Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber will step down. He said [today] Friday that his resignation will take effect February 18.
The Governor 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 influence state policy. The Governor said in a recorded statement that he is confident that he has not broken any laws. But he says the ongoing distraction of the situation has reached the tipping point.
John Kitzhaber: "The escalating media frenzy that has stemmed from this has clearly reached the point of no return."
When Kitzhaber steps down next Wednesday, Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown will take the oath of office. She'll become the second woman to serve as Oregon governor.
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