We're all very excited here at Merkley HQ that Jeff has been given the opportunity to talk about his vision going forward. Here's what Jeff had to say:

"I am honored to have the opportunity to address the Democratic Convention and speak to my vision to partner with Senator Obama and make Washington work for working families again," said Merkley.  "Oregonians are ready for the kind of change Senator Obama will bring to Washington."

There's no doubt in my mind that Merkley will be a great ally in the Senate for Obama. Both Obama and Merkley opposed the Iraq War from the start and have shown sound judgment when it comes to foreign policy issues. Both Obama and Merkley were community organizers and have helped make major improvements in their local communities in Illinois and Oregon. Both Obama and Merkley have led on veterans issues, expanding funding for Pell Grants, championed historic ethics reform, and have worked to combat climate change.

Here's a picture of Barack Obama, Jeff Merkley and his wife Mary in Oregon before the May primary

Unlike Jeff Merkley, Republican Gordon Smith is running away from his own party. Gordon Smith is skipping out on the GOP convention, airing ads cozying up to Obama and even recently resigned as the McCain Campaign's honorary co-chair. No matter how much posturing Gordon Smith does, he can't hide his record. He can't change the fact that he's continually supported the Iraq War, supported harmful energy policies that benefit the oil companies and has been an active partner in helping damage America's reputation around the world.

The days of the George Bush and Gordon Smith legacy are numbered. The election is just two and a half months away and we have a real shot at electing Barack Obama as President and Jeff Merkley as the next Senator from Oregon. Some people like to use the words, "Hope" or "Change" or "Believe" when it comes to describing their feelings about the upcoming election. For me, being able to "Imagine" a government who governs for the people and by the people is what gets me excited. Imagine that.

If you'd like to help turn the Senate blue and elect progressive Democrat Jeff Merkley, you can donate here. On a different note, we're having a staff Act Blue challenge here at Merkley HQ and I want to win! If you want to help show the Merkley staff that bloggers like myself can raise dough too, donate to Merkley here.