In the world of Ultimate Fighting, Matt Lindland's opponents know him as "The Law." But as a candidate for a seat in State House District 52, Lindland said allegations from the campaign of his opponent, Phyllis Thiemann, have deemed him an outlaw.

Lindland said he'd heard that Thiemann's campaign consultant, Elaine Franklin (who many know as former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood's wife), told several Republican leaders that Lindland was a convicted felon.

"When I heard the rumors, I couldn't believe it," said Lindland. "I don't have a felony on my record."

Oregon Right to Life Director Gayle Atteberry, told NewsChannel 8 that Franklin called her last month. She said Franklin asked her if she realized that Lindland had a felony on his record. Atteberry, who said ORTL endorses Lindland, couldn't believe what she heard.

"I was upset by what (Franklin) told me, so I checked (Lindland's) records and learned the truth and is that he didn't have a felony," Atteberry said.

Lindland competed in the 2000 Olympics and won a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling. He now runs Team Quest Gym in Gresham, and said he doesn't want to represent House District 52 as a career politician, but rather as a voice for his community. A community which started receiving its mail-in ballots last week.

"A lot of people make their decision (to vote) early, and they want to make their decision on the person's character and on the issues," said Lindland. "If somebody's spreading those lies about my character, that damages me... frankly, it's hurtful."

In response, Theimann sent Lindland an e-mail regarding her campaign consultant. She wrote, "I am not aware of what Elaine Franklin may or may not have told others."

She also stated, "Although I have a copy of your prior conviction, I have never intended to use it in my campaign and still do not."

That "prior conviction," said Lindland, was for a Class 3 misdemeanor he received as a 19-year-old while working in the produce section of a local grocery store. Lindland said he was told to throw out loads of old produce, but instead kept about $30 dollars worth.

"I thought, 'this is a waste, I've got a lot of hungry wrestlers who'll eat this stuff,' but it wasn't my produce to give away," said Lindland, who received 30 hours of community service, a year of probation and was fined $20 for the offense. "It hasn't been brought up and 19 years later, I run for office and Elaine Franklin decides to drag it out and turn it into a felony," Lindland added.

"The Law" said depending on what Thiemann's campaign consultant does next, he may file a lawsuit. Whether or not this political smackdown comes to blows, Lindland said is ultimately up to Franklin.

"I've asked Elaine Franklin to publicly go on the record that she knew this was a lie when she spread it," said Lindland. "If she doesn't do that within 48 hours, I'll file a defamation lawsuit against her, but I hope it doesn't come to that."

KGW tried to reach Franklin by e-mail on Monday, but did not receive a response.