Mike Erikson has not held a press conference or been very talkative with the press since his Republican rival in the 5th Congressional District hit the district’s constituency with a letter alleging some improprieties from Erickson’s past. What he has done is put some of his massive financial advantage to use and released a television spot intended to chronicle "Kevin Mannix's desperate attempt at covering up his shady dealings and repeated votes for higher taxes.”

Erikson has denied the allegations in a couple of statements to the press, although the ad makes scant mention of them. What is does do is resurrect questions Mannix has faced over his handling of campaign finances; back in 2006, The Oregonian found that over the course of the previous decade, political committees or foundations controlled by Mannix had paid $838,000 to his law firm, other businesses or personal accounts.

Erickson also takes the chance to throw in the talking point that Mannix has voted for 83 tax increases over the years and that the negative campaign is an attempt to obscure this record.

Amy Langdon, Mannix’s spokeswoman responded, noting that “instead of responding to the fact of his hypocrisy, Mr. Erickson is hiding from the media and trying to buy his way out of trouble.”

“He owes the voters a real response, not more distractions,” she said.