Smith vows ‘turnaround year’ ■Sen. Gordon Smith continues his campaign, promising a better future for Oregon’s timber industry and overall economy By Jeremy Lang Oregon Daily Emerald Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., fresh off his one-on-one with President George W. Bush, told the Associated Oregon Loggers convention Friday that he’s optimistic about their chances — and his chances — of coming out on top in 2002. Smith, the keynote speaker for the 32nd annual convention, said Bush’s Republican administration will give him “the opportunity to be on the offensive” for the first time since taking office in 1997. He said the offensive push to im prove Oregon’s economy will favor the timber industry, <lmid loggers should be as optimistic as he is that 2002 will be a “turnaround year” for the industry and the entire state. “For a decade now, we’ve taken advantage of natural resources,” Smith said. “We’ve put all our eggs in the high-tech basket.” Bush visited Oregon on Jan. 5, his first return since the 2000 campaign, and Smith accompanied the presi * dent on Air Force One and in limou sines. He told the 200-plus attendees at the convention that Bush showed an aggressive resolve to help strug gling Oregon loggers and farmers. “I saw a man genuinely ag grieved,” Smith said of Bush. “I saw him give very clear directions (to his advisers) to get this fixed, doggone it.” The convention took place at the Eugene Hilton, and the atmosphere contrasted the atmosphere during a University conference on natural resources. Historically, when tim ber conferences come to the Uni r 32ND ANNlMi CON^EMTIOli 1,4#* ^*1 F«*«i Thomas Patterson Emerald Sen. Gordon Smith mingles with constituents after his speech at the Associated Oregon Loggers 2002 annual convention at the Eugene Hilton on Friday morning. versity, they focus on preservation and conservation, with student groups such as Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group vo cally and frequently sounding the rallying cry. But Smith faced no op position Friday speaking to a group that showed its Republican colors numerous times. Association President Mark Crawford, who opened the event, said he agreed that the Executive Branch will correct the “awful poli cies” passed by former President Bill Clinton’s administration. “I’m sure we are all relieved to have the past year behind us. ... Thank God for George Bush. ” Smith is running for re-election in November, and the question-and answer session that followed his speech seemed like a campaign stop. Audience members wearing work shirts, suspenders and base ball caps questioned the suit-clad senator on a variety of issues that analysts believe will define the midterm elections, from terrorism to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle’s, D-S.D., role in the dead lock on economic stimulus. “Daschle blamed the recession more on the dot-coms than the Bush tax cut. When George Bush took his oath of office, we were in a recession. ” Democrats currently hold a one seat majority in the Senate, and Smith said races such as his could decide who controls the agenda for the next two years. Smith called his likely Democratic contender, Secre tary of State Bill Bradbury, a “credi ble opponent” who will run an “ag gressive, well-funded campaign.” “If we defend seats like mine, we’ll take back the Senate,” Smith said. “If you’d like to keep with the ear of the president of the U.S., I’m your candidate.” Smith said he plans to stop at the University during his campaign, Turn to Sen. Smith, page 6 appetizers • burgers • sandwiches • wraps • soups • salads • specialties sandwiches Cucumber, green and red peppers, tomato, red onion, lettuce, avocado, hummus, cream cheese, dijon and mayonnaise. turkey Fresh sliced turkey, red onion, tomato, lettuce, dijon, mayonnaise, with choice of cheese. meatioaf With ketchup, onions and lettuce. tuna Mixed with our basil vinaigrette, red onion, mayo and lettuce. roast beef Thinly sliced beef with horseradish, mayonnaise, red onion, tomato, lettuce and choice of cheese. ham Honey roasted ham, with honey mustard, mayonnaise, red onion, tomato, lettuce and choice of cheese. Caesar salad wrapped in a pita cone (available with chicken). Look for our student specials! S41.344.1960 Surviving Winter Term 2002 at the UO Bookstore The NEW Apple G4 iMac. Place your order today. Call for details. digita UNIVERSITY OF OREGON BOOKSTORE (541) 346-4331 www.uobookstore.com