Editor:

Voting readers of the Chieftain should know that while the recent editorial calling Jeff Merkley to task on a number of issues defined Mr. Merkley as the Oregon Democratic Party’s “hand-picked” candidate to face Sen. Gordon Smith in November’s general election, that statement is arguably only true of the Party establishment.

There are a number of candidates running, and at least one other is a strong preference of many of the grassroots Democrats in Oregon: Steve Novick.

(The Chieftain printed an op-ed piece we submitted about Steve Novick last November shortly after he visited Wallowa County. He is a bright, articulate, feisty challenger with strong principles and an agenda that presents a marked contrast to Senator Smith’s hand-in-glove-with-Bush record.)

Steve Novick has been picking up a large number of strong endorsements around the state as voters get to know him, including former Gov. Kitzhaber and the Oregon Education Association; recently The Oregonian endorsed Steve Novick. Novick is the Democratic candidate who has the strongest chance of unseating Senator Smith and his politics as usual record in November, and we urge voters who are uncommitted to take a serious look at Steve Novick’s Web site before marking your ballots.

For more information go to www.novickforsenate.org.

Dan and Janet W. Blair

Joseph