Attorney General Keeping ‘All Legal Options’ Open For Kitzhaber and Hayes

Friday, February 06, 2015

Annie Ellison, GoLocalPDX Reporter

Oregon’s top legal prosecutor is changing her tune regarding a possible investigation into the Governor and Cylvia Hayes’ alleged misuse of public office for personal gain, possible fraudulent tax filings.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said late Thursday night that her office was considering all legal options regarding the alleged actions of Hayes and Governor John Kitzhaber.

“Recent allegations relating to Governor Kitzhaber and Ms. Hayes are very serious-- and troubling,” Rosenblum said in a statement.

“My office is considering all of our legal options to ensure that we are best serving the state."

The statement is reversal of Rosenblum’s stance earlier this week. At that time, the Attorney General's office had not opened an investigation, although Rosenblum is the only person in the state with the authority to investigate.

Rosenblum told Willamette Week Feb. 4 it was not appropriate to investigate, because the Attorney General’s office represents the state.

Although a call from the Eugene Register Guard for an independent investigation came over a month ago, Rosenblum's statement follows a call from the editorial board of the Oregonian for Kitzhaber to resign.