FORA.tv Speaker - Gordon Smith

Gordon Harold Smith is Oregon's junior United States Senator, currently serving his second term. He is a member of the Republican Party. Smith entered politics with his election to the Oregon State Senate in 1992, and became president of that body in 1995. Later in 1995, he ran in a special election for a Senate seat vacated by the resignation of Bob Packwood, but was narrowly defeated in the January 1996 election by then-Congressman Ron Wyden. United States Senator Mark Hatfield, a fellow Republican, announced his retirement later that year. Smith became the first person to run for the Senate twice in one year. This time he won, defeating Lon Mabon Smith was re-elected by a strong margin in 2002, defeating Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury.