Top Oregon Democrats are calling on Governor John Kitzhaber to resign. The request comes as the governor faces intense pressure and an ethics investigation.
Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler, House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney are all calling upon their fellow Democrat to step down. Governor Kitzhaber and First Lady Cylvia Hayes are facing a criminal investigation over allegations that they sold access to the governor's office to groups that wanted to shape public policy. Kitzhaber has repeatedly said he's done nothing wrong. But the scandal has become a major distraction at the capitol. House Speaker Tina Kotek wouldn't address the substance of the ethics charges against Kitzhaber.
Tina Kotek: "Nonetheless, I think it's undermined the governor's ability to focus on his work. And that's the problem."
Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, who would succeed Kitzhaber, issued a statement calling the situation "bizarre and unprecedented."