The magic genie who appeared before Kevin Mannix in recent days in the form of a lascivious email has finally granted his most prized wish: all the free media he could hope for.

Yesterday, several broadcast news stations ran the story of the Mannix attack on his opponent Mike Erickson, claiming Erickson does not really live up to his "pro-life" mantra by asserting Erickson impregnated his girlfriend back in 2000 then gave her cash and a ride to a local abortion clinic. The Oregonian ran two Metro stories on the dispute and an editorial today calling on one or the other to drop out of the race (depending on who's really lying).

With six days left of voting and only an estimated 19% ballot return for Marion county, this race could get even more nasty. Stay tuned.