What I appreciated the most from this speech was what he had to say about advertising where our tax dollars go. I have been talking about this for years with family and friends. Government would work better if people knew where their money was going and what good it has done. People would become more invested in the future of our nation. Personally, I think that once every quarter the government should run ads saying, "Thank you for your support. This is how we have helped our nation and our people become better, healthier and more productive."

It is positive PR and it works.

Brilliant!

Especially with all the lost boys wearing hooks at the end. I'm just worried that the Neverland references may be a little too subtle for Joe Sixpack.

It would have been clearer if they had drawn that connection right off the bat, by having Novick introduced by Tinkerbell.

In the follow up video, they should try to work in an endorsement from Peter Pan.

Then, play up how Steve's hand was eaten by an evil crocodile who also voted with President Bush 90% of the time.

I don't give either Novick or Merkely much of a chance in a Senate race. They are both jumping in over their head. Better to build a solid career in politics and public service. These two guys are rookies with little or no chance of upsetting Gordo.

Kitzhaber, Blumenauer, DeFazio, Sam Adams, and Kulongoski are all far superior candidates with good track records that they can run on. Hopefully one or more of then will step forward.

Good points Jenni, although seasoned politicians have been known to change their minds. I guess as and older than dirt Democrat I just have a differnt perspective and lean towards seasoned and somewhat moderate Democrats for national office or the Governor's mansion. I think Novick and Merkel are marvelous up and coming pols....I'd just prefer a little more time in the saddle before they raise their sights.

We have a grand opportunity in 2008 but if Smith is to be defeated, it will take a SEASONED candidate to do it.

OK, you're right Jenni.....I'll scratch Adams off the list. He can build his resume as the next mayor of Portland.

I'm getting a sick feeling that Gordo has somehow stumbled into a perfect time to stay in office with dismal approval ratings.

Maybe we lack some depth of "seasoned" talent in the party at this particular moment....at least seasoned talent willing to run what will be a tough and hard fought campaign.

If the poll showing Gordo with only 34% support is legit and the trend continues, does anybody else suspect that Earl B. or Peter D. will suddenly discover that one of them can free up enough time on his busy schedule to run for the Senate? No career politician in his right mind is going to turn down a chance for a "cake walk" into the US Senate.

I hope Gordo is on the ropes, but my suspicious mind wonders if the Dem Senate Campaign Committee is using this new 34% poll as a tool to try and entice a top tier candidate into the race.

The disappoval ratings are only half of the picture for Gordan Smith and the Senate Race. You only have half the equation! Bush's numbers were mediocre going into '04 and he still won... yes, it was stolen, but he still won.

These numbers will firm up once we get closer to the primary and people are asked who do you think would be a better candidate over Gordan Smith. Then, you will see truer numbers. If Novick polls well here, then any doubt will be relieved. Otherwise, despite bad poll numbers, Gordan Smith will win because people would rather have "the devil they know, then the devil they do not."

This video is AWESOME.

And Katheryn Firestone should smoke more.

These comments lead me to repeat what I said in response to the Alworth column and then point out one other thing that most seem to be ignoring.

1. There is every reason to believe a good, articulate Democrat can beat Smith, particularly with significant DNC/DSCC support. There is, however, as in most things in life, no guarantee.

2. But which Democrat? Perhaps any one of several. So the question comes down to who can/will win the primary. At this point we have some insight on Novick's position on federal issues. As a member of the general public as opposed to a party insider I have no knowledge of Merkley's position on such issues. Absent such information I lean towards Novick; at least he's had the gumption to stick his neck out and try to solve the important problem of replacing Smith rather than waiting for party coffers to be thrown his way.

3. This is why we have primaries. Let's find out who is the "best" Democrat, at least in the minds of registered Democrats. National funding should be there for the ultimate winner. And the primary would afford two (or more) candidates the opportunity to explain what they would have done, or not done, if they had been in Smith's position and how they would go about addressing the problems created by the Administration with Smith's ready assistance. A contested primary in this case would be a very good thing and would draw a lot more public interest and attention than a Party designated heir.

As stated before, most of this is irrelevant until such time as Markley says he is going to get into the race

The thing we seem to be ignoring is the fact that the Senate is by and large a rich old boys club. Last time I looked Smith was about sixth wealthiest in the Senate and hae $1MM in outside annual income. People really need to be aware that he has very little in common with them, and has voted accordingly. Class Warfare? Hell,yes! What have the Repugs been conducting continuously. They only cry about it when someone wants to remove their unconscionable tax cuts.

We need representatives with good sound ideas and energy but not smart enough to know when to quit. Congress is full of "experienced" public officials (including Pelosi and Reid) and look what that's got us!

Bottom line is that the majority of voters in this state don't think "Smith is doing a pretty good job and there is no reason to change." The majority in fact would like a change and the object here is to give them a better choice. To my mind, it doesn't mean a candidate out of the old school who learned to go along to get along.

Novick clearly is a better choice for this state and the nation. Perhaps Markley is as wel, or even better. Question is: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?!

These comments lead me to repeat what I said in response to the Alworth column and then point out one other thing that most seem to be ignoring.

1. There is every reason to believe a good, articulate Democrat can beat Smith, particularly with significant DNC/DSCC support. There is, however, as in most things in life, no guarantee.

2. But which Democrat? Perhaps any one of several. So the question comes down to who can/will win the primary. At this point we have some insight on Novick's position on federal issues. As a member of the general public as opposed to a party insider I have no knowledge of Merkley's position on such issues. Absent such information I lean towards Novick; at least he's had the gumption to stick his neck out and try to solve the important problem of replacing Smith rather than waiting for party coffers to be thrown his way.

3. This is why we have primaries. Let's find out who is the "best" Democrat, at least in the minds of registered Democrats. National funding should be there for the ultimate winner. And the primary would afford two (or more) candidates the opportunity to explain what they would have done, or not done, if they had been in Smith's position and how they would go about addressing the problems created by the Administration with Smith's ready assistance. A contested primary in this case would be a very good thing and would draw a lot more public interest and attention than a Party designated heir.

As stated before, most of this is irrelevant until such time as Markley says he is going to get into the race

The thing we seem to be ignoring is the fact that the Senate is by and large a rich old boys club. Last time I looked Smith was about sixth wealthiest in the Senate and hae $1MM in outside annual income. People really need to be aware that he has very little in common with them, and has voted accordingly. Class Warfare? Hell,yes! What have the Repugs been conducting continuously. They only cry about it when someone wants to remove their unconscionable tax cuts.

We need representatives with good sound ideas and energy but not smart enough to know when to quit. Congress is full of "experienced" public officials (including Pelosi and Reid) and look what that's got us!

Bottom line is that the majority of voters in this state don't think "Smith is doing a pretty good job and there is no reason to change." The majority in fact would like a change and the object here is to give them a better choice. To my mind, it doesn't mean a candidate out of the old school who learned to go along to get along.

<h2>Novick clearly is a better choice for this state and the nation. Perhaps Markley is as wel, or even better. Question is: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?!</h2>