Bob Packwood — the longtime Oregon senator whose profession got here crashing down amid an enormous sexual misconduct scandal — died Saturday in hospice care at 93.
The previous Republican lawmaker spent greater than 25 years within the U.S. Senate after first successful election in 1968. He grew to become one among Oregon’s most influential politicians, constructing a status as a reasonable Republican who typically broke along with his celebration on points like abortion rights and environmental coverage.
However his legacy was in the end overshadowed by scandal.
In 1992, a number of ladies got here ahead accusing Packwood of sexual harassment and undesirable advances courting again years. The allegations sparked a prolonged Senate Ethics Committee investigation that expanded to incorporate claims he had altered diary entries sought by investigators.
Because the stress mounted, the committee unanimously really useful Packwood’s expulsion in 1995 — a uncommon and dramatic transfer that might have made him one of many few senators ever kicked out of the chamber.
Quite than face the vote, Packwood resigned from workplace that September, bringing an abrupt finish to a political profession that had as soon as appeared destined for a spot in Oregon historical past books.
Following his resignation, Packwood largely stayed out of the general public highlight, often resurfacing to touch upon politics however by no means returning to elected workplace.
A reason behind loss of life was not instantly disclosed. Packwood was 93.
RIP
