"Gordon Smith is a long-time and steadfast supporter of Senator McCain and his candidacy," Smith's spokesperson Lindsay Gilbride said.

But now he'll be focusing only on his own win in November. Smith has faced a tough re-election campaign with Oregon Speaker of the House Jeff Merkley. Smith continues to try to distance himself from his GOP connection using ads that display all of his bi-partisan efforts in the Senate.

Sarah Lane, Merkley's Netroots Director, released this statement from Merkley's campaign:

"Rather than be straight with Oregon voters about his right-wing agenda, Senator Smith is willing to throw his good friend John McCain under the bus to win re-election. Gordon Smith believes he can rewrite history. He is willing to do or say anything this year to get re-elected."

Former Governor Vic Atiyeh will take Smith's place on McCain's Oregon leadership team.

"John McCain has proven throughout his life that putting our great country first will be the guiding principle that defines his administration," said Atiyeh. "McCain's unquestioned bipartisan approach to finding solutions to the tough issues facing Oregonians today is refreshing in a time of unmitigated partisanship and gridlock in Washington."  

McCain's campaign announced Oregon's Grassroots Leadership Team. This team of local Oregon leaders will help organize and manage the campaign's grassroots efforts, including the "get out the vote" turnout operation, in each county and city across the state of Oregon. Atiyeh also chairs this campaign.

To read more about Gordon Smith, visit his Web site at gordonsmith.com. Jeff Merkley also has a Web site at jeffmerkley.com.