Jeff Merkley and Steve Novick reunited today Portland, portraying a united front for the Democratic effort to unseat U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton).

“The choice in this Senate election is crystal clear,” Merkley said. “If you want more of the same -- an agenda scripted by the most powerful special interests -- then Gordon Smith is your man. If you want to change Washington D.C. and set a new direction for America, then join our fight to deliver hope and opportunity to every single American.”

"I will campaign hard for Jeff Merkley because he is our candidate to defeat the Sub-Prime Senator, Gordon Smith," said Steve Novick, who finished second to Merkley in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary. "Ron Wyden deserves a progressive partner, not an opponent, in the U.S. Senate."

"Jeff Merkley will be that partner."

The former rivals were joined by State Treasurer candidate Ben Westlund, Attorney General nominee John Kroger, Secretary of State nominee Kate Brown, 5th Congressional District nominee Kurt Schrader, former Governors Barbara Roberts and John Kitzhaber, State Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin and State House Majority Leader Dave Hunt. I

n order to really promote the unity inherent in the “United for Change” event, many of the candidates who did not win their races were also present, including State rep. Greg Macpherson, State Sens. Vicki Walker, Steve Marks and, of course, Steve Novick.

“Our party is united for change and preparing for victory,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “From now through Election Day, Democrats in Oregon are united behind one goal, victory in November.”