Oregon Public Broadcasting

In his concession speech Thursday in Pendleton, Oregon Senator Gordon Smith made a plea to his replacement to pay close attention to rural Oregon.

Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley claimed victory Thursday in a hard fought race, unseating a two term Republican from Pendleton.

The result means Oregon will have two Democratic Senators who hail from Portland.

Pendleton radiologist Jake Cambier was saddened to lose a Senator from his hometown.

Jake Cambier: "I am a little disappointed, I've always been a big fan of Gordon's. Ever since he was in the Oregon Senate. He has always been the kind of man that could put aside partisanship when it came to the common good -- reach across the aisle. And he worked very well with Senator Wyden for so long."

Smith told reporters gathered at his home in Pendleton that he’s been proud to serve as a voice for rural parts of the state. He urged Merkley to -- as he put it -- “serve all of Oregon”.