Voters Re-Elect Jeff Merkley to U.S. Senate

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Tuesday, November 04, 2014

Joanna Evoniuk, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley was reelected to the U.S. Senate, defeating his Republican opponent Monica Wehby.

As of 10 p.m., with two-thirds of votes collected, Merkley is leading Wehby by a margin of 55 to 38.

"He's so good for the middle class and economy," said Merkley supporter Jeff Gottfried. "I feel so well represented because he cares about people."

Merkley led Wehby in the polls through the campaign, holding around a 13 point lead since late July in polls by the New York Times and CBS News. 

At first the race appeared it might be close but several scandals tipped the polls in Merkley’s favor. Wehby was accused by BuzzFeed for plagiarizing her health care reform plan. At first she denied the claims, but later blamed a staffer for plagiarism issues and removed the questionable pages from her website. Early in the campaign, she was accused of stalking her ex-boyfriend and entering his home without permission, according to a Portland police report. 

Merkley focused his campaign on education, jobs, and the economy. His opponent also focused on jobs, but also health care reform and care for the environment.  The two only held one public debate, after Wehby declined one debate and Merkley declined three offers from Wehby. 

During his election night party in downtown Portland, Merkley thanked his family for being his support system during his campaign.

"In a campaign, it's really a battle for the whole family," Merkley said to supporters.

Merkley also thanked his colleague U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden: "I've been so lucky to have him with me, from the NSA to a better tech system in America."

Crowds gathered to cheer and celebrate at the downtown Portland Hilton Hotel for the Democrat election night party, waving campaign signs and dancing to music when the election was called. Supporters say Merkley's re-election means a step forward for Oregon, new jobs, and the economy. 

"I'm not sure about the rest of the country, but I'm glad Oregon's is out in front now [because of Merkley's election]," said Merkley supporter Cheryl Raft.  

Merkley was elected for his first term as U.S. senator in 2009, after serving as an Oregon State Representative since 1998.  During his first term in Washington, D.C. Merkley sponsored 98 bills and was a part of four committees. Recently, he worked to lower student loan rates and his “Pay It Forward” bill aims to help students attend college free of debt.   

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