PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - When trying to make a first impression on voters, politicians usually go for the tried-and-true: pictures of them tickling impossibly cute babies under the chin, perhaps, or accompanied by a demographically correct assortment of blue-collar workers in hard-hats.

Not Tony Marino, a Republican newcomer who is trying to capture a legislative seat in Tigard.

Instead, he's introduced himself to voters via a letter to constituents that outlines the mea culpas of his life, including bankruptcy and a run-in with the IRS, five divorces and a PhD from an online university that's not accredited in Oregon.

Oh yeah, and his first mailer features Marino and his young daughter on a Harley, neither of them wearing a helmet. (Though a notation underneath notes that the photo was taken in a studio, and that "all smart motorcyclists wear helmets." Oregon law requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets.)

Marino's campaign slogan is "Politics Unusual." Indeed.

"I think the voters deserve honesty," he said in an interview Thursday. "They should know as much as they can about the individual running to represent them."

After reading the letter, which ran as an insert in community newspapers, including The Tigard Times and The Regal Courier of King City, voters will certainly know a lot about Marino, who is challenging two-term incumbent Democratic Rep. Larry Galizio.

They'll know, for example, that Marino was divorced repeatedly, since he writes, "Fresh out of the U.S. Navy I didn't know what I wanted out of life or a partner who would share it with me. I made some decisions that at the time seemed right, but in retrospect, were probably hasty."

They'll learn that Marino got his Ph.D degree from Ashwood University, an online only school that advertises degrees for "life experience"; the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization says the school's actual location is "unknown" and that there is "no evidence that it exists."

Of his ongoing battle with the IRS, he writes, "When I was younger I overreached financially and unknowingly had some outstanding taxes. Interest and penalties started to add up when the IRS didn't contact me about the amount due. Several years later, I met with them with my attorney to reach a reasonable settlement, and they declined."

Each of his choices resulted in an important life lesson learned, Marino tells voters; for example, from the bankruptcy he had to declare after a television show he was working on in Palm Springs, Calif., was canceled, "I learned to be more careful with my investments and my finances."

Political consultants from both sides of the aisle say Marino's move is highly unusual, with no memorable recent parallel in Oregon political history.

"It's an interesting approach," said Chuck Adams, a longtime GOP consultant from Salem. "Clearly they felt it was important to bring up issues that they knew that the Democrats are going to use against him in an attempt to define those issues on their terms."

Mark Wiener, a veteran Democratic consultant from Portland, agreed that it can be prudent for a candidate to air his or her own laundry, before an opponent has a chance to do it for them.

"Having said that, though, there comes a point where the accumulation of different problems and errors in judgment, over the course of a lifetime, moves from the category of explanation to a narrative of spectacular serial boneheadedness that might tend to disqualify one from serious consideration as a public official," Wiener added. "My sense is that Mr. Marino has strayed into this territory."

Galizio, an instructor at Portland Community College, said he was not interested in digging into Marino's personal life, saying he thought voters were more concerned about health care, education and the economy.

"I do think that running in a district where education is something that is so highly valued, purchasing a degree online and downloading it is kind of a slap in the face," said Galizio, who is working toward a PhD in urban and public affairs at Portland State. 

On the Web:

www.VoteTonyMarino.com

www.LarryGalizio.com 

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)