Right To Life Says Erickson Should Drop Out Of Race

ERICKSON  MANNIX  ELECTIONS 

By April Baer

Portland, OR  May 16, 2008 8:38 a.m.

Oregon Right to Life is calling on Republican Mike Erickson to drop his bid for Congress. Erickson is locked in a tough battle for the 5th District nomination. April Baer reports that he's still keeping a low profile.

This week, Erickson's opponent, Kevin Mannix unleashed a two year old rumor that Erickson paid for a girlfriend's abortion.

Editor's Note

The original version of this story stated "Oregon Right to Life learned of the story when Erickson made his first congressional run two years ago, vetted it, and decided to endorse him anyway." That has been changed to state that "Oregon Right to Life learned of the story when Erickson made his first congressional run two years ago,  talked to him about it and decided not to withdraw their previous endorsement."

Oregon Right to Life learned of the story when Erickson made his first congressional run two years ago,  talked to him about it and decided not to withdraw their previous endorsement.

Gayle Atteberry is the group's executive director. She says it would have been inappropriate to make the story public.

Gayle Attebury: "We knew it was not our story to tell. We had no business flaunting this woman out for political gains at that time."

Attebury says Erickson confirmed  he'd given the woman a ride to a doctor's office, but claimed not to know she was ending a pregnancy.

Oregon Right to Life is supporting Kevin Mannix in the 5th.

Since the story broke, Erickson's bought TV ads refuting the charges. He has not responded to repeated requests for an interview.

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