The Oregonian editorial board this afternoon called on Gov. John Kitzhaber to resign in the wake of new allegations of influence-peddling.
The board writes:
The lengthy argument about why Kitzhaber should step down, made by the state's largest newspaper, marks an astounding fall from grace for the only four-term governor in Oregon history.
Only three months ago, nearly every newspaper in the state, including WW and The Oregonian endorsed Kitzhaber's re-election.
Additional stories on Gov. Kitzhaber and Cylvia Hayes:
Feb. 4, 2015: "Kitzhaber Hired Ally Who Arranged Cylvia Hayes' Fellowship, Making Him Highest-Paid Aide."
Feb. 4, 2015: "Climate, Changed": Gov. John Kitzhaber should be at the pinnacle of his power. His role in an unfolding scandal has brought him low.
Feb. 4, 2015: "Yes, Virginia, There is a Scandal": The similarities and differences between Gov. Kitzhaber's scandal and that of disgraced Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell.
Feb. 4, 2015: "Hands Off": Why is Oregon AG Ellen Rosenblum ducking the Kitzhaber-Hayes case?
Jan 30, 2015: Gov. Kitzhaber holds a press conference saying Cylvia Hayes will have no further role in his administration.
Jan. 30, 2015: A nonprofit's Oregon state funding spiked eight-fold during the year it employed Cylvia Hayes, WW reported.
Jan. 27, 2015: Hillary Borrud of EO Media Group/Pamplin Media Group revealed Hayes had been paid $118,000 in consulting fees in 2011 and 2012 while working in the governorâs office. WW reported Jan. 28 that this information suggested that Hayes did not report all of her income on her 2012 income tax forms.
Jan. 12, 2015: Gov. John Kitzhaber sworn in for historic fourth term.
Jan. 9, 2015: WW reports the FBI is investigating Cylvia Hayes.
Jan. 7, 2015: WW reports Cylvia Hayes used a taxpayer-funded trip to Seattle to work for private consulting clients.
December 17, 2014: New documents show why Cylvia Hayes qualifies as a public official and is subject to state ethics laws.
December 12, 2014: Cylvia Hayes regularly used a state employee to book private travel, WW reports.
Oct. 15, 2014: WW reports Gov. Kitzhaber's office aided a financially troubled former client of Cylvia Hayes.
Oct. 15, 2014: WW reports Gov. Kitzhaber's staff bent ethics standards to suit Cylvia Hayes.
Oct. 8, 2014: WW reports on Cylvia Hayes' undisclosed marriage to 18-year-old immigrant. The next day, Hayes admitted she broke federal law by taking part in an illegal marriage.
Oct. 8, 2014: First Lady, Inc., WW's cover story on Cylvia Hayes' questionable public and private business dealings.
Jan. 8, 2014: Cylvia Hayes is cited for using a State Police pass to park her personal car.
WWeek 2015