Oregon Public Broadcasting

Republican Senator Gordon Smith's election challenger has introduced a package of anti-crime proposals. April Baer reports that both candidates are competing to show a strong record on justice issues.

Democrat Jeff Merkley is teaming up with Oregon's presumptive attorney general, John Kroger. They've designed a package of reforms to hire more police, crack down on sex offenders, and fund programs that help crime victims.

In introducing the plan, Merkley criticized Senator Smith's record on crime prevention and spending for law enforcement.

Within hours, one of the state's best known victim advocates came to Smith's defense.

Steve Doell is president of Crime Victims United. While his group hasn't endorsed a senate candidate yet, Doell offered his personal support for Smith's voting record on crime issues.

Steve Doell: "I want to point out, we're a bi-partisan organization, and I will tell you also, we've unfortunately had to run up against some Republicans, and in some cases we've had to take some Republicans out. So this is an equal opportunity situation here."

Doell indicated that his group would press both candidates to addresss mandatory sentencing  during the Senate campaign.