How Much Longer, Sen. Packwood? : Stung anew in sexual harassment probe, he should do the nation a favor and quit now

Wednesday’s unanimous vote by the Senate Ethics Committee lends new gravity to allegations of impropriety that have hung over Sen. Bob Packwood for two years. The Oregon Republican should now rethink his course, and how he can best serve the people of Oregon and the nation.

The ethics panel said it found “substantial credible evidence” of a pattern of sexual misconduct by Packwood over 21 years. The charges against the Senate Finance Committee chairman grow out of 18 incidents of alleged sexual harassment involving 17 women. The committee also found substantial evidence that Packwood had violated federal law by altering personal diaries that he knew or should have known the panel would seek in its investigation.

The charges against the five-term senator came to light shortly after his 1992 reelection. Packwood has admitted he made sexual advances to a number of his accusers but has downplayed the seriousness of his actions. This week’s disclosures by the committee present a darker picture. Among the accusations: fondling a campaign worker, grabbing and kissing a staff member, forcing his tongue into the mouth of a former staff assistant after leading her into a room in the Capitol basement and running his hand up the leg of a restaurant hostess and touching her crotch.

The committee also said Packwood had five contacts with businessmen and lobbyists with interests before the Finance Committee and from whom he might have solicited or encouraged gifts for himself.

The ethics probe now enters a second stage, which could include public hearings that would give Packwood the chance to testify. The senator says he is eager for that. Indeed, he has been convicted of nothing and should have an opportunity to clear his reputation.

If the panel concludes Packwood did violate ethics rules, punishment could range from reprimand to expulsion. Packwood should save the Senate the trouble. We called on him before to resign; that remains the most honorable option.