Packwood Reportedly Tried to Gather Information on Accuser

A former campaign volunteer said Friday that Sen. Bob Packwood (R-Ore.) called her last month trying to gather potentially damaging information about a woman who is accusing him of sexual harassment.

Mabsie Walters, a former president of the Oregon chapter of the National Abortion Rights Action League, said that Packwood called her on Nov. 9 to ask questions about Mary Heffernan, who founded the chapter.

Heffernan is among five women who have publicly said they were targets of unwelcome sexual advances from Packwood during his 24-year Senate career. Heffernan said that during a visit to his office in the early 1980s, Packwood grabbed her arms and kissed her.

Packwood checked into an alcohol treatment facility this week, and without admitting improper behavior has apologized for any embarrassment he caused.

Walters, who has known Packwood since she was a volunteer in his 1980 campaign, said Friday that her conversation with the senator lasted about 10 minutes.