Jeff Merkley, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Oregon, is calling on Republican Senator Gordon Smith to give up $39,000 in campaign contributions he received from Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens, who was indicted today. Merkley is calling for Smith to donate the money to charities to help provide health insurance to Oregon children.

Ted Stevens was indicted today on federal corruption charges. Stevens has contributed $39,000 to Smith's campaign.

"Senator Smith should donate these contributions to charities to help provide health insurance to Oregon children," said Speaker Jeff Merkley. "Ted Stevens has been indicted on very serious ethical charges. These charges cast an ethical cloud on money he raised from oil companies and others, some of which he passed on to Gordon Smith."

Merkley calls on Gordon Smith to Return Cash from Indicted Sen. Steven's Contributions

Date of Contribution / Amount of Contribution

3/14/2007 - $5,000

3/14/2007 - $5,000

3/28/2006 - $5,000

3/2/2005 - $5,000

Quarter 2 of 2002 - $10,000

5/12/2002 - $2,000

2/11/2002- $2,000

6/29/2001 - $3,000

10/31/1996 - $1,000

11/27/1995 - $1,000

Merkley calls on Gordon Smith to Return Cash from Indicted Sen. Steven's Contributions

The money from the corrupt Stevens should be given to charities to help provide health insurance to Oregon children.

Jeff Merkely is a better Democrat.  

He opposed the War from the Start and was the first U.S. Senate candidate to sign onto "A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq". Ending the Iraq War 

He "strongly believes that we must fulfill President Truman's vision of health care for every man, woman and child in our country."  Health Care for All Americans 

Jeff Merkley has developed a four part plan to combat global warming.  Energy Independence and Conservation 

Jeff Merkley will fight to end unfair trade agreements that have cost Oregon nearly 70,000 jobs. Merkley will demand enforceable environmental and labor standards to protect our planet and protect workers in America and around the world. He's a strong union supporter.  For more on Jeff and his stands on the issues, go here.

This is a Better Democrat.

If you want to help him beat the Republican Senator and turn that Oregon Senate seat blue, please donate here:

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Update: From Sarahlane, who works for Jeff Merkley, in the comments:

It should also be noted that Gordon Smith's PAC donated $10,000 to Ted Stevens.

Update II:

U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) will give the money donated to his campaign by U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to charity, according to Smith campaign spokeswoman Lindsay Gilbride. Gilbride did not elaborate as to which charity the money would go to.

http://politickeror.com/brittenchase/2235/smith-donate-stevens-contributions-charity