SALEM — Secretary of State Kate Brown said Thursday her opponent, Bend-based surgeon Knute Buehler, should put his “money where his mouth is” and put a cap of $1 million on campaign spending this fall.

Buehler’s campaign released a statement that read: “A career politician who has raised and spent well over $6.3 million dollars is calling for spending limits? Give me a break. To call this cynical is an insult to cynicism.”

Let the race for secretary of state begin.

Although Buehler, a Republican, is new to the political scene, he has already made significant headway in bolstering his campaign war chest. His contributions so far have exceeded $850,000. Brown’s campaign has raised closer to $480,000, according to information from the secretary of state’s website.

Buehler said in a statement that Brown’s suggestion shows her “partisanship and desperation.” He called the move “gimmicky.”

Brown also proposed scheduling a dozen joint appearances to speak with voters. Buehler agreed with this aspect of her proposal.

The $1 million spending limit would include both the primary and the November general election. Brown said that in 2008 she spent $1.2 million and thinks that’s plenty of money to get ideas out to voters.

“It’s time we lead by example,” Brown said. “The best way we can do that is start with a voluntary spending limit. My opponent is making campaign finance his signature issue. I’m certainly an advocate. It makes sense to reach an agreement in this election cycle and demonstrate to other candidates and people in Oregon it can be done.”

Buehler’s statement said Brown’s idea is not “serious policymaking.”

“She’s been in (a) leadership position and delivered no substantial campaign spending reform,” he said. “Now she proposes a purely gimmicky idea late in the election.”

Along with the letter to Buehler, Brown’s campaign released quotes from him speaking for the need to rein in campaign spending.

“This is about Dr. Buehler,” Brown said, after hearing he would not accept her offer. “He believes in spending limits — apparently unless it applies to him.”