Neville aims to challenge Smith for Senate seat.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Candy Neville has heard plenty of speech-giving and carrying on.

But when it comes to getting the United States out of Iraq, she hasn't seen enough action. So the Eugene real estate broker decided to run for the U.S. Senate.

Neville, 57, was the first to file for the Senate office on next year's ballot, turning in candidacy papers last week.

As one of at least three Democrats, along with an Independent Party candidate running for the chance to face incumbent Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., Neville acknowledged that she's a long shot to reach Capitol Hill.

"I am running to win, but winning isn't my big goal," Neville said. "My goal is that we get out of Iraq and that we re-establish the balance of power with Congress."

Neville explained that she thinks members of the House and Senate, including Smith, have abdicated their constitutional responsibility to keep in check the expanding power of the executive branch under the Bush administration.

Neville is the mother of three grown children. She has never run for office before. Her background includes volunteering in the 2004 elections, teaching at Lane Community College, and as a construction contractor and duplex landlord. Her husband is an editorial writer at The Register- Guard.

- David Steves