[Portland, OR] Yesterday, at least two news reports detailed how former State Senator Betsy Johnson tried to “shirk responsibility” after she rear-ended another driver in 2013, and then tried to “pass the costs of the crash on to taxpayers.” Today, Tina Kotek issued the following statement:
“I am utterly appalled by so many parts of this story. First, Senator Johnson certainly suffered a serious injury, but her callous indifference to Ms. Gallentine’s injuries and her weaponizing of legislative immunity to bully an Oregonian is truly shocking. Then, attempting to pass off the costs of her mistake to Oregon taxpayers – that’s atrocious. Finally, characterizing legitimate public scrutiny of her gubernatorial campaign as ‘ambulance chasing’ is insulting. She owes Ms. Gallentine an apology. Oregonians deserve elected officials who take accountability for their actions.”