National Media Shines Harsh Light on Kitzhaber's Legal and Political Troubles

Former Gov. John Kitzhaber
By ANNA WALTERS

The legal and political controversy surrounding the scandal enveloping Gov. John Kitzhaber and first lady Cylvia Hayes is dominating the news media's attention in Oregon.


But heat on the governor and his fiancee is starting to get attention around the country as well.


The issue of Hayes' use of Kitzhaber's office for her personal gain—and the governor's alleged failure to follow state ethics laws in regard to her activities—has been in the news since WW first reported in October on Hayes getting $85,000 in consulting contracts. The story got new life Jan. 27, when Hillary Borrud of the EO Media Group/Pamplin Media Group reported Hayes received an additional $118,000; WW and The Oregonian quickly noted Hayes apparently didn't report as much as $88,000 of that income on her tax returns. Kitzhaber's disastrous press conference on the issue Jan. 29 led to more scrutiny and The Oregonian's editorial board calling for the governor's resignation.


Now national media are weighing in.


Los Angeles Times
LA Times
facing federal prison time

More from that story:

The Washington Post
The Oregonian’s

Reuters also pointed to The O's editorial and rehashed allegations—including the couple's possible tax fraud and dubious consulting contracts Hayes was awarded. The story ran on The New York Times site and other major outlets.


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