by brownsox [courtesy of Daily Kos]

Senate:

67 percent of precincts reporting.

The Oregonian has called the race for Jeff Merkley, and according to Blue Oregon, Novick has called Merkley to concede. Merkley will now turn his attention to Gordon Smith for the fall election.

Fifth District results:

Democratic

Republican

Impressive victory for Schrader...and despite loads of terrible press recently, Mike Erickson has won his own primary.

by brownsox [courtesy of Daily Kos]

Republican Mike Erickson, candidate for the nomination in Oregon's 5th District, has come under heavy fire lately from primary opponent Kevin Mannix, with rumors afloat that Erickson used to hold wild cocaine parties on his boat.

Well, Erickson flatly denies these scurrilous allegations; he's not only never used cocaine, but

"I've never used cocaine. I wouldn't know what it looks like," Erickson said, adding that he has never used illegal drugs or tobacco.

He doesn't know what cocaine looks like? He's never seen  Beverly Hills Cop? He's never cooked with baking soda?

I had to snort at that one.

Call me a skeptic, but Erickson's denial just doesn't pass the smell test.

It would have been a bit more plausible if he just denied knowledge of the coke parties. Something like "If there's been cocaine use here, well, it's been happening right under my own nose."

Anybody else got a clever pun? A not-so-clever one?

In all seriousness, this is one of the most ridiculous statements we've seen yet this cycle. Either Erickson is a bald-faced liar, or a first-class moran. It's his choice as to which he'd rather be.

And please submit all coke-related Erickson jokes below!