Erickson's Accuser Explains Why She Came Forward

MANNIX  ERICKSON  ELECTIONS 

By April Baer

Portland, OR  May 14, 2008 1:57 p.m.

The woman who brought to light accusations against Oregon congressional candidate Mike Erickson   is defending her decisions.

This week, claims were made public that Erickson, who opposes abortion rights, helped a girlfriend get an abortion eight years ago.

Kristi Oetken says she sat with her friend at a clinic while the procedure was performed. She's shielding her friend's identity. But Oetken says she doesn't regret coming forward.

Kristi Oetken: "We all have the right to know the character of the person we're voting for. I think there's been a lot of good, but it's -- I'm concerned for her, the fact that she has a child -- I can't imagine how difficult it is -- this very sensitive issue that people just don't talk about, even behind closed doors."

Much about the story remains unverified.

Mike Erickson has issued a short, written denial, but he's refused to answer questions or even appear in public since the story broke.

Several news outlets have worked on the story for months.  But it appeared first in the Portland Tribune this week after Erickson's primary election opponent, Kevin Mannix, put Oekten's claims into a campaign mailing.

Oetken has said she and her friend are not Mannix supporters, but felt Erickson was not being truthful about his stance on abortion.

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