For the United States Senate seat held by Republican Gordon Smith, the contest today is effectively even, Merkley 44%, Smith 42%, a 14-point improvement for Merkley compared to a SurveyUSA poll released 7 weeks ago, when, Smith led by 12. But: Constitution party candidate Dave Brownlow gets 8% in SurveyUSA polling today, and an additional 6% remain undecided, making the contest difficult to handicap. Among men, Smith led by 16 in August, trails by 7 today. In greater Portland, Smith led by 11 points in August, trails by 6 points today. Among voters under age 50, Smith led by 11 points in August, trails by 8 today. Among Moderates, Smith led by 4 points in August, trails by 7 points today. Among those who have not graduated from college, Smith led by 13 in August, trails by 3 today. Among lower income voters, Smith led by 6 points in August, trails by 6 points today. Brownlow is in double digits among Independents, voters who disapprove of Smith, disapprove of Obama, and voters who earn less than $50,000 a year.