Oregon Public Broadcasting

Democratic senate candidate Jeff Merkley toured a dozen towns in central Oregon this weekend. Sunday, he spoke with several tribal members at a stop in Warm Springs.

It's not exactly his home turf -- the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, along with every other Oregon tribe, has already endorsed incumbent Republican Gordon Smith. Central Oregon correspondent Ethan Lindsey reports.

In Warm Springs, Merkley spoke generally about health care and drug policies.

At one point, he was asked to weigh in on the debate over whether to give Native Americans more legal rights over ancient skeletal remains in North America. Many academics worry that could hinder scientific research.

Jeff Merkley: “This is the type of issue where I'd look to hold a dialogue with the expertise the tribes bring on the issue.”

Senator Gordon Smith holds a key vote in the Committee on Indian Affairs. His committee already backed the legislative change requested by Native Americans.

Finally, Native American-run KWSO radio asked Merkley about the community's biggest celebrity.

KWSO: “Do you know who Jacoby Ellsbury is?"

Jeff Merkley: "I don't."

KWSO: "LAUGH."

Ellsbury is a star outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, raised in Madras and on the Warm Springs reservation.

One local was heard commenting that next time he visits, Merkley should be able to answer that question.