Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has opened an investigation of Governor John Kitzhaber and first lady Cylvia Hayes.
The investigation came to light Monday after the governor sent a letter asking the attorney general to review allegations he has faced since last year.
The governor's letter to Rosenblum said he'd welcome a full review of all questions and allegations against him. The attorney general responsed, ”My office has already opened an investigation into this matter. I appreciate your intent to cooperate fully."
The allegations concern consulting contracts received by Oregon first lady Cylvia Hayes to promote policies favored by Kitzhaber. Critics of the governor say Hayes was essentially selling access to the governor and that Kitzhaber was intentionally looking the other way.
Separately, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission is also looking into the situation. That panel can only levy civil penalties.
Copyright 2015 Northwest News Network