The U.S. Senate debate on KGW just concluded. Steve Novick did a terrific job of both outlining a progressive vision for the nation and articulating why it will take a risk taker to defeat Gordon Smith in the fall elections.

Jeff Merkley, the Oregon House Speaker currently running third in the polls behind Novick and anti-war candidate Candy Neville, has deeply disappointed me thus far. The speaker is a progressive leader with a good record but despite his rhetoric tonight it has been Merkley that has run a negative campaign. He kept repeating the theme “hope and change” but his campaign has been politics as usual.

What impressed me again tonight – as it has in my own conversations with Steve – is both his grasp of public policy and his ability to talk to voters not in political speak (that special language that so many politicians seem to learn that communicates that they’re smarter than the voters) but with heartfelt and honest words. Steve Novick is a straight talker who doesn’t hesitate to tell the truth.  Voters saw that in the debate tonight. He’s willing to take on the tough issues – like poverty – that others ignore. Steve knows that is what the people of Oregon deserve. I’m proud to support him.