[img_assist|nid=3120|title=Clackamas County Republican volunteers|desc=Volunteers gathered at Clackamas County Oregon Victory Headquarters in Oregon City.|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=87]OREGON CITY --  U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith thanked about 50 volunteers assembled at the Clackamas County Victory Headquarters for calling voters and assisting his campaign with getting out his message.

Smith and state treasurer candidate Allen Alley (R-Lake Oswego) spoke to the volunteers about the difficulties of running a campaign under the GOP banner in the Beaver State. He warned that a Democratic sweep of statewide races would be disastrous for voters.

“Our country and our state do not need one-party rule,” Smith said to the volunteers. “Of course, I would feel differently if it was Republican Party rule.”

Smith also touted his work in the Senate with Democratic presidential and vice presidential candidates Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

“I think it’s important to remember that the role of the minority party is to stop bad legislation, and also work with the majority to improve legislation,” Smith said. “I’ve worked with Barack Obama, and I’ve worked with Joe Biden. They’re good people.”

But he also went on to question Obama’s experience as he runs for the country’s highest office.

“He’s been my colleague less than 1,000 days,” Smith said of Obama.

The incumbent Senator urged the crowd to dig in during the final weeks of the campaign.

“I see patriots. I see people who believe in things strongly enough,” Smith said. “We’re going to win this.”