Conservative candidate calls Melania Trump a 'hoebag' -- then defiantly stands by his prostitution smear

An Oregon man running an "independent conservative" bid for Congress is doubling down on his salacious attacks on First Lady Melania Trump.

Mark Roberts is challenging Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) in the state's sprawling second congressional district, which prognosticators say is a safely Republican seat.

During a Monday conversation on Twitter about the size of the East Wing staff, Roberts seemed to suggest that the First Lady was a "hoebag" prostitute.

Following criticism, Roberts did not retract his allegation, but instead also referred to the First Lady as a "hosebag" while mocking any worry of legal liability.

When The Daily Caller reached out for comment, Roberts said, "never heard of The Daily Caller."

"I think I’m too big for you," he added.

Rep. Walden, the incumbent Republican whom Roberts is challenging, will be raising money at a "secret" location next week with House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

On Monday, addressing CEO Jack Dorsey, Rep. McCarthy said Roberts' account "should be banned ASAP."