Gordon Smith is getting desperate these days.
Not only is Smith spending $ on TV ads trying to paint himself as a moderate (which is laughable), while Jeff Merkley is not spending a dime, he is commiting trademark infringement and trying to capitalize on an implied endorsement while doing so.
For any of you who are college sports fans, you probably know of the "O" logo that represents the University of Oregon. That font (also used on UO logos and letterhead), designed by Nike specifically for the University, which holds the trademark rights. The University is the only legal user of the font, and the association is easily recognizable by most everyone in the state. UO is VERY lock and key about this font, and does not let anyone use it for any purpose.
(Check out the link for yourself)
Look, I could really care less about the font itself. The real issue here is out of every font, why does Smith use that particular font? One that is only used by one single instution in the entire world? The obvious answer is that Smith is essentially trying to use the commercial as a fake endorsement by the University. Of course, public universities don't make endorsements, but Gordy doesn't really think us common folk are all that smart.
Now, the UO had threatened cease and desist orders in the past over use of this font. The question is what are they going to do about this? They almost assuredly will ask Smith to stop using the font. The question is will Smith comply, or will they have to get nasty about it.
Oregon is a blue state that's only getting bluer. We have seen through Smith's ways, and he won't likely be scoring a whole lot of major endorsements this time around. Of course, most GOPers aren't above a little falsification. But if he's counting on something like this so early in the game, November will be even easier than we thought. College football may be a way of life in this state, but we're above voting for someone simply because he ripped off a school logo.
Smith is already blowing his cash on juvenile and dishonest ploys. Gotta love the desperation this early in the game.