Gordon Smith is a top Democratic target in 2008. A June Grove Insight poll notes only 37% of Oregon voters approve of his job performance. Smith stands with George Bush and the Republican Party and Oregon Speaker of the House Jeff Merkley is one Democrat ready to hold him accountable. Merkley led one of the most effective, efficient and progressive legislative sessions in Oregon's history. He pushed through landmark legislation on health care, education, energy independence, ethics, and tax relief for working families. Merkley is in a primary race against Steve Novick. Oregon is a blue state, and in a presidential year Smith's faults will be difficult for voters to overlook.