Senator Gordon Smith appears to have lost his re-election bid

Gordon Smith, the Republican U.S. senator from Oregon, appears to have been defeated by Jeff Merkley, the Democratic challenger.

I'm partisan enough to appreciate the victory and human enough to regret Smith's loss. I lived in Oregon for four years, and I was quite happy to be represented by Senator Smith. He is one of the few Republican politicians that I hold in high esteem.

Thank you for your service to Oregon, Senator. It was very much appreciated.