He Is Very Sorry Now, of Course : Ethics panel needs to conduct a thorough probe of Packwood harassment charges

Sen. Bob Packwood (R-Ore.) confesses that he finally gets it. He finally understands that bosses can’t flirt, joke suggestively, touch or in any other way sexually harass their employees. But his belated apology should not slow the Senate Ethics Committee in its pursuit of truth--and, ultimately, strong consequences.

Before his recent reelection, Packwood was asked by the Washington Post about allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct. The veteran senator initially denied all and assailed his accusers. More than a dozen women would come forward.

After the accusations were published and wouldn’t go away, Packwood--like other politicians who have gotten into trouble--then blamed his problems on booze. Alcoholism is certainly a disease, and the senator has taken steps to deal with it. However, excessive drinking cannot excuse offensive or criminal behavior.

Packwood’s apology last week was an appropriate start, but it is not enough. The Ethics Committee must determine fairly, accurately and quickly what really happened. That is a challenge for a committee that has rarely been known for ferreting out the nasty truth about fellow senators.

The committee’s members must certainly do a better job than their male colleagues on the Judiciary Committee did in the Anita Hill hearings. The congressional mishandling of her serious sexual harassment allegations against now-Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas raised concerns about improper sexual advances in offices on Capitol Hill and elsewhere.

Congress has been slow to recognize and do anything about the problem of sexual harassment. The public, however, has clearly understood the offensiveness of politicians and others who abuse the power they hold over their employees.

As the investigation continues, will Sen. Packwood resign? He must weigh the good he thinks he can do as a legislator against what the coming investigation will reveal.