By now, the political smear tactics in the U.S. Senate race for our region should have exhausted the patience of voters in both parties.

An accelerating series of TV ads, some produced by the campaigns and some by “independent” backers, have shown us mudslinging at its best – make that, worst.

In the end, who wins? Not the voting public, which could dearly use some serious discussion of the issues and challenges facing America today. Instead we are treated to snippet after snippet of character assassination. So far we may not be getting much substantive discussion from either camp, but we can safely say that, a) Jeff Merkley talks with his mouth full at barbecues, and b) Gordon Smith has money to burn on gold-plated golf clubs.

The candidates rationalize by saying they aren’t responsible for the ads produced by outside supporters. Apparently, our candidates don’t have as much sway in the world of politics as they claim in other contexts. Further, they say they have to respond in kind when their opponent lashes out. In other words, “everybody else is doing it.” The latter, of course, never worked for the kids in our household, so why should we accept the name-calling and bad behavior of grown adults in this case?

Shakespeare said it best: A pox on both your houses. Clean up the campaign act. Tell us your plans to address the economic slump, the high cost of gas, rising food prices, the abandonment of rural communities, the morass in the Middle East. Treat us like adults, who just might be able to cast a ballot based on an informed opinion.