Oregon state senator accused of harassment resigns

(Update: More on resignation, reaction)

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon state senator says he is resigning after an investigation determined he had harassed multiple women in the Capitol building with prolonged hugging, groping and other unwelcome physical contact.

Sen. Jeff Kruse said in a statement late Thursday that he still denies the allegations, but he is stepping down so his colleagues may focus on serving Oregonians without distraction.

An investigative report released Tuesday documented allegations that he harassed female colleagues while talking to them in public areas of the Senate.

Kruse, a Republican from Roseburg, had been stripped of his committee assignments by the Senate president late last year because of the complaints.

Kruse said in a letter to Secretary of State Dennis Richardson that his resignation is effective March 15. He wrote that after next Tuesday, the resignation is irrevocable.

Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick praised the women who spoke up about the harassment.

“Women showed incredible courage to come out with their experiences, and hopefully this will provide them with some comfort,” the Democrat told reporters.

Senate President Peter Courtney, a Democrat, said Kruse made the right decision in resigning. He said it ends a difficult chapter for the Legislature, but the discussion on ending harassment must continue.

Jackie Winters, the state Senate Republican leader in the Legislature dominated by Democrats, thanked Kruse for his 22 years of service.

Winters said lawmakers must work to provide a safe work environment for everyone.

Sen. Sara Gelser, a Democrat from the college town of Corvallis, says Kruse has harassed many women in the Capitol through prolonged hugs and other unwanted touching. She filed an informal complaint two years ago and Kruse was warned by Legislature’s lawyers and human resources not to touch women in the Capitol.

But he didn’t stop, Gelser says.

Last fall, Gelser filed a formal complaint against Kruse following a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against men in power.

An investigative report released Tuesday documented wider harassment.

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Here is Kruse’s statement:

For civil rights to be meaningful, there must be civil rights for all people, including the right to fundamental fairness for persons accused of harassment.

In recent weeks there have been allegations that I harassed female colleagues while talking to them in public areas of the Senate. I continue to deny these allegations and I regret that I will not have the opportunity to defend myself before the Senate Conduct Committee. However, today I tender my resignation so my colleagues may focus on serving Oregonians without distraction and my constituents may receive the fullest representation they are due.

Serving the people of Curry and portions of Coos, Douglas, Josephine and Jackson counties for the past 22 years has been the greatest honor of my life. I have been proud to serve alongside my colleagues in the Oregon House and Senate, and I am very proud of my accomplishments in healthcare and education. I look forward to returning to the wonderful community that has supported me for over two decades.