug for the first five years of each term and then pretended to be "Mr. Moderate" each time election year rolled around. There is a fair amount of residual good will in this state towards Hatfield and other moderate Repubs even though the breed is nearly extinct.

Kudos to the DSCC. They pounded Smith relentlessly as GWB's best buddy. It wasn't pretty, but it was apparently effective.

Merkley isn't exciting, but he is a good policy guy, and he will generally be a good vote.

Great news.

This is a great way to end the week. I have been canvassing on weekends and delivering lawn signs for Merkley since early in the primary (and it was a tough primary, too). At times it seemed quixotic--daring to think we could pull down an incumbent Senator that was--to be frank--fairly well liked in the state.

But I bought into the idea that grassroots support and a feet-on-the-street organization could carry the day. I think it helped that Jeff endorsed Obama early in the primary--before it was a safe thing to do. It caused some friction, but after the primary the Merkley campaign in my neighborhood moved into an office with the Obama campaign.

Coordination of efforts leveraged the dozens (hundreds?) of volunteers that came streaming into the Obama/Merkley office. It is awe-inspiring to have been a small part of this effort. Before this campaign I have never done more than vote and send money. But I can tell you now that it is a great privilege to knock on doors and have a few minutes to chat about the election with my fellow citizens.

I will be out again this weekend, with an extra spring in my step. Not because I think Jeff will need the couple of extra votes that I may be able to sway, but because it will be (until next election) my last, best chance to engage in meaningful conversations about politics with complete strangers.

Reading the poll numbers in Eric's article brought a little mist to my eyes. And joy to my heart. Go Jeff! Go Barack! Go Us!

Merkley has been polling well the second half of the month. Nate has him at an 84% win percentage this morning. This isn't one of the seats that's going to be a close call.

John

Gordon Smith, you have been zapped by Karma. you ran a dirty race just like McCain, and you are both going to the scrapheap. Of course, you're both filthy rich, so I can't really get my full dose of schadenfreude.

I hit the streets Thurs. night in Portland for
Obama and Merkley.

This is the first time, I have
ever went door to door for a candidate(s). Talk about a "RUSH". I was so pumped up, it was hard
to sleep!

The Obama ground game in Oregon Rocks. As we went
door to door. Some voters had not turned in their
ballots or even filled them out. One dude was hanging out listening to Soul music, while, his ballot just sitting on the coffee table. As soon we as we told him about Obama and Merkley he filled out his ballot right
then and there!

As we returned to the the Obama office some young
hippie type guys stopped us, and give us flowers.

What a great day it was.

Winning is the ONLY OPTION!

peace from Portland.