Every year, college seniors all over the country take diplomas from the hands of college presidents, wave them in a gesture of victory and then throw them in the back of the closet. 

Well, it seems like they should note what happened to “Dr.” Tony Marino, Republican candidate for the Oregon House in District 35, who has been questioned by the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, which has determined that his diploma is a “fake.” 

Last week, the candidate sent a tell-all letter to local newspapers, admitting to past financial problems, divorces, and that his degree from on on-line university is not accredited in Oregon. Ashwood Univeristy’s diplomas start at $240. 

The doctorate hasn’t made it into campaign literature, but it does figure prominently on his website and his business cards.

Marino told The Oregonian that he will remove references to his Ph.D.  a.s.a.p.; "Obviously, I believe based on my life's experience, and my service to my country and all the other things I've done professionally in my life, I believe I deserve it."