Merkley: Wants salmon protections that don't threaten livelihood of farmers. Has said in the past that he would study some hydropower dams for elimination to help salmon -- now says we need to preserve hydropower. Supports government aid for devastated fishing industry.
Smith: Worked in 2002 to keep water flowing to Klamath Basin farmers despite fears that fish would suffer. The diversion caused a massive fish kill. Strong backer of the Bonneville Power Administration and its desire to keep water flowing through its hydropower dams. Helped secure $230 million in emergency assistance to Oregon's coastal communities after salmon stocks collapsed, and supported a variety of bills to improve salmon habitat in Oregon and beyond.
-- Harry Esteve; harryesteve@news.oregonian.com
-- Charles Pope; charles.pope@newhouse.com
