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Oregon Senate 2010

Crystal Ball Outlook: Safe D

Democratic candidates: Ron Wyden, incumbent senator

Republican candidates: Jim Huffman, Lewis & Clark College law professor

Recent updates from the Crystal Ball

Update: February 19, 2009

Ron Wyden (D-OR): First elected in a tight battle with Gordon Smith (R) in a special 1996 election, Wyden will cruise to reelection for a third term. Like the entire West Coast of the continental U.S.A., Oregon has trended strongly Democratic. Smith, who captured the other Oregon Senate seat later in 1996, was ousted by Democrat Jeff Merkley, with Wyden’s help, despite Smith’s moderate voting record. Some Republicans want Smith to return the favor and try to unseat Wyden. Smith is too smart to attempt it; he’s got one more good run left in him, and he’ll choose an option likely to lead to victory. DEMOCRATIC HOLD.