Accused of harassing, senator resigns

SALEM, Ore. — An Oregon state senator said Thursday that he was resigning after an investigation determined he had harassed women in the Capitol building with prolonged hugging, groping and other unwelcome physical contact.

Sen. Jeff Kruse, in a statement, remained defiant, indicating he was deprived of his rights and proclaiming his innocence. He said his resignation is effective March 15.

An investigative report released Tuesday said the longtime Republican senator from the former timber town of Roseburg had groped or given lingering hugs to two female senators, two law students who used to work for him, Republican and nonpartisan staff members, a former legislative aide and a lobbyist.

The report said the behavior had continued for years, despite warnings that he stop.

In his statement Kruse said: “I continue to deny these allegations and I regret that I will not have the opportunity to defend myself before the Senate Conduct Committee.”

Kruse told the investigator that he believed his behavior was “instinctual” and that although he wanted to change, “It’s not easy to change when you have been doing something for 67 years.”

Senate President Peter Courtney said Kruse made the right decision.

“While Senator Kruse’s resignation ends a difficult chapter for the Legislature, we cannot allow it to end this discussion,” Courtney said. “We owe it to the courageous women who came forward to seize this moment.”