Senator David Brock Smith to Participate in Live KTVZ Town Hall After Senator Merkley Refuses Debate

Senator David Brock Smith Continues Commitment to Transparency, Accountability, and Direct Engagement with Oregon Voters

PORT ORFORD, OR – Oregon Republican nominee for the United States Senate, Senator David Brock Smith, will participate in a live 30-minute town hall hosted by KTVZ this evening at 6:00 p.m., providing Oregonians with an opportunity to hear directly from a candidate willing to answer questions and discuss the critical issues facing the state.

The town hall follows Senator Jeff Merkley's decision to decline a debate invitation that Senator David Brock Smith readily accepted. After repeatedly accepting opportunities to debate and engage directly with voters throughout the campaign, Senator David Brock Smith said he remains committed to showing up and making his case to the people of Oregon.

“Tonight’s town hall is another opportunity to have an honest conversation with Oregonians about the future of our state and nation,” Senator Brock Smith concluded. “Senator Merkley has chosen not to stand before voters in a debate, I will still be here answering questions and discussing solutions. I look forward to the conversation.”

“Senator Merkley has chosen not to debate. I have chosen to show up,” said Senator David Brock Smith. “Oregonians deserve more than campaign commercials, carefully managed appearances, and partisan talking points. They deserve a real conversation about the future of our state and nation. If Senator Merkley will not stand before voters and defend his record, I will gladly discuss both his record and my vision for Oregon.”

Senator David Brock Smith said elections are about accountability and that voters deserve to hear candidates answer unscripted questions about their policies, records, and priorities.

“For nearly two decades, Jeff Merkley has been part of the political establishment in Washington and in lockstep with Governor Kotek, while Oregon families have watched housing costs skyrocket, public safety decline, addiction and homelessness spread, utility bills soar, and our economy become increasingly difficult for working families to navigate,” Senator Brock Smith said. “Voters deserve the opportunity to hear why he believes six more years of the same policies will produce a different outcome.”

Senator David Brock Smith pointed to his own record of delivering results despite serving in the legislative minority.

“I have never measured success by media appearances or partisan rhetoric. I measure success by results,” Senator David Brock Smith said. “Whether it was fighting for public safety funding, protecting natural resource jobs, advocating for our communities, or building bipartisan coalitions to get legislation across the finish line, I have always focused on solving problems. I don't make excuses. I get to work.”

During the live town hall, Senator David Brock Smith will discuss issues that continue to dominate conversations across Oregon, including rising costs for groceries, fuel, utilities, and housing, the addiction and homelessness crisis, wildfire preparedness, energy affordability and government accountability.

“Oregonians are tired of being ignored while Washington politicians pursue ideological agendas that make life more expensive and more difficult,” Senator David Brock Smith said. “Families are struggling, small businesses are fighting to survive, and too many communities feel left behind. Oregon needs a senator who will challenge the status quo, fight for working families, and bring common sense back to Washington.”

Senator David Brock Smith also drew a sharp contrast between his approach and Merkley's voting record.

“Jeff Merkley has spent years advancing some of the most liberal policies in the United States Senate while aligning himself with Governor Kotek and Democratic Socialist of America backed candidates here in Oregon,” Senator David Brock Smith said. “He has repeatedly supported the policies that have contributed to higher costs, more regulations, and greater burdens on working Oregonians. The people of this state cannot afford another six years of failed leadership and partisan extremism.”

EVENT INFORMATION:

What: Live KTVZ U.S. Senate Town Hall with Senator David Brock Smith

When: Tonight, 6:00 p.m.

Format: Live 30-minute Televised Town Hall

Host: KTVZ Bend

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