With few funds, Mannix throws big mud

What kind of candidate releases an alleged abortion story about his self-proclaimed pro-life opponent eight days before a GOP primary election? Certainly not one who is ahead in the game.

Some might consider the decision of Kevin Mannix to release alleged stories of drug abuse and sex scandals about his opponent Mike Erickson eight days before the election as a sign of his own campaign vulnerabilities rather than Erickson's. So far Mannix has raised pocket change compared to the personal wealth Erickson poured into the GOP primary. And, until today, many GOP insiders were speculating an Erickson upset victory could become a reality with his ads attacking Mannix as a tax-and-spender and then promising his conservative base to block all "illegals" from coming into the country.

The one organization trampling through this muddy race is Oregon Right to Life. The response by Gayle Atteberry and friends, if any, will be critical to the outcome of this GOP primary.

Remember only 13% of ballots have been cast.