SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- New TV ads by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee seek to blunt Sen. Gordon Smith's attacks on Democrat Jeff Merkley over the Oregon Legislature's spending on new furniture.

Smith's campaign has blanketed the airwaves with ads criticizing Merkley's support, as state House speaker, for purchasing $2 million worth of furniture.

The Democrats' new TV ad accuses Smith of raising the furniture issue to divert attention from his own votes to spend billions of dollars on Iraq reconstruction and on tax breaks for oil companies.

Portland pollster Tim Hibbitts says the ads from the national Democrats are a boost to Merkley's campaign, but they also indicate that Democrats are worried that Smith's constant hammering on the furniture issue is hurting Merkley.

The furniture purchase was part of the $34 million renovation of the House and Senate wings at the state Capitol in Salem.

As part of the renovation, each state senator's private office will include a walnut desk costing $4,400; a matching hutch, credenza and wardrobe for $6,700; a leather sofa costing $2,764 and an executive chair for $1,667.

House members' furniture will cost a little less.

Merkley and others have noted the spending was approved by Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate.