Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley (D) is getting some big-name campaign help from Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D) in his reelection fight.
{mosads}The Merkley campaign announced Tuesday that Warren will appear at a fundraiser for the senator on May 28 at the Hilton hotel in downtown Portland.
Merkley also touted the appearance in a fundraising pitch to supporters, which offers them the chance to win an expenses-paid trip and VIP tickets to the event in exchange for a donation.
Warren’s been a big fundraising draw for Democratic candidates and incumbents across the nation, but her trip to Oregon is the latest indication that Merkley is ramping up his campaign for what could be a fierce reelection fight.
Republicans are excited about their chances in the traditionally blue state due to persistent issues with Oregon’s insurance exchange, which never worked smoothly since its implementation under ObamaCare and was in fact abandoned last Friday in favor of the federal exchange.
They believe they have a strong candidate in pediatric neurosurgeon Monica Wehby, who’s gained national attention recently for her unusual profile and striking ads. Republicans hope, thanks to her more centrist positions on social issues, she will appeal to moderate Democrats and independents in a general election.
She first has to make it through her primary, however, where she faces state Rep. Jason Conger, among others. But she has in recent weeks picked up a number of big-name endorsements, on Tuesday announcing the backing of former GOP presidential contender Newt Gingrich.