Democratic Candidates Make Televised Case To Voters

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By Ethan Lindsey

Portland, OR  April 16, 2008 8:42 a.m.

Three Democrats shared a televised stage in Portland Tuesday to make their case to Oregonians about why they should serve in the U.S. Senate. The debate was sponsored by TV station KGW and The Oregonian newspaper.

Ethan Lindsey reports on the Democratic fight to challenge incumbent Republican Gordon Smith.

This primary has already had its share of debates. This one may have the biggest impact.

The same forum in 2002 drew 33,000 home viewers.

The audience size could be the reason attorney Steve Novick and House Speaker Jeff Merkley didn't go after each other as they have in the past.  They were joined by real estate agent Candy Neville.

All three candidates blasted the Iraq war - and, of course, the man they are vying to unseat, Gordon Smith.

Merkley criticized Novick for his harsh words about other Democrats.

Jeff Merkley: “Some of Steve's comments have been disturbing to a lot of Oregon's Democrats. His attack on Hillary Clinton as a coward and a traitress."

Novick talked about his support for up a tax hike on the wealthy, that Merkley opposes.

Steve Novick: “One of the unfairest things in our tax code is that if you make a million bucks a year, you only pay social security tax on the first $100,000.”

Novick says Merkley doesn't support increasing that tax.

Neville says she wants to end the Iraq war and withdraw our troops.

Candy Neville: “The top thing I will do is every day I will work relentlessly to resolve this and bring them home.”

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