SALEM, Ore. — Oregon's governor is struggling to deal with allegations that his fiancee used his position to land clients for her environmental consulting business, claims that have drawn an ethics investigation and the scrutiny of the state's attorney general.
Although his role in arranging the deals isn't clear, the scandal has posed a threat to the decadeslong political career of four-term Democrat John Kitzhaber, Oregon's longest-serving governor.
The editorial board at the state's largest newspaper, the Oregonian, called for him to resign this week, saying the controversy has become such a distraction that he can't effectively lead. Two advisers to the Republican he defeated last year took early steps Friday to begin a recall effort.
A series of newspaper reports since October have chronicled Cylvia Hayes' work for organizations with an interest in Oregon public policy. During the same period, she worked as an unpaid adviser in the governor's office. The spotlight on Hayes led to her revelation that she accepted about $5,000 to illegally marry an immigrant seeking immigration benefits in the 1990s.
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she would review the matter, and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission has opened an inquiry into Hayes' actions.
Kitzhaber has declined to appoint a special prosecutor, saying it's unnecessary. In November, he won by a larger margin than he managed four years earlier.