Gordon Harold Smith in 2008 OR Senate Debate

On Budget & Economy: Supports bailout as BETTER regulation, not MORE regulation

Smith said he wasn’t for either more or less regulation, but better regulation in general and said he supported the bailout also because it included a four-year reauthorization of the county payments program.

On Crime: Stiffer laws against gang crimes, rapists & child sex

Merkley responded, “Shame on you, Gordon Smith, for portraying that series of lies.” He said Smith took things he said or did out of context, and he affirmed that he has worked hard in the state Legislature to get better laws on the books to deal with criminals.

On Environment: Inserted Oregon timber payments into $70 bailout bill

Merkley responded that Smith had never been able to restore the payments while Republicans controlled the Senate. “We need to have a son of a timber family to fight for timber payments,” said Merkley, who was born in timber-dependent Douglas County and whose father once owned a mill.

On Environment: Create more jobs in timber industry

Smith said 8 billion board feet were harvested during the 1980s, which he thought was too much. As opposed to his opponent, Smith said he wants to create a timber industry that will offer more jobs.

Merkley said that a sustainable forest harvest is important for the economy. He said that both Bush and Smith have caused the state to lose 12,000 jobs in the timber industry.

On Principles & Values: Works often with Sen. Wyden (D-OR) & Sen. Obama (D-IL)

But Merkley said he has been endorsed by Wyden. “Sen. Wyden needs a partner in Jeff Merkley,” he said. Merkley said Smith has voted with Bush 90% of the time.

On Social Security: People should prepare for retirement in addition to Soc.Sec.

Smith said that as senator he has done more to help encourage Americans to save more as a way to better prepare for retirement and add to the benefits received under Social Security. He took issue with Merkley for suggesting he wanted to do away with Social Security. “In war and the Merkley campaign, the truth is the first casualty,” he said.

On Budget & Economy: Stabilize the monster that is devouring Wall Street

“Stabilize the monster that is devouring Wall Street... before it gets to your street. That’s the kind of action that is called for right now,” said Smith.

On Budget & Economy: Supports government help for people facing foreclosure

For his part, Smith argued that Merkley was out of touch in his choice to oppose the recently approved $700 billion bailout package.

Both candidates said they supported government help for those people facing foreclosure.

On Tax Reform: I believe in pro-growth tax cuts

Merkley addressed Smith directly: “The fact is, Gordon, you’ve voted for taxes 67 times.” Merkley said he would support Obama’s proposed plan to raise taxes on people making more than $250,000 per year.

Taxes came up again when both candidates were asked whether it was smart to cut taxes during a time when the national debt is growing. Merkley hung the blame on Smith’s shoulders. “Do you understand that our children are going to have to pay back the debt you are running up?” he asked.

“So what would you have me do?” Smith asked. Much of the money he’s asked for, Smith said, has been because state senators, representatives and others back home have asked him for it.