Mike Erickson -- the Republican candidate in the 5th Congressional District -- called an Oregonian story that claimed he lied about the nature a 2004 trip to Cuba a "smear tactic" during a press conference Monday

In its story, the paper said Erickson (R-Lake Oswego) used the trip to purchase Cuban cigars and party. Erickson has said the trip was a humanitarian effort to deliver medical aid to impoverished Cubans.

At a Monday news conference, Erickson questioned the legitimacy of the Oregonian story, saying the paper got its facts wrong when it wrote that a clinic Erickson said he visited didn't exist.

"It is time to get past these kinds of smear tactics and start focusing on real issues that matter to the voters," Erickson said, according to a statement issued by his campaign.  (Hundreds) of citizens benefitted from the supplies the group brought, and those Cuban's that received our help were thankful."

"We as a country need to be to be doing more to help others," he said. "Not only here in our country, but also other oppressed places around the world.  I have done a small part to help and I am proud of what I have been able to do to help others. Now I am being attacked by the Oregonian for trying to help others."

Erickson is running against Democratic state Sen. Kurt Schrader (D-Canby) for the 5th Congressional seat being vacated by Democratic U.S. Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-West Linn).

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