Kate Brown sworn in as Oregon governor; predecessor resigns

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By JONATHAN J. COOPER

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Kate Brown was sworn in Wednesday as Oregon's governor following an influence-peddling scandal that prompted the resignation of fellow Democrat John Kitzhaber, who had been the state's longest-serving chief executive before his swift fall from grace.

Brown assumed Oregon's highest office during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Brown, formerly the secretary of state, becomes the first openly bisexual governor in the nation.

Unlike most states, Oregon has no lieutenant governor. Under the state constitution, the secretary of state takes over if a governor steps down or dies.

Kitzhaber, elected to an unprecedented fourth term last year, announced last week that he would step down amid allegations his fiancee used her relationship with him to enrich herself.

FULL story at link.



Oregon Gov. Kate Brown stands at the House podium after she is sworn in as Governor in Salem, Ore., Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015. John Kitzhaber, elected to an unprecedented fourth term last year, announced last week that he would step down amid allegations his fiancee used her relationship with him to enrich herself. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)



Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150218/us--oregon_governor-d0bb0f2683.html

[RationalMan]

1. Glad to see this democratic transition of power.......

It is unfortunate that Kitzhaber made some bad choices. He was a well-liked, well-respected and apparently effective state executive. But after several weeks of fluidity, the situation will now normalize with a new governor who can get on with the people's business.

I wish the new governor and the people of Oregon well. I saw her in an interview and she appears to be very sharp, well-spoken and capable. She had been elected, after all, as leader of the Secretaries of State organization.

[fredamae]

2. Thank God

OrDems have the good sense to "de-prioritize" all political/party "loyalty" regardless and do the right thing when a very wrong thing happens.......

I appreciate that.