Oregon Public Broadcasting

This year's Oregon senate race may test the bipartisan civility that Republican incumbent, Sen. Gordon Smith, and his Democratic colleague, Sen. Ron Wyden, have enjoyed.

Smith's up for re-election, and Wyden isn't.  The two have a long history of working across party lines on federal issues with a direct impact on Oregon.

Most recently, they've worked to protect wilderness on Mount Hood and restore timber payments. But Wyden says he’s sticking with his party when it comes to the race for Smith's seat.

Ron Wyden: “Absolutely, I strongly support Jeff Merkley. I mean this is an election about issues and change. That’s my primary focus, and I’ll be supporting him, strongly.”

Wyden supported Smith’s last opponent, Secretary of State, Bill Bradbury. However, Wyden  wasn't very active in that campaign.

Smith stayed mostly silent when Wyden ran for re-election four years ago, against a longshot candidate.

Wyden is also one of Oregon’s undeclared superdelegates. He says he won’t make his choice until after the last presidential primaries next week.