No one stands out in US Senate debate

Last night's US Senate debate between Dem candidates Jeff Merkley, Steve Novick and Candy Neville reminded us all why incumbent Senator Gordon Smith is very close to getting a free pass this election cycle.

Merkley sounded rehearsed and a bit flustered in front of the camera (although that may be due to the stomach flu), but he seemed to have the strongest grip on the issues of the three candidates.

For the most part, Novick left his usual quirky sense of humor at home. He dodged several questions but continued to tell voters he will always tell the truth.

The only amusement of the evening was listening to Neville speak on issues she clearly has no grasp on. The highlight of the evening came when she spoke of Smith's "cronyism" and yet her own desire to bring her personal cronies to Washington with her.

Overall, none of the candidates stood out. They generally avoided confrontation and played it safe when it came to contentious issues like the Cascade Locks casino deal. The performance of all three was so underwhelming its difficult to see how any would overcome a polished incumbent Senator with $5 million in his campaign kitty.