Statement by Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson Regarding US Attorney's Decision Not to Prosecute Former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber
Today, the US Attorney announced the decision not to proceed with the federal prosecution of former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber.This decision does not change the fact that the Governor and Cylvia Hayes accepted money from those desiring to purchase influence.
It is unfortunate that the recent US Supreme Court decision regarding influence
peddling by former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife has set the bar so
high that it is now nearly impossible to bring federal charges in political
corruption cases.
It
is clear that Oregon and the nation still have a long way to go to restore
trust in government. However, I’m grateful that Oregonians have placed me in a
position to advocate for accountability and transparency in our state
government.
Dennis Richardson
| 
