Oregon has a new governor

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Kate Brown was sworn in today as Oregon's governor after an influence-peddling scandal that prompted the resignation of fellow Democrat John Kitzhaber, who had been the state's longest-serving chief executive before his swift fall from grace.

Brown assumed Oregon's highest office during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Brown, formerly the secretary of state, becomes the first openly bisexual governor in the nation.

Unlike most states, Oregon has no lieutenant governor. Under the state constitution, the secretary of state takes over if a governor steps down or dies.

Kitzhaber, elected to an unprecedented fourth term last year, announced last week that he would step down amid allegations his fiancee used her relationship with him to enrich herself.

Kitzhaber has denied wrongdoing and has consistently maintained that he and Cylvia Hayes worked hard to avoid conflicts between her public and private roles.

In a speech to the Legislature after her swearing-in, Brown praised Kitzhaber for his contributions to Oregon but also said "we must restore the public's trust."