The following joint press released was issued regarding the Franklin/Lindland felon flap:

Portland, Oregon.

The dispute between two tough competitors ended today. Candidate for Oregon House District 52, top-rated Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Matt Lindland, and political consultant, Elaine Franklin, exchanged verbal handshakes and agreed to keep their respective campaigns focused on the issues of the district.

Franklin apologized for an honest mistake and stated that "to a very few lobbyists, I apparently mischaracterized Mr. Lindland as having a felony conviction. I made a mistake in my wording and genuinely apologize to Mr. Lindland for my mistake."

For his part Matt Lindland said that he would take Franklin at her word. "I accept Ms. Franklin's apology and believe as a result of her explanation, that it was an honest error. I will not proceed with a slander suit against her but caution her that in future she needs to consider her use of words carefully. The people of our district need candidates who focus on the critical issues of our day."

Franklin said that Lindland was gracious and that knowing only a little about the tough sport for which he had gained such a great reputation, she was impressed that he separated his toughness in the ring from his balance in dealing with her mistake.

Both repeated that their respective campaigns would focus on issues.