As a Republican, Sen. Gordon Smith will generally get the short end of the stick compared to his Democratic opponent when it comes to union endorsements and the grass-roots support they bring to the table.

However, Smith’s bid for a third term received the backing this month of the 3,000-strong Oregon State Fire Fighters Council. The OSFFC is an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters, which itself is a part of the national AFL-CIO.

The OSFFC is made up of firefighters and paramedics in Oregon.

Smith will face the winner of the May 20 Democratic primary, which pits state Speaker Jeff Merkley, the favorite, versus attorney and upstart candidate Steve Novick.
— David M. Drucker