10/12/2008

Associated Press

Republican Sen. Gordon Smith's re-election campaign says it will remove Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden's signature from a TV ad after Wyden objected to its use.

Smith, in a close race against Democrat Jeff Merkley, speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, has used images of numerous Democrats in his ads, including Sen. John Kerry and Sen. Barack Obama.

Wyden's image and signature appear in Smith's most recent 30-second spot.

"The partnership between Sen. Smith and Sen. Wyden is more important than a portrayal of anyone's signature," said Smith spokeswoman Lindsay Gilbride. The ad, which shows an old video clip of Wyden praising Smith, will continue to run, Gilbride said.

"That's the right thing to do," Wyden spokesman Josh Kardon said of the decision to remove Wyden's signature.

"This blatant misrepresentation speaks volumes as to Smith's character," said Matt Canter, Merkley's spokesman.

Wyden has asked Smith to take down the ad and "be straight with voters," he said. If Smith considers Wyden such a good friend, "he should honor his friend's request."

Smith and Wyden are known for their close working relationship but a recent Wyden ad goes farther than usual when it boosts Merkley's attempt to unseat Smith.

In past campaigns Wyden has endorsed Smith's Democratic opponents but has not appeared in ads promoting them

Wyden did not mention Smith in the 30-second spot, which began airing Thursday, hours before their first debate.

Wyden says in the ad that Merkley would work with him "to put the economy back on track," end billions in subsidies for oil companies, stand up for veterans and "fight for good jobs here at home."

The ad closes with a photo of Wyden and Merkley on stage together.

Wyden endorsed Merkley earlier this year but has been relatively quiet in the campaign.

The pair's bipartisanship frustrates many Democrats, who want Wyden to be more aggressive against Smith in a year when Democrats believe Smith is vulnerable.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com