Gordon Smith took a criminal's money and supported his pork barrel spending

The Oregonian has an article highlighting Senator Smith (OR) taking $39,000 from indicted Senator Stevens of Alaska. Of that $39,000, Smith pocketed $10,000 personally to help repay his 1996 campaign debt. 21st Century Democrats endorsed candidate, Jeff Merkley, called on Smith to donate the entire $39,000 to charities to help provide health insurance to Oregon children.

More importantly, House Speaker Merkley questions whether Smith's support for the infamous "bridge to nowhere" and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was connected to Stevens' financial support. After Smith pocketed Stevens' money, Smith supported Stevens' top priorities, including the "bridge to nowhere" and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

"In Washington D.C., Gordon Smith has been doing what is best for Ted Stevens and George Bush, not what is best for Oregon," said House Speaker Jeff Merkley. "Oregonians do not approve of the bridge to nowhere or drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Gordon Smith knows it. Smith talks a good game in Oregon, but he is part of the problem in Washington D.C."

Merkley has a good point. Gordon Smith is part of the problem in the Senate. And that needs to change!