Petition Calls for Senate to Refuse to Seat Packwood

An Oregon group seeking the ouster of Sen. Bob Packwood (R-Ore.) on grounds of improper sexual conduct asked senators on Tuesday to refuse to seat their colleague when Congress convenes Jan. 5.

The group, Oregonians for Ethical Representation, mailed a petition to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee claiming that Packwood won election to a fifth term last month by “fraud on the voters” in denying charges that he made unwelcome sexual overtures to female aides and lobbyists. As a result, it says he should be barred from taking his seat.

The group is an umbrella organization of women’s and other organizations that have tried to persuade Packwood to resign.

Committee Chairman Wendell H. Ford (D-Ky.) issued a statement saying the request would have to be considered by the full Senate after it reconvenes next month.