Merkley opposed bipartisan legislation to protect victims, punish criminals
Lake Oswego – Two new television ads released today highlight Jeff Merkley's pattern of siding with criminals instead of victims of violent crime. Jeff Merkley voted against extending the statute of limitations for the rape of children and against mandatory life sentences for serial rapists.

In 1987, Richard Gillmore, known as the "Jogger Rapist," was convicted of raping 13-year old Tiffany Edens. He later confessed to eight other rapes, but none were prosecuted because the statute of limitations had expired. Over time, the Oregon legislature voted to extend the limits. In 2005, Jeff Merkley was one of only 13 representatives to vote against extending the statute of limitations in rape cases against minors, incest and sex abuse [HB 2316-B, 2005]. He was one of only seven to vote against imposing a mandatory life sentence for repeat rapists [HB2605, 1999].

Tiffany Edens, who appears in one ad, released the following statement: "I have chosen to speak up and speak out in this election because of my firm belief that Oregon's laws related to rape and sexual abuse need changing. They need to be tougher on criminals and more respectful of victims. We need a longer statute of limitations for every kind of rape – I personally think there should be no statute of limitations – and life sentences for rapists like Richard Gillmore. In the legislature, Jeff Merkley had the chance to vote on both these issues – and both times he voted the wrong way. He opposed a longer statute of limitations for raping a minor and opposed life sentences for repeat rapists. Now, Mr. Merkley wants to take that record and philosophy to a higher office and I don't think that's right for Oregon. I am a Democrat, but have never been involved in politics in my life. I was introduced to Senator Smith by Steve Doell with Crime Victims United and believe Senator Smith has a better record and better approach to criminal justice issues and victims rights. I offered to help on his campaign and agreed to appear in this commercial because I want more people to understand what's at stake and how important it is."

		Script of the ad "Tiffany:" Tiffany Edens: I was just 13 when he broke into our house, attacked and raped me. Later he confessed to raping eight others. But Oregon's time limits for prosecuting the rapes ran out. Jeff Merkley voted against changing that law. That's why I'm speaking out. Jeff Merkley, you should have voted to protect victims, not rapists. I'm Gordon Smith and I approve this ad.
		Script of the ad "Crime:" I'm Gordon Smith and I approve this ad. Richard Gillmore: serial rapist of young girls Convicted for only one Because the statute of limitations had expired Now, he may go free-- back into society Jeff Merkley opposed extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting rape of minors Merkley opposes mandatory life sentences for serial rapists like Richard Gillmore Jeff Merkley: Failing to protect our most vulnerable

The legislation to extend the statute of limitations was a bipartisan bill carried in the Senate by Democratic Secretary of State candidate Kate Brown. The legislation requiring mandatory life sentences for serial rapist was sponsored by Democratic candidate for Oregon Treasurer Ben Westlund.

These issues only begin to expose Jeff Merkley's pattern of siding with criminals over victims. Merkley has voted against protections against violence for infants and against tougher sentences for gang violence. He even voted to block legislation that would have outlawed the sexual servitude of a minor. Click here to learn more about Jeff Merkley's appalling record on crime.

When Gordon Smith served in the State Legislature, he voted to expand the rights of victims and against early release from parole for sex offenders. As a U.S. Senator, Smith sponsored legislation to prosecute more child exploitation cases under the Adam Walsh Act. Senators Smith and Joe Biden have led the effort to increase funding for programs that help victims of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence. Click here to learn more about Gordon Smith's efforts to protect our most vulnerable against crime.

Steve Doell, President of Crime Victims United, sent a letter to Jeff Merkley earlier this summer, demanding accountability for his atrocious record on crime. To read Steve's letter to Jeff Merkley, visit this link.