Oregon Governor Kitzhaber Resigns Over Influence Peddling Accusations

Faced with mounting pressure and criticism over a variety of allegations of influence peddling, Oregon's embattled Governor John Kitzhaber resigned Friday afternoon.

Kitzhaber's political status, which was once considered strong, began to crumble and erode after the total and complete failure of the Oregon Healthcare Exchange, which never launched last November. Despite spending millions, and getting money from the federal government, the healthcare exchange was so fraught with issues and even corruption that a criminal investigation has been launched by federal officials over the botched rollout.

The site never became operational, and upon examination, wasn't finished enough to even generate any business.

Despite this complete embarrassment, Kitzhaber was able to win re-election despite a  tough campaign with GOP opponent Dennis Richardson, who is an Oregon House Representative.

But the pieces continued to fall as Kitzhaber's fiance, Cylvia Hayes, was accused of using his influence and relationship to win contracts for her green energy consulting business. The controversy over Hayes has been around for months, and several Oregon newspapers reported her work for organizations that had interests in the state's public policy, or laws and procedures. While doing that, she played a very active role in Kitzhaber's administration despite being paid by environmental advocacy groups - which the papers called a conflict of interest.

It didn't help when she was forced to admit she was paid $5,000 to illegally marry a man who was seeking immigration benefits over 20 years ago, and she also admitted she had purchased a remote property with the intent to grow marijuana.

Oregon State Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has also opened a criminal investigation into allegations Hayes didnt' disclose all her income on her tax returns.

Washington state governor Jay Inslee released the following statement over the resignation:

“Governor Kitzhaber had an incredible career of public service in Oregon. His work in particular on healthcare helped lead the transformation of our nation’s healthcare system. This is a sad end to Governor Kitzhaber’s tenure, but his strong record of leadership and vision is worthy of respect.”