[img_assist|nid=3290|title=Merkley enters convention center on Election Night|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=347]PORTLAND – Jeff Merkley (D-Portland) said he was feeling good about his chances to be elected to the U.S. Senate Tuesday night as he and his wife arrived at the convention center for the Oregon Democrats' election night celebration.

“I think our message of putting America back on track is getting through,” Merkley said. “Democracy is an awesome thing; if you have a situation where the administration makes mistakes, voters have the opportunity to put the country back on track.”

As for his chances of beating U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton), Merkley was upbeat. He said he spoke to Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), another candidate going up against an incumbent senator, earlier in the day. The major TV networks projected that Hagan defeated U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) earlier this evening.

“This is a David versus Goliath situation,” Merkley said. “Beating an incumbent happens once in a generation when the nation is off track.”

Merkley will not know his fate for a while; polls in Oregon will remain open until 8 p.m.