Pierce campaign spokeswoman resigns over remarks

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The spokeswoman for Oregon’s Republican gubernatorial candidate says she has resigned because of a comment he made during a debate about abuse of women.

Stacey Kafka told The Associated Press over the phone that she resigned on Friday because she was offended that Bud Pierce had said that successful women aren’t susceptible to abuse and sexual violence.

The resignation, reported earlier by the Portland Tribune, came as Pierce is fighting against the odds to take the governorship away from Brown in this predominantly Democratic state.

Kafka said that as a former low-paid TV reporter, she did not feel she was more prone to being targeted than a more highly paid professional.

Pierce’s remark drew groans and boos from the audience. He later apologized.