Senator Jeff Merkley rallied his Democratic base at the opening of his campaign office in Eugene Thursday. He's framing the election as grass roots versus special interests.
Merkley is being challenged by Republican Monica Wehby, a doctor from Portland.
Merkley says Lane County is critical in his campaign for a second term in the U.S. Senate. He says out-of-state money has been funneled toward his opponent.
Merkley: "This is a unique event. It's never happened before in Oregon's history to have these folks come in and try to seize the airwaves in this fashion and to buy a seat in the US Senate. Oregon's senate seat is not for sale and people need to know who's trying to buy it.
Merkley says his opponent is backed by the Koch brothers, billionaire businessmen who have contributed to tea party and republican campaigns. A 501-c-6 called Freedom Partners has been buying ads attacking Merkley, but KLCC couldn’t confirm if the organization is funded by the Kochs. Wehby plans to be in Eugene Friday to visit the Republican campaign office.