Oregon Senator Called To Resign Amid More Claims Of Harassment

SALEM, OR -- Oregon state Rep. Knute Buehler this week called on Sen. Jeff Kruse to resign after another senator accused Kruse of sexual harassment. Sen. Sara Gelser's claim of harassment comes weeks after Kruse was previously accused of inappropriate behavior at the Capitol.

Buehler, who is running for governor, released a statement saying he respects those who have come forward against Kruse.

"The behavior of Sen. Kruse has no place in civil society or the workplace. This is especially true for someone who holds the people's trust and should set a higher standard of behavior. Throughout this process, Sen. Kruse has lost the personal credibility and ability to effectively serve the people of Oregon. That's why today I called Sen. Kruse and urged him to do the right thing and immediately resign. And finally, I would also encourage Senate President and Speaker of the House to not only work to improve the process and approach for addressing allegations of unacceptable behavior but, as important, aggressively work to change and improve the workplace culture that, regrettably, exists in our Capitol," Buehler's statement read.

Buehler's statement was released just a day after Gelser provided a detail account of her professional relationship with Kruse where she accused him of repeatedly touching her inappropriately.

"I first began experiencing unwanted and inappropriate physical contact from Senator Kruse while I was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives. I enjoyed a positive working relationship with Senator Kruse and respected his policy perspectives. However, I became increasingly reluctant to meet with him because he made physical contact with me in ways that made me uncomfortable. This included hugs in which he pressed his full body against mine, wrapping his arms tightly around me, kissing my cheek, or whispering in my ear. I would step away from these behaviors but was concerned that I would offend or embarrass him by discussing the behavior," she wrote in a letter to state leaders.

"On one occasion in 2011, Senator Kruse approached me from behind my seat at my House floor desk. He leaned forward from behind my back, and ran both his hands and arms down my shoulders and across my breasts. He then crossed his arms over the front of my body and squeeze me in a hug with his hands on my hips. He then rested his head first on my head and then my shoulder. I was stunned and frozen."

The letter, which was first reported by Oregonian, also said Kruse at one point placed his hand on her thigh during a meeting.

Last month, Kruse was stripped of his committee assignments after claims of harassment were reported.

--AP Photo/Rick Bowmer