A Republican state representative who reported she was sexually harassed by a male Democratic colleague via text message in April “was not unreasonable” in
Breese-Iverson did not address the beer comment, but continued to advocate for her bill.
Witt responded: “I’m not wedded to beer by any means. Could be dinner or ….?”
“Or what?” Breese-Iverson texted back.
“I’ve made two offerings,” Witt responded. “If you wanna meet, find something better than dinner or beer.”
“Trying to get a vote count,” Breese-Iverson texted in the final message included in the report.
Breese-Iverson that week filed a formal complaint with the Legislature, alleging that Witt’s texts constituted a “quid pro quo,” in which he was seeking sexual favors in exchange for his support of the bill.
May 19 2021
The Clatskanie Democrat was accused of harassment by a fellow state representative, Vikki Breese Iverson.
A Republican state representative who reported she was sexually harassed by a male Democratic colleague via text message in April was not unreasonable in coming to that conclusion and was shaken by the exchange, according to an independent investigator who looked into the matter. But state Rep. Brad Witt, the alleged aggressor, was equally credible when he explained he had no intention of trying to initiate a quid-pro-quo. Respondent did not intend to offer his vote on Complainant s bill, in exchange for a date or sexual favors, or to comment on sexual matters, the investigation concluded.
(Update: Breese-Iverson issues critical statement on investigator s findings)
SALEM, Ore. (AP) An investigator hired by the Oregon Legislature has concluded that Democrat Rep. Brad Witt, of Clatskanie, did not intend to tell a colleague, Republican Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson of Prineville, that he would vote for her bill in exchange for sexual favors.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports, however, the investigator did find that Breese-Iverson “was not unreasonable” to interpret Witt’s text message as sexual harassment.
According to screenshots of messages, the exchange happened after Breese-Iverson asked Witt to back her bill easing red tape for reservoir owners in her district.
Rep. Brad Witt did not intend to trade his vote for sexual favors but female lawmaker ‘not unreasonable’ to perceive he did, investigator concludes
Updated May 19, 2021;
Posted May 19, 2021
Representative Brad Witt (Democrat - District 31) in the House chamber as members of the Oregon House of Representatives were sworn in for the 81st Legislative Assembly at the Oregon State Capitol on Mon., Jan 11, 2021.The Oregonian
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A long-time state lawmaker, Democrat Rep. Brad Witt, of Clatskanie, did not intend to tell a colleague that he’d vote for her bill in exchange for sexual favors, an investigator hired by the Oregon Legislature has concluded.