U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Merkley’s campaign responded to the National Republican Senatorial Committee’s ad by saying that Merkley’s appropriations to the World Affairs Council were not out of the ordinary.

The NRSC’s ad, released Monday, accused Merkley of appropriating $150,000 in taxpayer dollars to the World Affairs Council, which brings world leaders to Oregon to give speeches and take part in various forums.

“The fact is that the Oregon Legislature, under Republican control, appropriated money for the World Affairs Council before and after Jeff Merkley became a lawmaker to foster stronger ties to other countries and enhance Oregonians’ awareness of foreign affairs,” Canter said. “It was the right thing to do and I doubt Gordon Smith would say otherwise.”

As for the reappearance of Merkley’s infamous hot dog/unaware of the invasion of Georgia moment, Canter said that Merkley’s campaign was unconcerned.

“Republicans can’t criticize Jeff Merkley on the economy, health care, or national security, so they attack his table manners,” Canter said. “One hot dog will not dissuade Oregonians that Jeff Merkley will bring more national security experience to the senate than Gordon Smith ever has.”