U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s (R-Pendleton) state director Kerry Tymchuck wrote an editorial on Sunday in which he cautioned urban Oregonians to be more accepting of the rural way of life.

Tymchuck, who traveled the state for twelve years as what he called Smith’s “eyes and ears in Oregon,” wrote in The Oregonian that the urban-rural divide, which received increased scrutiny during Oregon’s Senate campaign, was not as deep as it seemed to be, but still existed because of a lack of urbanites' awareness on rural economic issues.

“It is worth noting that I have found rural Oregonians to be more understanding of the urban lifestyle than urban residents are of the rural lifestyle,” Tymchuck wrote. “Not one rural official or resident ever urged Sen. Smith to shut down the high-tech industry, TriMet, Oregon Health & Science University or other institutions important to Portland's success. On the flip side, however, the senator was urged by many Portlanders to support policies that would essentially shut down the forests, farms and fisheries so critical to our fragile rural economy.”

Tymchuck’s editorial also noted that the tone of politics in Oregon had become so partisan that it had created a nasty tone to campaigning, and had impacted presidential candidate visits to Oregon during the 2004 and 2008 election cycle.

“Consider that during the presidential campaigns of 2004 and 2008, Oregon Democrats hosted hugely successful public rallies in Portland for candidates John Kerry and Barack Obama -- rallies staged without any fear of protest or disruption,” Tymchuck wrote. “No such public events could be held in Portland for Republican candidates George W. Bush or John McCain. Why? Because of the near certainty that massive demonstrations would shut down the city. Here's hoping for a 2012 presidential campaign where both the Democrat and Republican candidates can visit Portland without fear of being shouted down.”

Tymchuck also thanked all the public servants and staffers he had worked with over the years to help move Oregon forward. And he hoped that U.S. Senator-elect Jeff Merkley’s (D-Portland) would enjoy the experience of serving as well.

“The voters have now spoken (darn them!), and may those who serve as the eyes and ears of Sen.-elect Jeff Merkley never forget what a rare privilege it is to see every inch of our state, to hear from our public officials and citizens, and to learn how lucky we are to live in this little corner of the world,” Tymchuck wrote.

Merkley’s campaign manager Jon Isaacs will serve as his state director when he takes office in 2009.